What does "chemical resistance" in pest management mean?

Chemical resistance in pest management refers to the ability of pests to survive exposure to pesticides that were previously effective in controlling them. This phenomenon occurs when pests undergo genetic changes that allow them to withstand the effects of these chemicals. As a result, the same pesticide may become less effective or entirely ineffective against these resistant pests.

This process is often driven by the selective pressure exerted by the repeated use of the same pesticide, leading to a situation where only the resistant individuals survive and reproduce, gradually increasing the proportion of resistant pests in the population. Understanding this concept is crucial for developing effective pest management strategies, as it highlights the importance of rotating different classes of pesticides and integrating other control methods to manage resistance and maintain the effectiveness of pest control measures.