Indiana Pesticide Applicator Core Practice Exam

Which of the following is a potential consequence of pesticide resistance?

1. Pests become easier to manage

2. Pesticides become ineffective over time

3. Pesticides become safer for the environment

4. Pests will have a shorter life cycle

The correct answer is: Pesticides become ineffective over time

Pesticide resistance refers to the ability of pests to survive despite exposure to chemicals that were previously effective in controlling them. Over time, as certain pests are continually exposed to the same pesticides, they may develop genetic mutations or adaptations that allow them to withstand the effects of those chemicals. This leads to a situation where the pesticides lose their effectiveness, making it increasingly challenging for pest control professionals to manage pest populations. Therefore, the consequence of pesticides becoming ineffective over time is a direct result of this resistance. In contrast, while the other options might seem plausible, they do not accurately reflect the dynamics of pesticide resistance. For example, pests do not become easier to manage; rather, they become more difficult to control. Furthermore, resistance does not intrinsically lead to safer pesticides for the environment, and it does not shorten the pests' life cycle. Understanding how resistance develops and impacts pest management is crucial in developing effective strategies for controlling pest populations.