Oklahoma Service Technician Practice Exam

Which of the following is a challenge of using pesticides for pest control?

1. They are widely available

2. They can lead to pest resistance

3. They are cost-effective

4. They are easy to apply

The correct answer is: They can lead to pest resistance

The statement regarding the challenge of using pesticides for pest control is grounded in the phenomenon of pest resistance. Over time, pests can develop resistance to certain chemicals in pesticides due to their repeated use. This adaptation happens because the pests that survive an initial application are those that have genetic traits allowing them to withstand the effects of the pesticide. As a result, when these resistant individuals reproduce, they pass those traits on to future generations, leading to a population that is increasingly difficult to control with the same chemical. This resistance can reduce the effectiveness of pesticides, leading to a cycle where stronger or multiple chemicals must be used to achieve the same level of pest control, which can lead to higher costs and increased environmental impact. The development of resistance also contributes to pest resurgence, where populations can bounce back stronger than before once the effectiveness of a specific pesticide is diminished. On the other hand, the other choices present characteristics of pesticides that do not reflect challenges. The availability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of application of pesticides are generally seen as advantages in pest management, which do not align with the concept of a challenge.