What is a likely result of relying solely on chemical pesticides over time?

Relying solely on chemical pesticides over time can lead to pest resistance development, which is a significant issue in pest management. When the same chemical pesticides are used repeatedly against a specific pest population, those pests that survive the applications are often the ones that have developed some level of resistance to the chemical. This resistance can be genetic, where the traits are passed on to subsequent generations, resulting in a population that is increasingly difficult to control with that same pesticide.

As a consequence, pest populations may grow larger and more diverse in their resistance capabilities, making future pesticide applications less effective. This can create a vicious cycle, where stronger or more toxic chemicals may need to be introduced to manage resistant pest populations, potentially leading to adverse environmental effects and health concerns.

In contrast, approaches that integrate chemical treatments with other pest management strategies tend to be more sustainable and effective in managing pest populations long term, reducing the likelihood of resistance development.