What practice helps to reduce pesticide resistance?

Using pesticides only when needed is a crucial practice in helping to reduce pesticide resistance. This approach, often referred to as "integrated pest management" (IPM), emphasizes the importance of monitoring pest populations and applying pesticides judiciously rather than as a routine or scheduled practice. By applying pesticides selectively and only when pest levels exceed economic thresholds, you minimize the number of applications and the overall exposure of pests to the active ingredients. This reduced exposure helps mitigate the development of resistance, as pests that survive one application may be less likely to reproduce and spread resistance traits if the use of pesticides is limited.

In contrast, using the same pesticide repeatedly can lead to a higher chance of resistance, as pests are continually exposed to the same chemical, allowing the few individuals with resistance traits to survive and thrive. Applying pesticides at the highest rate does not necessarily prevent resistance; it can even contribute to resistance if pests are consistently exposed to high concentrations. Lastly, while promoting pesticides via social media can increase awareness and usage, it doesn't address the underlying strategies necessary to combat resistance in pest populations.