What is an immediate consequence of using the same pesticide over extended periods?

Using the same pesticide over extended periods can lead to increased resistance among pest populations. When pests are consistently exposed to the same active ingredients, they may develop survival strategies that diminish the effectiveness of that pesticide. This phenomenon is known as pesticide resistance, where the targeted pests adapt to the chemical, rendering it less effective or completely ineffective over time.

This situation poses a significant challenge for pest management, as it can lead to the necessity of using more potent chemicals or resorting to alternative control measures that may be less desirable for environmental and economic reasons. It highlights the importance of integrated pest management (IPM) practices, which advocate for rotating different classes of pesticides and combining various control strategies to minimize resistance development and maintain effective pest control.