Pest Control Technician Practice Exam 2025 - Free Pest Control Practice Questions and Study Guide

Pests develop resistance to pesticides through a process known as natural selection, which occurs over multiple generations. When pesticides are applied, they create a selective pressure on the pest population. The individuals that happen to possess genetic variations or mutations that confer some level of resistance to the pesticide are more likely to survive and reproduce. Over time, these resistant individuals make up a larger portion of the population, while the susceptible ones are reduced due to the effects of the pesticide. This adaptation process can lead to a significant increase in the proportion of pests that are resistant to the pesticide, ultimately rendering it less effective or ineffective.

This process distinguishes itself from other factors like random mutations that may happen within a single generation or short exposure to chemicals, which do not contribute significantly to the overall development of resistance. Moreover, consuming more food than usual does not play a role in resistance but rather pertains to the pests' feeding habits and ecological needs. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for pest control technicians, as it emphasizes the importance of using integrated pest management strategies to prevent or mitigate resistance development.