What is one of the risks involved with using pesticides incorrectly?

Using pesticides incorrectly can lead to increased pest resistance, which is a significant concern in pest management. When pesticides are applied improperly—such as insufficiently, too frequently, or not according to label instructions—pests may not be eliminated entirely. This partial exposure allows the surviving individuals that possess some level of resistance to develop and reproduce, leading to a population of pests that are harder to control over time.

Increased resistance not only affects the current pesticide's effectiveness but can also have long-term implications, requiring the use of stronger, potentially more harmful chemicals in the future, thus complicating pest management efforts. This resistance cycle can make the control of pests increasingly challenging and less sustainable, impacting both agricultural practices and non-agricultural environments.