persistent
(biodegradable).
Reduce labor costs. Inefficiency—only 5% of pesticides reach a pest.Agriculture is more
profitable.Threaten endangered species and pollinators;
also affect human health (e.g., birth defects,
cancer, and lower sperm count).Regulations (e.g.,
FIFRA) provide
mandatory
guidelines for use
and testing.External costs of pesticide use may be high (e.g.,
health care [birth defects, cancer, and lower
sperm count]).The Pesticide Treadmill
Pesticide resistance describes the decreased susceptibility of a pest population to
a pesticide that was previously effective at controlling the pest. Pest species
evolve pesticide resistance via natural selection (i.e., the most resistant
individuals survive and pass on their genetic traits to their offspring). In response
to resistance, farmers may increase pesticide quantities and/or the frequency of
pesticide applications, which exacerbates the problem. In addition, some
pesticides are toxic toward species that feed on or compete with pests, which can
allow the pest population to expand, requiring more pesticides (“pesticide
treadmill”). As a result, farmers progressively pay more for less and less benefit.
Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecological pest control strategy that
uses a combination of biological, chemical, and physical methods together or in
succession and requires an understanding of the ecology and life cycle of pests.
When used in combination, these methods working together can reduce or
eliminate the use of traditional pesticides. The aim of IPM is not to eradicate
pests but to control their numbers to acceptable levels. With IPM, chemical
pesticides are the last resort.
When used effectively, IPM can reduce:
■ Bioaccumulation and biomagnification of pesticides
■ The destruction of beneficial and nontargeted organisms (e.g., ladybugs,
bees, and birds)