What happens to resistant pests?

• A. They die after treatment
• B. They migrate to new areas
• C. They survive treatment
• D. They become more susceptible

Answer: (C)

Pests with resistance survive treatment because they carry traits that let them withstand the control method. When a pesticide or other treatment is applied, susceptible pests die, while resistant ones live on. Those survivors reproduce, passing the resistance on to their offspring, so the population gradually shifts toward resistance and the same treatment becomes less effective over time. That’s why rotating products with different modes of action and using integrated pest management helps slow resistance. The outcome described by surviving after treatment is the key idea, not everyone dying, pests moving elsewhere, or them becoming more susceptible.