What is a downside of relying solely on chemical pest control?

Relying solely on chemical pest control can lead to the development of pesticide resistance among pest populations. Over time, pests may adapt to the chemicals used against them, making those pesticides less effective. This resistance occurs because the pests that survive chemical applications often pass their resistant traits on to the next generation, resulting in a population that is increasingly difficult to control.

As a consequence, pest managers face an ongoing cycle of needing to use stronger or more toxic chemicals to achieve the same level of control, which can lead to heightened environmental concerns and increased costs for pest management. Additionally, this reliance can undermine integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, which advocate for a more holistic approach to pest control that incorporates various methods, including biological, cultural, and mechanical practices.

The other options suggest outcomes that are either beneficial or regulatory issues not directly related to the core problem of reliance on chemicals for pest control. Increased biodiversity is a desirable goal and typically a benefit of using a variety of pest management strategies. Reduction in pest populations is typically seen as a positive outcome of pest control, and decreased regulatory compliance would suggest a lack of adherence to standards, which isn't an inherent downside of relying on pesticides alone but rather a potential consequence of poor practice.