What is meant by the term "pest resurgence"?

The term "pest resurgence" refers to the phenomenon where pest populations increase or rebound following pesticide treatment. This can occur for several reasons. After the application of a pesticide, some pests may develop resistance to the chemical, allowing them to survive and reproduce despite the treatment. Additionally, the removal of their natural enemies, such as predators and parasites, during the pesticide application can lead to an unchecked population growth of the surviving pests. Consequently, instead of maintaining reduced pest populations, there can be a surge or resurgence, often resulting in pest numbers exceeding those present before treatment.

Understanding this concept is crucial for pest management, as it emphasizes the importance of using integrated pest management strategies that consider the long-term ecological impacts of pesticide use.