Why might resistance patterns of mosquitoes change over time?

Resistance patterns of mosquitoes can change over time primarily due to continuous exposure to specific pesticides without implementing strategic changes in pest management practices. When mosquitoes are repeatedly exposed to the same chemical, the individuals that possess even slight genetic variations that confer resistance to that chemical can survive and reproduce. Over time, this selective pressure can lead to an increase in the proportion of resistant individuals within the population.

As more mosquitoes become resistant, the effectiveness of the pesticide diminishes, leading to a higher prevalence of resistant mosquitoes. This situation underscores the importance of using integrated pest management strategies, which involve rotating different classes of insecticides, utilizing non-chemical methods, and enhancing environmental management practices to prevent resistance development.

While other factors such as public interest in pest control, seasonal weather variations, and limitations in the availability of chemicals can play roles in mosquito management and resistance patterns, they do not directly contribute to the evolution of resistance in the way that continuous exposure does.