What is resistance management in vector control and name two strategies to delay resistance development?

• A. Practices to prevent or slow resistance; rotate modes of action and use integrated non-chemical controls or diversify treatment approaches.
• B. Techniques to identify resistant pests after exposure and continue same MOA.
• C. Approaches to maximize pesticide use and reduce costs.
• D. Strategies to increase pesticide resistance by delaying monitoring.

Answer: (A)

Resistance management in vector control is about preventing pests from becoming resistant to the tools we use by reducing the pressure that selects for resistant individuals and by keeping a diverse set of control options available. The core idea is to slow or prevent the evolution of resistance so interventions stay effective longer.

Two practical ways to achieve this are rotating modes of action and diversifying treatment approaches with integrated non-chemical controls. Rotating modes of action means alternating insecticides (or other control products) that affect pests in different ways—different targets in their physiology—so pests aren’t continually exposed to the same mechanism. This makes it harder for resistance to build up to any one tool.

Diversifying treatment approaches involves combining chemical controls with non-chemical methods, such as habitat modification, source reduction, and biological controls, or using multiple control tactics in sequence or together. By reducing reliance on a single method and spreading selection pressure across several strategies, the overall push that drives resistance is diminished.

In short, resistance management is about preventing or slowing resistance, with practical strategies like rotating modes of action and using integrated, diversified approaches to treatment.

The other options describe activities like identifying resistance after exposure, or strategies that would increase use or resistance development, which aren’t about managing resistance.