What does persistence or residual pesticide refer to?

Persistence or residual pesticide refers specifically to the duration a pesticide remains effective in controlling pests after it has been applied. This characteristic is crucial for pest management as it helps determine how often and how much pesticide needs to be reapplied to maintain effective control over pest populations. Pesticides with high persistence remain in the environment and continue to exert their effects over an extended period, which can be beneficial for long-term pest management strategies.

Understanding persistence can also inform users about potential environmental impacts, though that is not the primary focus of the term. It allows for strategic planning in pest control programs, ensuring that treatments are applied at intervals that effectively manage pest populations while minimizing unnecessary applications. The consideration of persistence directly informs effective pest control practices and helps achieve both efficacy and efficiency in pest management.