Environmental pollution is not the only problem with pesticides. Pests develop resistance to synthetic pesticides, making it necessary to constantly develop newer and more powerful (hence more costly) pesticides. What's worse, pesticides are more damaging to friendly insects and natural predators of pests; pesticide use strengthens pests. This vicious cycle is called the pesticide treadmill. Integrated pest management (IPM) combines several approaches including pesticides. It strives to prevent or delay resistance.

Non-pesticidal management (NPM)