What term describes a pest like aphids that may become problematic after the application of insecticides?

The term that describes pests like aphids, which can become problematic following the application of insecticides, is "Secondary Pest." This concept refers to pests that are not the primary target of treatment but can emerge or increase in prevalence due to the reduction of their natural predators or competition as a result of insecticide use.

When insecticides are applied, they can effectively eliminate primary pests, but this can inadvertently create an environment where secondary pests thrive. In the case of aphids, their populations can explode when the numbers of their natural enemies, which may have been susceptible to the same insecticide, are reduced. This phenomenon highlights the necessity of integrated pest management strategies that consider the ecological balance and focus on preventing the resurgence of secondary pests while managing primary targets.

The other terms, such as Selective Pest, Primary Pest, and Target Pest, do not accurately capture this specific situation. Selective pests are not a widely recognized category in this context, while primary pests are those originally targeted for control. Target pests typically refer to the specific pests intended for management during a pesticide application. Understanding the dynamics of secondary pests can inform better pest management practices.