What is likely to happen if pesticides are applied recklessly?

When pesticides are applied recklessly, one of the significant risks is higher exposure to drift. Drift occurs when pesticides are carried away from the target area by air currents during or after application, which can lead to unintended consequences such as contaminating non-target organisms, plants, and nearby water sources.

The reckless application may involve improper timing, incorrect formulation rates, or use in unsuitable weather conditions, such as windy days. This mismanagement can result in pesticides being aerosolized and transported beyond the intended application site, affecting surrounding environments and communities, thus posing serious health and environmental risks.

In terms of the other options, increased biodegradability would imply that substances break down more quickly in the environment, which is not necessarily a consequence of careless application. More efficient pest control suggests that the method of application would lead to effective results, which is contrary to what happens when pesticides are misapplied. Finally, reduced environmental impact would normally be a goal of responsible pesticide use, but reckless application is likely to exacerbate negative environmental effects instead.