What's Bugging You?

Presented By: Preventive Pest Control

Is your lawn turning brown? Are bugs damaging your trees, or are skunks tearing up your yard?

In this episode of What's Bugging You, hosts Chesley Elkins and Brian Victor are joined by pest experts Mike Swanson and Quality Assurance Manager Coy Sanchez from Preventive Pest Control to discuss the most common lawn and tree pests affecting New Mexico homeowners.

Learn how grubs damage grass roots, why skunks dig up your lawn, what causes sticky residue to fall from trees, and how pests like bagworms, aphids, scale insects, elm seed bugs, and boxelder bugs can impact your landscape. The experts also explain when preventative treatments make sense and how healthy trees can better withstand pest pressure.

Whether you're dealing with brown patches in your lawn, insects around your home, or want to protect your landscape before problems begin, this episode offers practical advice from experienced professionals.

If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription.

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#WhatsBuggingYou #PestControl #LawnCare #TreeCare #Grubs #Bagworms #JuneBugs #Skunks #TreePests #Homeowners #Gardening #Landscaping #NewMexico #Albuquerque #PreventivePestControl #YardCare #PestManagement #OutdoorLiving #DIYLawnCare #ABQJournal

Presented By: Preventive Pest Control

Summer is peak pest season, and knowing what to expect can help protect your home and family. In this episode of What's Bugging You?, hosts Chesley Elkins and Brian Victor are joined by pest experts Mike Swanson and Coy Sanchez to answer real questions from homeowners.

Learn what pests become active during monsoon season, the best ways to reduce mosquitoes, whether bed bugs can survive in your car, what causes fungus gnats in houseplants, how to handle stinging insects around your home, practical pigeon prevention tips, and the latest discussion surrounding the New World screwworm.

Whether you're dealing with ants, mosquitoes, wasps, bed bugs or other seasonal pests, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you enjoy a pest-free summer.

If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription.

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To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9.

Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source!

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Presented By: Preventive Pest Control

Do kingsnakes really eat rattlesnakes? Are all snakes in New Mexico dangerous? And what’s the difference between venomous and poisonous?

On this episode of the What's Bugging You?, hosts Chesley Elkins and Brian Victor sit down with reptile enthusiast and Preventive Pest Control technician Josh Emms alongside Mike Swanson for a deep dive into the reptiles of New Mexico.

From rattlesnakes and kingsnakes to whiptail lizards and horned lizards, the conversation explores common myths, snake safety, reptile behavior, and why many of these animals are actually beneficial to the desert ecosystem.

Watch now for a fascinating look at the reptiles and wildlife living across the Southwest.

Subscribe for more expert pest education and local insight from What’s Bugging You?

If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription.

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To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9.

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#Albuquerque #NewMexico #PestControl #Ants #Roaches #Spiders #Bees #SpringPests #HomeTips #WhatsBuggingYou #ABQ #HomeMaintenance #BugSeason #AlbuquerqueJournal #DIYHome

Presented By: Preventive Pest Control

Spring pest season is underway in Albuquerque, and warmer weather is bringing ants, roaches, spiders and bee swarms back into neighborhoods across the metro. On this episode of What's Bugging You?, hosts Chesley and Brian are joined by pest experts Mike and Josh to break down what homeowners should expect this season.

They discuss why odorous house ants are especially tough to control, how outdoor roaches begin appearing in spring, what to know about spider activity, and why many bee swarms are temporary and often better relocated than exterminated. The episode also includes practical prevention tips for Albuquerque homeowners looking to reduce pest issues around the home and yard.

If you live in Albuquerque or anywhere in New Mexico, this is a timely guide to what’s bugging your home this spring.

Subscribe for more expert pest education and local insight from What’s Bugging You?

If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription.

http://www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/

To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9.

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#Albuquerque #NewMexico #PestControl #Ants #Roaches #Spiders #Bees #SpringPests #HomeTips #WhatsBuggingYou #ABQ #HomeMaintenance #BugSeason #AlbuquerqueJournal #DIYHome

In this episode of What’s Bugging You?, hosts Chesley Elkins and Brian Victor sit down with Mike Swanson and Dominic White of Preventive Pest Control to explore how changing weather patterns may be influencing mosquito activity, invasive species movement and seasonal pest pressure across the Southwest.The discussion covers Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, concerns about diseases such as Zika and dengue, the New World screwworm, kissing bugs and the impact of warmer winters on ants, roaches and forest insects. The team also explains how even small temperature changes can affect breeding cycles and what homeowners can do to reduce moisture, protect their homes and support beneficial pollinators.If you live in Albuquerque or anywhere in New Mexico, this episode offers practical insight into what may be shifting in your own backyard — and how to stay ahead of it.Subscribe for more expert pest education and local insight from What’s Bugging You?If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. http://www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9.Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source!#WhatsBuggingYou#NewMexico#Albuquerque#PestControl#ClimateChange#Mosquitoes#AedesAegypti#KissingBug#ChagasDisease#NewWorldScrewworm#DesertLiving#HomeMaintenance#Pollinators#SouthwestLiving

In this episode of What’s Bugging You?, host Chesley Elkins and co-host Brian Victor sit down with pest-control expert Mike Swanson to answer listener questions about common pest issues in New Mexico.The discussion covers scorpions and centipedes, why exterior prevention matters, and how professional micro-encapsulated treatments differ from store-bought products. Mike also explains termite inspections, why termite work requires specialized licensing, and when homeowners should avoid DIY solutions.Additional topics include ant infestations, the importance of treating the colony, and bed bugs, including how they spread, why general pest services don’t stop them, and how modern biological treatments are improving control. The episode also touches on wildlife concerns like raccoons, bats, and snakes, focusing on habitat reduction and realistic prevention strategies.If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. http://www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9.Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source!#ABQRodents #MousePrevention #PackratProblems #AlbuquerquePestControl #DeerMouse #HouseMouse #FallPestSeason #WhatsBuggingYouPodcast #AlbuquerqueJournal

Host Chesley Elkins and co-host Brian Victor sit down with pest-control expert Mike Swanson for a deep dive into rodent behavior as the weather cools in Albuquerque. They cover why mouse calls soar this time of year, how to spot and seal the entry points (pet doors, dryer vents, crawl-spaces), and the key differences between the native deer mouse, the introduced house mouse, and packrats. Mike explains when poison is justified (and when it’s not), why glue-boards are discouraged, and how rodents cause costly property damage—beyond just being “gross.” They also tie in the ecological role rodents play here in the desert southwest, and offer practical tips for homeowners to stay ahead of infestations.If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. http://www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9.Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source!#ABQRodents #MousePrevention #PackratProblems #AlbuquerquePestControl #DeerMouse #HouseMouse #FallPestSeason #WhatsBuggingYouPodcast #AlbuquerqueJournal

Presented By: Preventative Pest ControlHost Chesley Elkins and co-host Brian Victor welcome back bug expert Mike Swanson for a lively dive into summer’s creepiest crawlers. From scorpion myths during monsoon season to bizarre insect names like “earwig” and “fire brat,” the trio breaks down fact vs. fiction with humor and insight. Swanson explains the difference between New Mexico’s striped bark scorpion and Arizona’s venomous bark scorpion, why pests sneak into homes, and how to safely manage infestations. The conversation also branches into surprising bug trivia—like roly-polies being crustaceans—and garden threats from hornworms, squash bugs, and even deer. Packed with pest control tips and plenty of laughs, this episode reminds us that most bugs are less dangerous—and more fascinating—than we think.🔗 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes!📰 Support local journalism at abqjournal.com.If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9.Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source!#WhatsBuggingYou #AlbuquerqueJournal #Scorpions #PestControl #NewMexico #BugFacts #HomeTips #GardenPests #MikeSwanson #ChesleyElkins #BrianVictor

Presented By: Preventative Pest ControlIn this episode of What's Bugging You?, hosts Chesley Elkins and Brian Victor welcome back pest control expert Mike Swanson to discuss an important update for New Mexico residents: neighborhood mosquito fogging is finally coming to Albuquerque and Bernalillo County. The trio dives deep into why this step is necessary now, the rise of the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito, and how fogging works to fight West Nile virus.From ultra-low volume misting and larvicide briquettes to sonic larva blasters and even sci-fi ideas like mosquito drones and CRISPR-modified bugs, this episode is both educational and wildly entertaining. Plus, don’t miss the hilarious “Would You Rather” and our “Buzzkill Joke of the Month.”🔗 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes!📰 Support local journalism at abqjournal.com.If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this. Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9.Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source!#MosquitoControl#WhatsBuggingYouPodcast#PestControlTips#AlbuquerqueNews#WestNileVirus#MosquitoFogging#AedesAegypti#NewMexicoPodcast#BugScience#PestControlTechnology#ABQJournal

Presented By: Preventative Pest Control

Welcome to another episode of "What's Bugging You?" — your go-to source for pest facts and insect myth-busting! Hosts Chesley Elkins and Brian Victor welcome back entomologist Mike Swanson for his seventh appearance.

This episode opens with a lighthearted dive into bug-themed movies, from The Fly and Starship Troopers to animated classics. Then, we shift to serious insect misidentifications that cause confusion across New Mexico.

We break down how to tell fleas from harmless springtails, why most so-called brown recluse bites are actually something else, and how to distinguish between yellow jackets and paper wasps. Plus, we shed light on carpet beetles, often mistaken for bed bugs or termite droppings.

Packed with regional insights and science-backed tips, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the bugs in their backyard.

🪲 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more content from the Albuquerque Journal!

If you enjoy our podcasts, please like and subscribe, and consider becoming a digital subscriber to the Albuquerque Journal, to help us continue to bring you more content like this.

Follow the like below for a discount on a digital subscription. www.abqjournal.com/subscribe/abqpods/

To get your digital subscription to the newspaper for $3 per week, normally charged monthly at $12 that’s a savings of $9.

Thank you for Supporting The Albuquerque Journal New Mexico's leading local news source!

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