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!

#PestControlNM

#BugIdentification

#InsectMisconceptions

#WhatsBuggingYouPodcast

#NewMexicoBugs

#BugMovies

#BrownRecluseMyth

#YellowJacketVsWasp

#FleasOrSpringtails

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#PestControlTips

#Entomology

Presented By: Preventative Pest Control

Spring in New Mexico means more than blooming flowers—it means bugs. In this episode of What’s Bugging You?, hosts Chesley Elkins and Brian Victor sit down with entomologist Mike Swanson to answer your biggest pest control questions. From why you legally can’t spray for foraging bees, to identifying pantry beetles and preventing ant infestations, to understanding termite swarms—this episode covers it all. Learn why tented houses like in Breaking Bad are rare in Albuquerque, and get tips to protect your home this season.

#PestControl #SpringBugs #Albuquerque #Termites #Ants #Bees #NewMexico #WhatsBuggingYou #ABQJournal

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!

Presented By: Preventative Pest ControlIn this episode of What's Bugging You, hosts Chesley Elkins and Brian Victor are joined by entomologist Michael Swanson to discuss the hantavirus risks from deer mice, other pest-related diseases, and tips for preventing infestations. They also cover how to identify ants vs. termites, and provide advice on dealing with common pests like bed bugs, fleas, and mosquitoes. Plus, get some expert pest control tips and enjoy a fun Would You Rather to end the show!#Rodents #PestControl #Albuquerque #HomeImprovement #What'sBuggingYouIf 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!

Presented By: Preventative Pest Control

Presented By: Preventative Pest Control

Presented By: Preventative Pest Control

Presented By: Preventative Pest Control