What's Bugging You?

Albuquerque Journal
  • 5.0 (2)
  • NATURE

Welcome to “What’s Bugging You,” the ultimate podcast for tackling all things pests! Join your knowledgeable hosts, Chesley Elkins and Brian Victor, as they delve into the world of pest control, offering expert advice and practical solutions for dealing with unwelcome critters in and around your home. From ants and mosquitoes to spiders and cockroaches, no pest is too pesky for this dynamic duo. Each episode features insightful discussions with seasoned professionals, who share their extensive experience, and tips for managing household pests.

  1. MAR 2

    How Climate Change Is Shaping Pest Season

    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

    28 min

  2. JAN 12

    Desert Pests, Bed Bugs & Wildlife Control

    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

    28 min

  3. 11/03/2025

    Mice, Myths & Mayhem: Surviving The Fall Rodent Rush

    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

    27 min

  4. 09/07/2025

    Ep. 12 What’s Bugging You? Scorpions, Strange Bug Names, and Garden Pests

    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

    19 min

  5. 07/28/2025

    Ep. 11 What’s Bugging You? Fighting the Bite: Mosquito Control

    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

    21 min

  6. 06/23/2025

    Ep: 10 Who’s Really Bugging You? Creepy Crawly Copycats

    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 #AlbuquerqueJournal #PestControlTips #Entomology

    26 min

  7. 05/05/2025

    Ep. 9 - Spring Pest Season: Question’s From Our Viewers

    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!

    22 min

  8. 04/03/2025

    Ep. 8 - Bugging Out: Pest Risks & Threats

    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!

    26 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to “What’s Bugging You,” the ultimate podcast for tackling all things pests! Join your knowledgeable hosts, Chesley Elkins and Brian Victor, as they delve into the world of pest control, offering expert advice and practical solutions for dealing with unwelcome critters in and around your home. From ants and mosquitoes to spiders and cockroaches, no pest is too pesky for this dynamic duo. Each episode features insightful discussions with seasoned professionals, who share their extensive experience, and tips for managing household pests.

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