Author Archives | Richard Fagerlund
Richard “Bugman” Fagerlund is a Pest Management Consultant who promotes non-toxic methods of controlling pests. He has been in the industry for over 40 years (35 years in NM) and is a registered entomologist with the Entomological Society of America. He has written several books and writes columns for many newspapers. He also publishes a monthly newsletter which is available on his website at www.askthebugman.com. He will help anyone or any business do their own pest control. You can contact him at askthebugman@yahoo.com or at 505-385-2820. You can also follow him at Twitter @askthebugman.
Insect Allies March Forth in Spring
Spring is here and the bugs are out. There are numerous beneficial organisms in every yard and this is the main reason, plus your safety, for not using synthetic pesticides. They can be beneficial in different ways. Some are pollinators and we certainly need them. Others feed on decaying or dead plant or animal matter and they are important as well. The most important for a gardener are the predators who feed on plant pests...
Continue reading...Springtime brings unwanted guests
06. January 2014
Many home owners will soon get unwelcome houseguests. The arrival of spring means insect populations are about to boom in New Mexico Here’s how to reduce the odds that ants, flies and crickets will get into your home—and how to deal with them naturally if they do...
Continue reading...Now’s the time for inspections and pest proofing
30. December 2013
Someone asked me if bugs will be out early because of the mild weather and what they should do about it. As I said in a previous column, you should take time to pest proof your home in the winter before pest activity starts. Inspect your home or business around the outside and seal or screen any openings where bugs as small as ants can enter...
Continue reading...Harmful pesticides not needed around the house
16. December 2013
We are using way too much pesticides in our society, in our homes, in our schools, in public buildings and even in our forests. I have covered the many problems pesticides cause many times in my columns. We have to have a system where we use safe and effective methods for pest control. Some companies do this and I recommend them in some instances. Many companies prefer to spray pesticides because it is easier and you really don't have to know what you are doing. Just spray and pray – spray pesticides and pray you kill something...
Continue reading...Know your roach
09. August 2013
You can help prevent cockroaches from coming into your home by inspecting all incoming food products, all boxes, and any used furniture or appliances for the presence of cockroaches or their egg capsules. Do not store paper bags anywhere in the kitchen. Seal any holes or crevices around plumbing under sinks and behind toilets. Regularly vacuum and clean floors under the kitchen appliances. Keep all of your drains closed at night to prevent them from coming up from the sewer system. Also, get your attic and crawlspace, if you have one, dusted with food-grade diatomaceous earth.
There are a number of good baits available for controlling cockroaches.
Continue reading...Ask The Bugman: Dealing with ants
20. March 2013
Ants are the most common household pests in the country. They create more calls to pest control companies than most other pests combined. For being so noticeable and so persistent in your homes, they are not readily recognized beyond five generic group names: sugar ants, grease ants, piss ants, red ants and black ants. One supervisior with a very large pest control company narrowed it down to two groups; inside ants and outside ants. This is a little bit simplistic.
Continue reading...
25. March 2014
0 Comment