Bugman

from March Prime Time 2020

Dr. Muraida

Ask The Bugman

Email questions to AskTheBugman.com or call (505)385-2820

Insects will be active soon and so will pesticide applicators. Many companies spray pesticides around homes and businesses in wide areas, sometimes three feet out from the foundation. They claim it kills roaches and other pests, but it will also kill many beneficial insects.

The list of the “good guys” that could be harmed is long, but they include praying mantids that prey on pests such as black widows; ladybugs that are a major predator of aphids and other small pests; ground beetles, soft-winged flower beetles, and rove beetles that prey on pests such as grubs; minute pirate bugs that prey on thrips and other small pests; bigeyed bugs that prey on tarnished plant bugs and chinch bugs; and lacewings, which are predators of aphids, thrips, spider mites, leafhoppers, etc.

Also, more importantly, many insect-eating birds will feed on any insects that may have been exposed to the pesticides. The pesticides may not directly kill the birds, but it will compromise their immune system and even prevent them from reproducing. As you are probably aware, birds are declining at an alarming rate, and pesticides are a contributing factor. In New Mexico, many insect-eating songbirds are protected by law; it is illegal to kill or injure any of them.

While it is legal for pest companies to spray pesticides as described above, it is morally wrong, and there is nothing environmentally beneficial about doing this. Also, many companies unnecessarily spray baseboards in your home or business. When I started in the pest business over 40 years ago, I asked my supervisor why we sprayed baseboards. He said we had to spend more time in a customer’s home so they think they are getting their money’s worth. That was true then and it is true now.

T H E 2 5 T H

Still, some companies do conduct pest control properly. They inspect your home inside and out, and if they find an infestation, they treat that one area only. Do not let a company generically spray, and don’t let them spray pesticides inside. Some companies say they use organic pesticides made from chrysanthemums. Contrary to wide belief, these products are not organic as they also contain inorganic ingredients, some of which are toxic. The pesticide industry isn’t required to tell you what these other ingredients are.

Most people can control pests themselves without using toxic pesticides or spending a lot of money to have someone do it. Termites are an exception, likely requiring you to contact a qualified professional. There are also many companies that take illegal shortcuts when doing termite work, so you can contact me if you have March 2020

termites and I can explain what you need to look for.

I will help anyone who has a pest issue and I have handbooks that tell you how to control pests safely and effectively. My consultations and my handbooks are free, available in PDF format by email. If you want a handbook on earth-friendly pest management, my email address is askthebugman2013@gmail. com. My mission is to help people control pests without exposing anyone or their pets to toxic pesticides and without destroying many birds and other animals and the ecosystem.