Bugged Out: The XTERMIGATOR Report

Welcome to Bugged Out: The XTERMIGATOR Report—the fast, field-tested podcast from ABCO XTERMIGATORS, a fifth-generation, family-owned pest control company. Each episode brings you real stories from the field, practical prevention strategies, and clear, no-panic education on the pests that show up in homes, businesses, and shared community spaces.We break down what’s actually happening when you see activity—whether it’s ants in the kitchen, a mystery “buzz” in the wall, roaches that won’t quit, mice in the drop ceiling, or seasonal surprises you didn’t know were predictable. You’ll learn how pests behave, what attracts them, and what Integrated Pest Management (IPM) looks like in the real world: inspection, identification, exclusion, sanitation, habitat reduction, and targeted solutions—done responsibly.You’ll also get the XTERMIGATOR DIY Report—simple, step-by-step actions you can take right away—plus myth-busting, safety-minded guidance, and quick “what to do next” checklists. Hoste

Bugged Out: The XTERMIGATOR Report is a education podcast hosted by Dr Eric Fishon, with 139 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Dr Eric Fishon hosts Bugged Out: The XTERMIGATOR Report, a education show with 139 episodes published.

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  Episode #148

  The Wall Void Colony: When Ants Move In and Drywall Becomes a Highway

  Oct 1, 20269 min

  In this episode, we open the case file on a home where ants were showing up in three different rooms, but only around the windows. The homeowner had tried over-the-counter sprays and bait traps, yet the ants kept coming. Our field team discovered the real story: a satellite colony had taken up residence inside the wall void, using the space between studs as a superhighway to reach moisture and food sources. We break down the exact clues that pointed to a wall void infestation, including the telltale 'frass' piles and the timing of ant activity. You'll learn why indoor ants are rarely just a cleanliness issue, and how moisture, gaps around pipes, and even nearby landscaping can create the perfect conditions. The IPM playbook covers inspection, exclusion, and habitat reduction, with a special focus on why sealing entry points and fixing moisture issues matters more than any spray. The XTERMIGATOR DIY Report gives you three immediate steps: locate and seal gaps around utility lines, reduce moisture with dehumidifiers, and wipe down trails with soapy water. We also debunk the myth that cinnamon or coffee grounds are effective repellents. Tune in to understand how professionals think, and why the real solution often starts with what you can't see.

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  Episode #147

  The Phantom Allergen: Dust Mites in the Bedroom You Never See

  Sep 30, 20267 min

  This episode dives into a common but often overlooked household pest: dust mites. While most people picture ants or roaches, the real allergy culprit is microscopic and lives where you sleep. We open with a field story from a client whose 'mystery allergies' led us to a heavily used guest bedroom with old pillows and rarely washed bedding. We explain what dust mites are, why they thrive in beds, upholstery, and high-humidity rooms, and how they differ from other common indoor pests. Then we deliver a practical IPM playbook focused on humidity control, mattress encasements, washing routines, and reducing clutter. The XTERMIGATOR DIY Report gives 4 non-chemical steps listeners can take today. We also bust the myth that 'dust mites bite' — they don't — and clarify that their waste particles are the real trigger. The episode ends with a clear 'when to call a pro' segment, focusing on allergy testing and HVAC inspections. This is a no-panic, allergy-friendly, prevention-first guide for anyone dealing with unexplained indoor allergies.

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  Episode #146

  The Baseboard Ballet: Following the Scratch That Won't Quit

  Sep 29, 202612 min

  In this episode, we open a real case file from a home where a persistent scratching sound behind the living room baseboard had the family guessing between rodents, wiring, and something supernatural. We walk through the field investigation step by step—how we identified the sound, what signs pointed to a mouse (hint: think droppings near the outlet box and a greasy rub mark along the baseboard), and why the real issue wasn't the mouse itself but the tiny gap under the exterior door. Dana breaks down the behavior: mice are exploratory, nocturnal, and always following heat and food sources. We then pivot to the IPM playbook—inspection, exclusion, sanitation, and monitoring—and give listeners a simple DIY checklist they can use today: check for gaps, seal with steel wool and caulk, remove clutter, store food in hard containers, and set up snap traps in protected stations. We also debunk the myth that peppermint oil is a reliable repellent, and we end with clear red flags that mean it's time to call a pro. No panic, just practical prevention.

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  Episode #145

  The Phantom Flush: Mystery Drain Flies in a Neglected Guest Bathroom

  Sep 28, 20267 min

  In this episode of Bugged Out, Mikey and Dana tackle a classic head-scratcher: a homeowner notices tiny, fuzzy flies hovering near the bathroom sink every evening, despite keeping the room spotless. They discover the source isn't the visible drain—it's a seldom-used guest bathroom pipe lined with organic gunk, a perfect breeding ground for drain flies. This episode breaks down the difference between drain flies, fruit flies, and fungus gnats, explains why drain flies are a sanitation indicator, not a cleanliness failure, and walks through a practical IPM approach: inspect, identify, remove the organic film, and prevent future buildup. Mikey shares a memorable field story about a mysterious 'phantom flush' that led to this exact discovery, while Dana provides a step-by-step DIY report focused on non-chemical maintenance, including pipe brushes, boiling water, and regular flushing routines. Listeners will leave with a clear, no-panic action plan to reclaim their drains and prevent future flying pest surprises.

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  Episode #144

  The Grout Gap: How Tiny Tile Lines Become a Cockroach Highway

  Sep 27, 202613 min

  In this episode, we open a case file from a routine kitchen inspection where a hairline gap in the grout between countertop tiles became the gateway for a persistent German cockroach infestation. The homeowner had tried everything—sprays, traps, even deep cleaning—but the roaches kept coming back. The real culprit wasn't a mess; it was a structural oversight. We break down how cockroaches exploit micro-cracks, why they thrive in warm, humid kitchens, and how a simple tube of silicone sealant can outsmart an entire colony. With Dana's expert IPM breakdown and Mikey's field-tested storytelling, you'll learn the exact clues to look for, the non-chemical steps to seal and sanitize, and when it's time to call in a pro. This episode is your practical, no-panic guide to turning a tiny gap into a fortress—one bead of caulk at a time.

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