Grace Valley Pest Control

07/06/2026

I removed a large bald-faced hornet nest and treated the area thoroughly.

Two weeks later, a new structure started forming on a nearby door k**b.

At first glance, it looks like the colony “came back”… but that’s not how bald-faced hornets work.

By July, colonies are already fully established, and workers cannot start a new colony without a queen.

The most likely explanation is that the original queen survived the initial treatment and remaining workers attempted limited rebuilding.

Without a functioning colony structure, brood, and sustained queen activity, these rebuild attempts typically fail quickly.

This is why follow-ups matter after large nest removals!

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Rolling through the streets of Dahlonega celebrating the 4th of July and the freedoms we’re blessed to enjoy.

At Grace Valley Pest Control, we’re proud to be part of this community and grateful for the men and women who fought to keep this the land of the free because of the brave.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy Independence Day! 🎆🦅🇺🇸

05/26/2026

Hidden just under the front deck… and packed with yellow jackets. 🐝

Aerial nests like this can stay unnoticed until the colony gets large and defensive. One vibration from the deck, lawn equipment nearby, or someone walking too close can turn into a bad day fast.

This one was safely removed before anyone got stung.

If you’re seeing increased yellow jacket activity around your home, especially near decks, soffits, shrubs, or play areas, it’s worth having it checked sooner rather than later.

📍Grace Valley Pest Control
Protecting homes with honest service and expert care!

05/20/2026

Larry was more than a client — he was a great neighbor and a great friend. He was the kind of person who always@ had a joke ready, no matter the situation.

One day after a long day of work, I came home to find my mailbox knocked down. I was outside fixing it with my daughter, clearly irritated, when Larry drove up and asked, “What happened?”

I answered, “What does it look like?” and jokingly blamed my daughter, Amelia. She immediately started protesting and explaining how the mailman had actually done it. Larry looked at her and said, “As your lawyer, I advise you to stop talking, Amelia.”

That was Larry. Always quick with a joke, always able to make people laugh.

Here’s to Larry — you will be deeply missed by the many people who knew and loved you.

If you’re able, please consider donating to help support his six-year-old daughter, Alyssa, as she navigates a world without her father. Every donation, share, and prayer means more than words can say.

Alyssa is a smart, loving little girl who recently lost her dad after his courageous battle wi… Mira Knotts needs your support for Support for Alyssa’s Future

05/13/2026

Wasp mimicry is one of nature’s most incredible adaptations.

This Typocerus zebra looks remarkably similar to a yellowjacket at first glance, but it’s actually a completely harmless longhorned beetle. The black-and-yellow coloration is thought to help protect it by convincing predators it might sting.

I got to use this find as a chance to talk with my daughter about mimicry, defensive adaptations, and how insects evolve to survive. One of those small moments that reminds me why I love entomology. 🪲🐝

05/01/2026

1800’s farmhouse. Crawlspace that turned into a textbook case of termite biology.

After a few days of rain, the termite swarmers showed up in full force… and I mean FULL force.

The sound? Like it was literally raining under the house — thousands of wings hitting the v***r barrier at once.

We didn’t treat this one. The construction is too complex and the crawlspace clearance is too tight to properly access all the active areas. Sometimes the right call isn’t spraying—it’s recognizing when a structure needs a different level of solution.

This is exactly what peak swarming activity looks (and sounds) like after rainfall.

If you’re seeing this around your home, it’s not just a few bugs—it’s a sign of a much bigger colony nearby!

04/04/2026

Ever seen THIS before? 👀

An active paper wasp nest… with earwigs hiding inside.

Sounds crazy, but it’s actually a perfect example of how opportunistic pests can be.

Earwigs aren’t teaming up with wasps—they’re taking advantage:
• Sneaking in at night 🌙
• Feeding on scraps and debris
• Using the nest as a protected hiding spot

Even a well-defended paper wasp colony can have weak points.

In pest control, it’s rarely just one issue—it’s an ecosystem.

This week? Termites.
Today? Wasps vs. earwigs.

You never know what you’ll find sometimes!