Fire Ants: They Bite Back!

Carpenter Bee Season is On the Way 

While the weather is starting to cool down a bit, we're still dealing with some regular pests. How can you tell the difference between a wasp and hornet and what should you know about them? Seeing a wasp or hornet can be scary, especially because of how aggressive they can be. Here’s some big differences between the two: Something you may not know is that hornets are a type of wasp, but not all wasps are hornets. Wasp is used as a general term for certain types of stinging insects. The name hornet refers to 22 species of wasps which all look very similar to yellowjackets (a type of wasp). Certain species of wasps and hornets are known as “eusocial” wasps which means that they live in groups and work together to construct their nests, raise offspring and protect their queen. Hornets can be larger than wasps and carry a large amount of venom. Unlike hornets, there are tens of thousands of species of wasps and their size and behavioral patterns vary. Hornets and wasps can sting repeatedly, but a hornet's sting is known to be more painful. In order to avoid a sting when outdoors try to keep an eye out for these pets. If you notice them coming back and forth from a particular plant or spot, it is likely there is a nest nearby. These insects are protective of their nests so give them space and they are unlikely to cause an issue. The biggest difference between a hornets nest and a wasp nest is the size and structure. While both insects create a paper nest, a hornets nest is shaped like a teardrop and can be as big as the size of a basketball. A wasp's nest, on the other hand, is usually a spherical shape and can grow to be the size of a football or larger if left alone. There are many people that are allergic to wasp stings so it’s very important to pay attention to your surroundings and hire a pest control professional if you’re worried about your or your loved ones safety. The best way to prevent a wasp sting aside from treating the problem is to keep any outside food covered, particularly sugary drinks because wasps are heavily attracted to sugar. If you see one wasp flying towards you, try to remain calm and it will likely leave you alone. If you find a swarm comes near you, run away in a straight line and do not wave your arms. Seek a medical professional if you believe you have been stung by a wasp or hornet and believe you may be allergic. Sources:  https://animals.howstuffworks.com/insects/hornet.htm https://www.thespruce.com/hornet-vs-wasp-7376280

Here's what you should know about these silent little critters.

You may have heard over the last few months the familiar chirping sound of the insects known as cicadas. Emerging every year around this time, cicadas are a part of two separate families. The first family are located in Australia and Tasmania while the other can be found all over the world excluding Antarctica.

When it comes to protecting your home from unwanted pests, the stakes are high. These uninvited guests not only pose a risk to your property but also to the health and well-being of your family. In the scenic city of Chattanooga, TN, residents have a powerful ally in their fight against pests: Mountain Top Pest Control. With Art at the helm, boasting over 35 years of experience, this company stands out as a beacon of reliability and expertise in the pest control industry. The Value of Experience Experience in pest control is not just about the number of years spent in the industry; it's about understanding the nuances of pest behavior, having a deep knowledge of different treatment methods, and developing strategies that are both effective and environmentally responsible. Art, with his extensive three-and-a-half-decade-long career, embodies this wealth of knowledge and expertise. His experiences have equipped him with the insight to tackle any pest challenge, no matter how daunting. Customized Solutions for Your Home One of the key advantages of choosing an experienced pest control company like Mountain Top Pest Control is the ability to receive tailored solutions. Every home and pest situation is unique, requiring more than a one-size-fits-all approach. Art and his team understand this intricacy and are adept at crafting customized treatment plans that address the specific needs of your home, ensuring effective and long-lasting protection. Advanced Knowledge of Local Pest Trends In the ever-evolving battle against pests, staying ahead of local trends and behaviors is crucial. Art's long-standing presence in Chattanooga has given him an unparalleled understanding of the local ecosystem, including the types of pests that are most prevalent and the times of year they're most active. This local expertise means that Mountain Top Pest Control can anticipate and mitigate pest issues before they become full-blown infestations. Safety First: A Priority for Your Family and Environment With great experience comes a heightened awareness of the importance of safety. Art's dedication to using safe, environmentally friendly pest control methods is a testament to his commitment to the well-being of his clients and their surroundings. Experienced professionals know that effective pest control is not just about elimination but doing so in a way that is safe for families, pets, and the environment. Trust and Reliability: The Hallmarks of Great Service Finally, choosing Mountain Top Pest Control means entrusting your home to a company that values reliability and trust above all. Art's 35 years of experience isn't just a number; it's a history of building lasting relationships with homeowners, providing peace of mind, and delivering exceptional service with integrity. In Chattanooga, TN, and the surrounding areas, homeowners have a clear choice when it comes to pest control. Mountain Top Pest Control, led by the vastly experienced Art, stands ready to protect your home with expertise, customized care, and a deep commitment to safety. When the integrity of your home is at stake, experience isn't just important—it's everything. 

Asian lady beetles, also called Harmonia axyridis, have become a common presence in Chattanooga and various parts of the United States. Despite their resemblance to the cherished ladybug, these insects can be bothersome, particularly when they infiltrate homes in significant numbers in search of shelter during the colder months. However, it's essential to understand that Asian lady beetles also play a beneficial role in controlling aphids and other garden pests, making them valuable allies in the ecosystem. Originating from Asia, these beetles were introduced to North America in the 20th century as a biological control agent to combat aphids in agricultural fields. Over time, they have established thriving populations across the continent, adapting well to various environments. Their diverse colors, ranging from orange to red with black spots, make them easily identifiable, but their propensity to congregate in large numbers around structures can lead to complaints from homeowners. Despite their nuisance behavior, Asian lady beetles serve as natural pest controllers, preying on aphids and other plant-damaging insects that can wreak havoc on gardens and crops. Mountain Top Pest Control, with its 39 years of experience, understands the delicate balance between managing pest populations and preserving beneficial insects. Through integrated pest management strategies, such as sealing entry points and using environmentally friendly treatments, homeowners can minimize Asian lady beetle invasions while still benefiting from their pest control services. While Asian lady beetles may sometimes overstay their welcome indoors, it's crucial to recognize their ecological significance as natural predators of garden pests. By implementing proactive pest control methods and promoting a peaceful cohabitation with these insects, residents in Chattanooga can experience the advantages of a well-balanced ecosystem while effectively maintaining a pest-free home with the expert services of Mountain Top Pest Control.

Mountain Top Pest Control offers a comprehensive range of mouse control methods to effectively address rodent infestations and protect your home or business. Our experienced technicians employ a variety of strategies to ensure your property remains mouse-free. One of the most common methods we use is baiting. We strategically place bait stations in areas where mice are known to frequent, luring them with specially formulated baits that are both attractive and lethal. This approach not only targets existing mouse populations but also helps prevent future infestations by eliminating breeding individuals. In addition to baiting, Mountain Top Pest Control utilizes a variety of trapping techniques to quickly and efficiently capture mice. Our team of experts carefully selects the most suitable traps, including snap traps and live traps, based on the specific situation at hand. Snap traps are specifically designed to deliver a quick and humane kill, ensuring that the mice are swiftly and effectively eliminated. On the other hand, our live traps offer a more compassionate approach, allowing us to safely capture mice without causing any harm to them. This option is particularly appealing to those who are concerned about the ethical treatment of pests and prefer a more eco-friendly solution. At Mountain Top Pest Control, we take great pride in our extensive knowledge of mouse behavior and their habitat preferences. This expertise allows us to strategically place traps in the most optimal locations, maximizing their effectiveness. By understanding where mice are most likely to travel and gather, we can ensure that our traps are placed in these areas, increasing the chances of successful captures. Our dedication to providing the highest quality pest control services extends beyond simply eliminating mice. We strive to do so in the most efficient and humane manner possible, while also considering the concerns of our environmentally conscious clients. With our range of trapping techniques and careful placement of traps, we can help you rid your home or business of mice while maintaining a compassionate approach. Trust Mountain Top Pest Control to handle your mouse infestation with expertise and care. Lastly, Mountain Top Pest Control offers structural improvements and exclusion services to prevent mice from re-entering your property. We inspect your building for potential entry points and seal them off using durable materials, denying rodents access to your home or business. Our integrated approach to mouse control not only eliminates existing infestations but also focuses on long-term prevention, providing you with peace of mind knowing your property is protected from future mouse problems. Trust Mountain Top Pest Control for reliable, effective, and environmentally conscious solutions to your mouse infestation issues.

Utilizing quarterly pest control services proves to be an effective strategy for maintaining a spider-free home in Cleveland, TN. With the city's diverse climate and environment, spider infestations can become a recurring issue for homeowners. Engaging a professional pest control service in Cleveland offers a proactive solution to combat these arachnid invaders. An experienced spider exterminator can identify vulnerable areas around the house, such as cracks, crevices, and dark corners, where spiders commonly nest. By implementing tailored spider control services, these experts create a barrier that not only eliminates existing spiders but also deters new ones from entering the premises.  Homeowners in Cleveland, TN, can rely on the expertise of local pest control services to address their spider concerns. An exterminator in Cleveland, TN, possesses a deep understanding of the region's spider species, their habits, and preferred habitats. This knowledge enables them to devise targeted treatment plans that focus on eradicating the specific spiders commonly found in the area. By opting for quarterly visits, homeowners can ensure continuous protection against spider infestations throughout the changing seasons. These regular appointments enable spider exterminators to monitor and adjust their strategies based on evolving pest patterns, maintaining a consistently spider-free environment. Regular spider control services offer numerous advantages to homeowners in Cleveland seeking a long-term solution to their arachnid woes. Beyond the immediate elimination of spiders, these services help prevent potential health risks and property damage associated with infestations. Reliable pest control companies in Cleveland, TN, utilize environmentally-friendly and safe techniques to minimize the impact on the household and surrounding ecosystem. By choosing quarterly pest control services, homeowners can take a proactive stance against spiders, effectively safeguarding their homes and enjoying peace of mind throughout the year.

Termites, though tiny in size, can wreak havoc on your home if left unchecked. These silent destroyers can cause extensive damage, compromising the structural integrity of your property. Recognizing the early warning signs of termite damage is crucial for timely intervention and preventing a potential disaster. In this blog post, we will highlight the red flags of termite infestation and introduce Mountain Top Pest Control, a reputable pest control company in Cleveland, TN, to help safeguard your home from these destructive pests. Recognizing the Early Warning Signs of Termite Damage Mud Tubes - Termites often build mud tubes to travel from their underground nests to sources of food (wood). These tubes are thin, pencil-sized structures found along the foundation, walls, or crawl spaces. If you spot mud tubes, it is a clear indicator of termite activity. Hollow Sounding Wood - As termites devour the wood from the inside out, the affected areas may become hollow and produce a distinct hollow sound when tapped. Inspect wooden structures such as beams, floors, and furniture for any unusual sounds. Frass (Termite Droppings) - Termite droppings, also known as frass, resemble tiny wood-colored pellets. You may find these near termite nests or where they are actively feeding. Frass is a definite sign of termite presence and should be taken seriously. Discarded Wings - Swarming termites often shed their wings after finding a mate and establishing a new colony. If you come across discarded wings near windowsills or light fixtures, it could indicate a nearby termite infestation. Sagging or Bubbling Paint - Termites produce moisture as they feed on wood, causing paint to bubble or sag on affected surfaces. Keep an eye out for any unusual changes in the appearance of your paintwork, as it could be an indication of hidden termite damage.  Termites can cause significant damage to your home, compromising its structural stability and leading to costly repairs. By recognizing the early warning signs of termite infestation and seeking the expertise of Mountain Top Pest Control in Cleveland, TN, you can protect your property from these destructive pests. Don't wait for the damage to escalate; take proactive measures to safeguard your home today. With Mountain Top Pest Control's reliable solutions and experienced professionals, you can rest assured that your home is in safe hands.