Welcome to Jasper, Georgia, a community where Southern hospitality is a way of life and the vibe is refreshingly friendly. Often heralded as the "First Mountain City," Jasper serves as the gateway to the enchanting Appalachian Mountains, offering residents breathtaking natural landscapes infused with a warm small-town atmosphere. With a stunning backdrop that evolves with the seasons, whether it's the vibrant hues of autumn leaves or the serene snow-kissed vistas
of winter, Jasper is a place that truly celebrates the beauty of nature.
Life in Jasper is accompanied by a rich tapestry of culture and history. The city's downtown area presents a delightful array of preserved historical buildings, quaint shops, and locally-owned eateries that introduce a plethora of flavors and artistry. Residents take pride in their tight-knit community, where annual festivals and events like the Georgia Marble Festival highlight local traditions and
Discover the Charm and Warmth of Jasper,
4 | HelloJasper, Georgia • Winter Issue
Hello Jasper, Georgia • Winter Issue |5
foster a strong sense of belonging.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Jasper offers a treasure trove of opportunities with activities ranging from hiking and biking on picturesque trails to fishing and canoeing in nearby lakes and streams. Education also remains a pillar of the community with dedicated schools and educational programs that thrive alongside recreational pursuits. Embracing both the simplicity...
Discover the Charm and Warmth of Jasper,
Discover the Charm and Warmth of Jasper, Georgia
Welcome to Jasper, Georgia, a community where Southern hospitality is a way of life and the vibe is refreshingly friendly. Often heralded as the "First Mountain City," Jasper serves as the gateway to the enchanting Appalachian Mountains, offering residents breathtaking natural landscapes infused with a warm small-town atmosphere. With a stunning backdrop that evolves with the seasons, whether it's the vibrant hues of autumn leaves or the serene snow-kissed vistas of winter, Jasper is a place that truly celebrates the beauty of nature.
Life in Jasper is accompanied by a rich tapestry of culture and history. The city's downtown area presents a delightful array of preserved historical buildings, quaint shops, and locally-owned eateries that introduce a plethora of flavors and artistry. Residents take pride in their tight-knit community, where annual festivals and events like the Georgia Marble Festival highlight local traditions and foster a strong sense of belonging.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Jasper offers a treasure trove of opportunities with activities ranging from hiking and biking on picturesque trails to fishing and canoeing in nearby lakes and streams. Education also remains a pillar of the community with dedicated schools and educational programs that thrive alongside recreational pursuits. Embracing both the simplicity and richness of life, Jasper, Georgia, presents a beautiful blend of nature, community spirit, and an appreciation for the finer things in life.
Featured Story
Myth vs. Fact: DIY Pest Control
When bugs show up in your home, it's tempting to grab a can of spray and handle the problem yourself. A quick online search will lead you to dozens of over-the-counter pest control products promising fast results. But are they actually solving the problem?Myth: DIY sprays solve pest problems long-term.
Fact: Most over-the-counter sprays only treat what you can see. They rarely address nests or hidden entry points.This is one of the most common misunderstandings about pest control. People often assume that if they no longer see bugs, the issue is resolved. In reality, the pests you see are
6 | HelloJasper, Georgia • Winter Issue
Myth vs. Fact: DIY Pest Control
When bugs show up in your home, it's tempting to grab a can of spray and handle the problem yourself. A quick online search will lead you to dozens of over-the-counter pest control products promising fast results. But are they actually solving the problem?
Myth: DIY sprays solve pest problems long-term. Fact: Most over-the-counter sprays only treat what you can see. They rarely address nests or hidden entry points.
This is one of the most common misunderstandings about pest control. People often assume that if they no longer see bugs, the issue is resolved. In reality, the pests you see are usually only a small part of a much larger problem.
For example, spraying a trail of ants across the kitchen counter may kill a few dozen workers, but it doesn't do anything to the nest hidden behind a wall or under your foundation. Similarly, using a fogger or bug bomb might reduce visible pests for a few days, but unless the source is eliminated, they’ll return.
Why DIY pest control fails If you're asking yourself, Why does pest control keep failing?—you’re not alone. The reason DIY pest control doesn't work long-term is because it only addresses the surface. Most pests are excellent at hiding. Cockroaches slip into cracks behind baseboards. Carpenter ants burrow into wood structures. Mice and rats nest in insulation and inside wall voids. These areas are difficult to reach with store-bought products. Also, many pests reproduce quickly. Killing a few adult insects doesn't stop the cycle. If even one female survives and lays eggs, you'll be dealing with another infestation in a matter of weeks.
Professional pest control targets the source Licensed pest control companies take a different approach. We start by identifying the specific pest, where it’s entering, and where it’s living. That allows us to use targeted treatments that reach nests, breeding grounds, and hidden colonies. Professionals also look for the "why" behind the infestation. Are there moisture issues attracting insects? Are there structural gaps where rodents are getting in? By addressing these root causes, pest control becomes proactive, not just reactive.
Store-bought doesn’t mean safe Another concern with DIY pest control is misuse. Many people don’t read labels carefully, apply too much product, or mix chemicals that shouldn’t be combined. This can create safety risks for children, pets, and even adults. Professional-grade products are stronger, but they’re also used with far more care. Licensed applicators are trained to follow environmental and health guidelines, and many use integrated pest management (IPM) practices that reduce overall chemical use.
Timing matters Pest control is also about timing. Some treatments work best at specific points in the pest's life cycle. For example, baiting for ants is more effective before they’ve established a satellite colony. Waiting too long can make the problem worse and more expensive to fix. Seasonal changes also play a role. Many pests, like spiders and rodents, seek shelter indoors as temperatures drop. Preventive treatments in early fall can stop infestations before they start. These timing strategies are often missed when relying solely on DIY methods.
Signs your DIY treatment isn’t working If you’ve tried store-bought sprays but pests keep coming back, here are a few red flags that suggest the problem is beyond a quick fix: - You see pests during the day (a sign of overpopulation) - You hear scratching or movement inside walls - Droppings or insect body parts keep appearing - You find damage to food packaging or furniture - The same problem returns season after season In these cases, continuing to use over-the-counter products might mask the problem but won’t solve it. In some situations, it could even give pests time to spread further.
Not all infestations are the same Different pests require different strategies. What works for ants won’t work for bed bugs. And what repels mice won’t affect termites. That’s why professional diagnosis matters.
Experienced technicians understand pest behavior. We know what signs to look for, which products to use, and how to apply them effectively. Most importantly, we aim to prevent problems from recurring, not just provide a temporary solution.
DIY pest control often treats the symptoms, not the source—leading to recurring infestations.
Final thoughts While DIY sprays and traps may seem like a cost-saving option, they often delay real solutions and allow pest problems to grow worse. Professional pest control offers the benefit of long-term prevention, expert diagnosis, and safer application. If pest control keeps failing, it may be time to stop treating what you can see and start addressing what you can’t.
Brittany Thacker
unless the source is eliminated, they’ll return.Why DIY pest control failsIf you're asking yourself, Why does pest control keep failing?—you’re not alone. The reason DIY pest control doesn't work long-term is because it only addresses the surface.Most pests are excellent at hiding. Cockroaches slip into cracks behind baseboards. Carpenter ants burrow into wood structures. Mice and rats nest in insulation and inside wall voids. These areas are difficult to reach with store-bought products.Also, many pests reproduce quickly. Killing a few adult insects doesn't stop the cycle. If even one female survives and lays eggs, you'll...
usually only a small part of a much larger problem.For example, spraying a trail of ants across the kitchen counter may kill a few dozen workers, but it doesn't do anything to the nest hidden behind a wall or under your foundation. Similarly, using a fogger or bug bomb might reduce visible pests for a few days, but
DIY pest control often treats the symptoms, not the source—leading to recurring infestations.
About the Author
Brittany Thacker is the General Manager at Daniel & Lawson Pest Control, where she oversees day‑to‑day operations and ensures quality service delivery across North Georgia. As a certified technician registered with the Georgia Pest Control Association (SP14777), she brings both hands‑on expertise and leadership to the family‑owned company. Drawing on her commitment to professionalism and customer satisfaction, Brittany plays a key role in maintaining the firm’s long-standing reputation for e...
