Noosa pest control company overcomes setbacks to win huge award

Laguna Pest Control emerged victorious at this year's Sunshine Coast Business Awards.

In a night filled with anticipation and excitement, Laguna Pest Control emerged victorious at this year’s Sunshine Coast Business Awards, claiming the prestigious Large Trade and Services Award.

The sell out gala dinner, attended by 870 people and featuring 137 finalists, showcased the outstanding businesses that contribute to the vibrant Sunshine Coast community.

The dynamic duo behind Laguna Pest Control, Jay and Nicky Turner, attribute their success to one key factor: passion. Passion not only for their work, but also for the community they serve. According to Jay and Nicky, their loyal and exceptional team, coupled with an innovative approach, sets them apart from the rest.

One of the unique features that caught the attention of the judges is Laguna Pest Control’s No Spray program.

This groundbreaking initiative, not replicated by any other pest control service on the Sunshine Coast, highlights the company’s commitment to environmentally-friendly practices.

This award is not the first for Laguna Pest Control, having previously secured Sunshine Coast Business Awards in 2017 and 2018. Additionally, they have earned multiple industry awards, including Pest Manager of the Year.

However, for the past three years, Jay and Nicky decided to redirect their focus to give back to the Australian Pest Industry through their Pestie Profiles Podcast and Nicky’s role as the founder and president of Women In Pest Management.

Wilara, their 25-year-old daughter and office manager of Laguna Pest Control, took charge of the award entries for the last two years.

After being a finalist last year, the company clinched the victory this year.

The journey for Laguna Pest Control began in 2010 when Jay and Nicky started the business in Noosa, growing it from a husband and wife team to a formidable team of eight.

Jay, with a background in teaching pest control at Tafe, and a degree in biological sciences and entomology, brings not only passion but also expertise to the company.

The road to success was not without challenges.

Jay’s battle with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Follicular Lymphoma was a turning point for the company.

Family members from the UK, sponsored to work in the business, embezzled all savings and fled, putting the company in jeopardy.

Instead of succumbing to the setback, Jay and Nicky used the experience to strengthen the business, implementing new systems to ensure that it wouldn’t happen again.

Laguna Pest Control operates solely in Noosa and surrounding areas, concentrating on providing expert services to locals, including homes, resorts, schools, and commercial establishments.

Despite its growth, the company maintains a small, family-oriented business approach, ensuring personalised service that rivals any large pest control company.

Looking ahead, Jay, who has a clean slate of wellbeing, continues to serve as a trainer and assessor for the pest control industry, and the entire Laguna Pest Control team are committed to offering exceptional service to the Noosa community.

The company’s future looks bright, with a focus on expertise, innovation, and community engagement.