Laguna Pest Control was born in Noosa back in November 2010, which originally started out as a husband and wife team. Jay and Nicky Turner moved their three young children to Noosa to create a better life for their family and to start the business. With Jay’s background in entomology, his qualifications (including a Bachelor of Biological Sciences), his passion for all things creepy and crawly, and his teaching experience of Pest Control at Northern Melbourne Institute of Tafe, it was only a matter of time before he went out on his own.
Unlike most pest controllers who start in this industry, Jay and Nicky’s career ironically started out in breeding insects. Jay and Nicky started the very successful Minibeast Enterprises, which bred and supplied crickets, cockroaches, spiders, scorpions, leaf insects, maggots, mealworms and even snails to the pet trade.
It was a chance meeting with a local pest controller many years ago, combined with the existing knowledge of insect biology, that lured Jay into the pest control industry. Jay not only completed his Certificate III in Urban Pest Management but completed it with the highest score ever and subsequently commissioned to pass on his knowledge through seasonal teaching at Tafe. After several years working for a few very well respected and large pest control firms, and completing several trade qualifications (including accreditations for installing physical and chemical termite management systems and Vertebrate Pest Management), that Jay felt these companies lacked the personal service and consistency that he could offer clients on his own.
Over the last 10+ years, Jay and Nicky have won several awards for Laguna Pest Control, including Pest Manager of the Year in 2017. They have built Laguna Pest Control into a very successful business, that promotes a professional and quality service. Whilst they are always looking to improve their business, in the last few years, they have really focused their abilities on improving the pest industry. Nicky is the Founder, CEO and President of the PWAPM (Professional Women in Australian Pest Management). As association that aims to represent professional women and create opportunities for them in the pest industry. Jay continues to train in pest management courses in hopes of improving the quality of pest control in the upcoming generation in our industry. He is also the creator and host of the Pestie Profiles Podcast, with each episode focusing on interviewing well known individuals in our industry.
A Proud Family Business – Here to Stay
Laguna Pest Control is a proudly family-owned and operated business, built on strong local values and a long-term commitment to our community. Founded by Nicky and Jay Turner, the business continues to grow with the next generation of the Turner family now playing an active role.
Their daughter, Wilara Turner (27), has been part of the business for over 7 years and serves as our Office Manager, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations and outstanding customer care. Their son, Wallace Turner (24), has been working alongside his dad from a young age and now works full-time, both out in the field and in the office, gaining hands-on experience across all aspects of pest control.
Both Wilara and Wallace were raised locally and attended Good Shepherd Lutheran College, strengthening their deep connection to the community we proudly serve.
With the next generation stepping forward, Laguna Pest Control remains focused on quality workmanship, honest service, and long-term reliability. Watch out for the next generation of Turners in the pest control industry — we’re here to stay.
