Our Vision
Old fashion values, with contemporary pest control solutions for the entire family. Providing an educational experience with our knowledge, honesty and value for money service.
Our Approach
Our Story
Our Core Values
1. Customer focus – What’s best for the customer, always.
2. Education – A passion for learning, personal growth and knowledge sharing.
3. Humility – The ambition for best, with the humility to seek improvement.
4. Positivity – A positive approach to everything.
5. Proactive – Solutions before problems.
6. Reliable – Punctual, high value service. Every time.
7. Teamwork – Work with the team, for the team.
8. Communication – Safe, fluent and accurate communication.
Duane & Therese
Founders
Duane and Therese moved their young family to the Local area in 1997 with the ambition of providing a level of service in the pest control industry which is unparalleled.
Over 20 years and a lot of blood, sweat and tears later Local Pest Experts is one of the largest Family owned and operated pest control businesses on the NSW Mid North Coast and has a reputation to be proud of.
After many years at the helm of Local Pest Experts, Duane & Therese relaxed into retirement in October 2019. Their sons Trent & Tristen, promptly taking the reins and maintaining the essential core values of Local Pest Experts - service, professionalism, quality, reliability, and honesty.
Trent
Owner - Operator
With parents who have a passion for the pest control industry and their customers, it was only a matter of time before Duane & Therese’s middle son followed suit.
At the ripe age of 12, Trent was recruited during school holidays to assist in digging to install termite monitoring stations and management systems. Finally signing up for his pest control traineeship at 15 years old. Trent has been engrossed by an industry with more below the surface than meets the eye.
In October 2019, Trent & Tristen embarked on the journey of taking over ownership of Local Pest Experts following Duane & Therese’s retirement. Trent loves the customer interaction, knowledge building and problem-solving that comes with each and every day.
Tristen
Owner - Operator
Tristen was born into the pest control industry with his parents, Duane and Therese being active in the industry at the time of his birth. Growing up surrounded by knowledge, passion and a love for the industry, Tristen quickly caught the bug (pardon the pun) signing up to his traineeship in 2010.
Quickly progressing through to be fully qualified in all areas of pest control, including timber pests (termites). When asked what he loved about the industry he replied, “Working alongside my family to help our customers overcome any pest problems. Also, having a different challenge everyday”.
In October 2019, Tristen and Trent embarked on the journey of taking over ownership of Local Pest Experts following Duane & Therese’s retirement. Tristen has an enormous knowledge base and an even bigger work ethic.
Ethan
Leading Hand
Ethan fell into the pest control industry when he applied for a job in 2005. Therese and Duane quickly learned of his commitment when they found out he had been walking to and from work (approx. 3km) every day after his car broke down.
Over an exciting 15+ year career, Ethan has amassed a great knowledge of all that the pest control industry has to offer. His clients love him, and his fluorescent red hair ensures he stands out from the crowds.
In 2021 Ethan was promoted to a supervisory role. He has taken this in his stride, and is enjoying sharing his knowledge and expertise with our up and coming technicians.
Natasha
Accounts Manager
Natasha was born and bred in Taree and is a valued addition to the Local Pest Experts team. You probably guessed by the name she is part the Chapman family. Her relationship and eventual marriage to Trent threw her (like it or not) into the pest control industry, with the unescapable dining table talk within the Chapman household.
After working in several admin roles, from a small business in Port Macquarie, to a private hospital in Taree and finally an allied health company in Forster before her arrival on the Local Pest Experts team.
Natasha will be one of the friendly voices when you call for an enquiry.
Olivia
Office Manager
Born and bred in Wingham, Olivia has a long history with Taree, Wingham and the Manning Valley. After going to school at Wingham High, Olivia progressed to work at a local cafe. When she was ready for a change in 2018, we were lucky enough to scoop her up and make her part of the admin team in our Taree office.
You will notice some of Olivia’s handy work on our social media pages as she is our, self-proclaimed "Marketing and Social Media Co-Ordinator".
In May 2022, Olivia was promoted to Office Manager after 3.5 years in an administration role.
If you have a question about domestic or commercial pest control and in particular termites, Olivia will be there to provide you with the answers.
Steven
Pest Expert
Steven is a familiar face at Local Pest Experts after joining the team in 2015. Surrounded by a solid team of Experts he has been able to progress to a well-rounded pest control technician and is learning more every day.
Steven lives locally, with his wife Brooke and two young sons Riley & Bailey.
When asked what he liked most about his job he said, “The diverse working environment and customer contact”. The world of pest control has a lot in store for Steven.
Sarah
Administration
Sarah is one of our lovely admin staff. Growing up locally, Sarah began her working life within the veterinary field, becoming a vet nurse and working in the Forster/Tuncurry area.
In early 2020, Sarah was looking a change and luckily our paths crossed and she became a valuable member of the Local Pest Experts team.
She will be available to answer any of your pest control queries and make your experience an enjoyable one.
Sarah has a son, Morgan and enjoys exploring the Barrington Coast with her husband, Jarred.
Scott S.
Pest Expert
Joining the team in August 2021, Scott is proving to be an excellent addition to the LPE team of technicians. Scott has achieved his Urban Pest Management and Termite Management Qualifications. Scotty was lucky enough to have his ute upgraded in 2022, there's no way you'll miss him on the road.
One to watch for sure. Keep your eye out for his future achievements!
Nicholas
Pest Expert
Nick is one of the younger members of the LPE team, but has knowledge beyond his years. Currently living in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region, Nick enjoys motor bike riding in his spare time.
Joining the LPE team in January 2022, Nick has completed his Traineeship in Urban Pest Management and most recently in 2024 completed his Termite Management Qualification. Well done Nick! Give him a wave when you see him out and about!
Brenton
Pest Expert
Brenton is a highly regarded part of the LPE team. Currently living in the Manning Valley, Brenton is an avid football fan and has a beautiful young family. Brenton has recently completed his Termite Management Qualification - well done, Brenton!
Blake
Pest Expert
Blake is one of the newer members of the LPE team. Currently residing in Willina. Blake's can do attitude and love of working within the LPE team makes for an excellent up and coming technician. Blake is currently undertaking his traineeship in Urban Pest Management.
Scott G.
Pest Expert
Scott G is our newest trainee within the LPE team. Currently living in the Manning Valley, Scotty G has a wonderful young family. Scott is currently undertaking his Traineeship in Urban Pest Management, and smashing goals.
We're so excited to see Scott G continue to grow and evolve at LPE!
Shannae
Pest Expert
Shannae is the newest addition to the LPE administration team, joing in March 2024. With a background in Tourism and Zoo Keeping, Shannae brings with her a wealth of customer service skills and a lovely manner when assisting our customers.
It feels like Shannae has been apart of the team forever, as she has picked up skills and tasks so quickly. We're keen to see Shannae continue to grow and shine!