Raising the bar in pest control – Local Pest Experts win national honour
It started as a small family business in Taree. This year, Local Pest Experts took home one of the pest management industry’s highest honours — the 2025 Pest Manager of the Year Award, proudly sponsored by BASF, recognising excellence and innovation across Australia. The award was announced during Pesticon 2025, the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association’s annual industry conference, held in Adelaide in August.
For co-owner Trent Chapman, the win is more than just a professional achievement. “This is an award that only goes to one company across the whole country once a year — it’s not a small deal,” he says. “To take it from the cities and bring it to the regions shows that a company based in Taree can compete with anyone in Australia.”
Trent and his brother Tristan’s parents started a pest control business in Taree more than two decades ago. Local Pest Experts was formed several years later and has since seen considerable growth, expanding to a team of 19 and servicing almost 10,000 customers annually. Their philosophy is simple: pest control is not just about eliminating pests; it’s about delivering an exceptional customer experience.
“From the moment we arrive, everything matters — our uniforms, our timing, how we communicate,” Trent explains. “We take our customers on the journey with us. They know what we’ve found, what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and what they can expect.”
Local Pest Experts are champions of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) — focusing on prevention, environmental considerations and customer education to achieve long-term results. “It’s about understanding why the pest is there, how they’re getting in, and addressing the root cause,” Trent says. “Smart pest management means less chemical, more strategy, and better outcomes for our customers.”
The award also highlights the team’s collaborative spirit. “It’s not the Trent or Tristan show anymore — every single person here plays a vital role. Winning this is proof that what we’re doing is working, and it’s because of the team we’ve built.”
BASF has been part of their story for many years, supplying trusted solutions such as Termidor®, Trelona® and Seclira® WSG, along with technical expertise. “We’ve trusted BASF products for a long time,” says Trent. “It’s not just about buying product — it’s a partnership, and the support we get is just as valuable as the solutions themselves.”
Looking ahead, the Chapmans plan to expand into new markets and complementary services, while keeping their customer-first ethos front and centre. As Trent puts it, “This award is a reminder to keep improving and keep showing what the pest management industry is capable of.”
BASF congratulates Local Pest Experts on their well-deserved recognition and looks forward to seeing what they achieve next.