Termite Science, Secrets & Surprises – Featuring Dr. Johnalyn Gordon (and a Special Guest!)

What does it take to culture over 1,000 termite colonies… and why would you want to?

In this fascinating episode, we sit down with Assistant Professor Johnalyn Gordon from the University of Florida Termite Research Center for an exclusive sneak peek into her upcoming presentations for the Termite Professional Seminar Series.

From cutting-edge research to real-world applications, Johnalyn shares insights that every pest professional (and curious mind) will want to hear.

But that’s not all…

In a surprise twist, Associate Professor Thomas Chouvenc joins the conversation, giving us an inside look at the groundbreaking work coming out of arguably the world’s leading termite research facility.

Together, we dive into:

• ​The origins and evolution of their globally recognised research centre
• ​What it really takes to manage and maintain a collection of over 25 million termites under one roof
• ​The latest research shaping the future of termite management

If you’ve ever wondered what’s happening behind the scenes in termite science — this episode pulls back the curtain.

In this episode, we sit down with Joel Laventure from IO2 Insurance—someone we knew we had to get on the show because he’s far from your average insurance broker. With a deep connection in the pest control industry, Joel breaks down exactly what operators need to know to protect their business (and what mistakes could cost them big).

We cover the must-have insurances every pest controller should carry, what those policies actually cover, and the optional extras that could make all the difference when things go wrong. Joel also explains why premiums can feel so high, how to get the best value for your cover, and the real benefits of working with a broker instead of going direct to an insurer.

Beyond the policies themselves, this episode dives into the practical side of insurance—what to do when you think a claim might be coming, how to correctly fill out your application to avoid headaches later, and the small details that can make or break your coverage.

To bring it all to life, we share real-world case examples where jobs didn’t go to plan—highlighting exactly how insurance stepped in. If you’re in the pest control industry, this is a must-listen to make sure you’re properly covered before something goes wrong.

What happens when you inherit a business… but have never actually run one?

In this powerful episode of Pestie Profiles, Jay and Nicky sit down with Chris Grafitti from Pestsol SW Sydney to unpack a journey that so many in our industry can relate to—but few openly talk about.

After spending the last 7 months in mentorship with the Laguna Pest Control team, Chris recently joined us for an intensive two-day, hands-on experience—both in the field and behind the scenes in the office. This episode dives deep into what that transformation really looks like.

We talk candidly about:

• ​The pressure and uncertainty of stepping into a business you didn’t build
• ​The reality of learning the trade, running a business, systems, and confidence from scratch
• ​Chris’s mindset before the program… and the massive shift since
• ​What he’s taken away from mentorship—and how it’s already changing his trajectory
• ​The power of surrounding yourself with people you trust, who genuinely want to see you win
• ​What can happen when you simply reach out for help instead of trying to figure it all out alone
• ​Plus… we uncover a surprising hidden talent you won’t see coming 🎤

This isn’t just a pest control conversation—it’s a raw, honest look at growth, resilience, and backing yourself when it counts.

If you’ve ever doubted your ability to step up in business, this episode will hit home.

👉 Tune in and hear how Chris is turning uncertainty into momentum.

Join Jay & Nicky Turner from Laguna Pest Control as they sit down with two industry heavyweights — Tim Spencer (Termites@Cooloola) and Michael Brewer (Termite Guys Brisbane) — for a deep dive into the frontline of termite management.

In this episode, we unpack:
-Proven remedial treatment methods (what works in the real world)
- Practical tips and tricks to get the best results on the job
-Our go-to termite products and why we trust them
-Matching treatment strategies to specific termite species

This is not textbook theory — it’s boots-on-the-ground experience from pesties who deal with active infestations every day.

Whether you’re chasing better results, refining your approach, or just love talking termites… this episode delivers serious value.

In this episode of Pestie Profiles, we travel to Geelong, Victoria, to visit the factory of Essential Pest Solutions, where we sit down with Martin Simpson and his wife Rie to hear the story behind their truly unique pest management business.

While many pest control companies rely heavily on termite work, Martin has taken a very different path. In a region where termite pressure and awareness simply isn’t the same as in Australia’s northern states, he’s built a thriving business by focusing on vertebrate pest control and diversifying to beat the dreaded winter slowdown.

We dive into: Bird management strategies and the challenges of controlling urban bird populations Fox and rabbit control methods used across regional Victoria Gutterguard installations and how they’ve become an important part of their service offering a range of vertebrate pest solutions that many pest businesses overlook.

Martin shares how following his passion for the outdoors and vertebrate pest management has allowed Essential Pest Solutions to carve out a strong niche in the industry.

It’s a fascinating conversation about adapting to local conditions, solving real-world pest problems, and building a business model that works when termites aren’t driving the phone to ring.

If you’re in the pest management industry and wondering how to diversify, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

When it comes to German Cockroaches, there’s no room for amateurs… and in this episode, we’ve got three seasoned pest controllers who have seen it all.

In this high-energy roundtable, our trio of experienced operators dive deep into:

• ​Their go-to German cockroach control methodologies
• ​Preferred products and why they swear by them
• ​Honest talk about pricing structures
• ​warranties, clean-outs, and managing expectations
• ​A bit of industry banter you’ll only hear from pesties who’ve done the hard yards

From the old gel bait debate and resistance to flush-outs, dusting techniques, and real-world kitchen horror stories — nothing is off the table. Each pest controller shares their personal approach, what’s changed over the years, and where they think the industry gets it right (and wrong).

Expect practical insights, differing opinions, and a few laughs along the way.

Whether you’re in the pest control game, managing properties, or just curious how the pros tackle one of the toughest pests in the business — this episode is packed with gold.

👉 Tune in for a no-BS conversation about what really works when it comes to German Cockroaches.

Because in this industry… results matter.

Thank you to Justin Herbert from Pestige Solutions and Ben Cargill from Termi Pro Shield for jumping in on this episode.

In this powerhouse episode, we dive deep into the world of new active ingredients with our resident formulation mastermind, Mark Linton from Renovo Technologies — and yes… we go properly down the rabbit hole on what they really mean for the future of pest management.

Because bringing a new insecticide active to market isn’t just someone in a lab coat mixing up a secret potion. It’s years of research, regulatory hoops, logistics headaches, compliance hurdles, distribution strategy, and serious real-world testing before anything ever lands in your spray rig. We lift the curtain on what actually happens behind the scenes — the stuff most pesties never get to see or hear.

We explore:

- What new actives are emerging
- What it really takes to launch them into the industry
- The regulatory maze manufacturers have to survive
- Where pest management is heading in the future.

And of course… it wouldn’t be Pestie Profiles without a bit of banter. We couldn’t resist diving into the story behind Mark himself — still our most popular guest ever. We chat about what makes him such a standout in the industry — his deep knowledge of chemistry, how he translates complex science into practical insights we can actually use in the field, and why pesties across Australia (and beyond) keep coming back to learn more.

If you care about where this industry is going — not just where it’s been — this one’s for you.

🎧 Tune in, lean in, and stay ahead of the curve.

Ants might be tiny, but when they start marching through your home, they quickly become a giant headache! 🐜 In this fun and fascinating episode, we dive into the amazing biology of ants—how colonies work, why they’re so hard to beat, and the surprising science behind their survival skills. We’ll unpack why DIY sprays and supermarket fixes often fall short (and sometimes even make the problem worse!), and reveal how professional pest managers approach ant control with expert tools and strategies. Whether you’re battling a full-on ant invasion or just curious about these incredible insects, this episode will show you why calling in the pros is the smartest way to protect your home and your sanity.

Getting ready to sell your home? Don’t let termites or hidden timber damage derail your deal at the eleventh hour. In this episode, we uncover the real value of a presale timber pest inspection—and how it can save you from stressful surprises, negotiation headaches, and last-minute delays once a contract hits the table.

Learn how being proactive puts you in control, builds buyer confidence, and helps your sale move smoothly from "listed" to "sold."

If you’re selling, this is one step you can’t afford to skip! 🏡🐜

Thinking of buying a home? Don’t let hidden termites turn your dream purchase into a nightmare. In this episode, we dig into why a prepurchase timber pest inspection is an absolute must - and why it's a smart move to separate your building and pest inspectors. From uncovering what a pest inspector really looks for, to understanding how independent assessments can save you thousands down the track, we break it all down. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, this episode could be the best inspection you listen to before signing that dotted line.

Tune in - because what you don’t see can hurt you!