By Marina Gomide
Got termites in your house? Ants crawling up your walls? Cockroaches flying across your kitchen? Who are you going to call? Luke Scott, your local pestie.
Beerwah local Luke, 48, has worked as a pest controller for longer than he can remember and has started his own business in the hinterland area.
Specialising in termites, his main motto is that people should trust their local pestie who know what they’re doing and offer a personal service.
“With bigger companies, you don’t have the personal connection and trust that you get with a sole trader who lives in the area, knows his clients, and offers guaranteed expertise on the issue,” he said.
Having bought into Program Pest franchise, he has access to help and promotions, as needed. Being a successful businessman, however, depends not on the company but on his name and reputation. This is why he puts so much more emphasis on personalised care. Having a background in hospitality has also helped him refine his customer service skills to offer that personal touch.
Originally born and bred in the Snowy Mountains, New South Wales, Luke moved to Queensland when he was 18 to play footy which included for the North Queensland Cowboys and Redcliffe Dolphins.
Luke emphasises the importance of hiring a pest controller that is efficient and knowledgeable, particularly given the amount of wilderness surrounding hinterland houses.
“You need someone who knows what they’re doing, not just spraying chemicals but identifying the source of the problem because if it isn’t dealt with properly, it becomes a catastrophe,” he explained.
This means that his methods are not just about chemicals, even though all the chemicals he uses are kid- and pet-safe. It involves teaching the owner how to stop and prevent pests in their home without the need for sprays. Hoping to connect with more locals, Luke is offering a special promotion throughout October and November to do a termite inspection and full pest control for only $250. You can contact him via email at luke@programpest.net or call 0474 811 333.
