Pestech 2025: A National Showcase for Innovations and Collaboration in Pest Control
July and August proved to be standout months for Australia’s pest management industry as Pestech 2025 travelled around Australia – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Newcastle, the Gold Coast, Adelaide and the Sunshine Coast. Our nationwide events combined trade exhibitions, product demonstrations, and expert-led seminars, delivering valuable insights and updates to pest control professionals, suppliers and industry stakeholders.
This year’s seminar program featured a diverse line-up of speakers tackling some of the industry’s most pressing topics. The Fire Ant Eradication Program provided an in-depth update on the ongoing fight against red imported fire ants, while Bryce Peters shared his extensive expertise on formulation testing, pest control recommendations for high-profile facilities such as Parliament House, and the crossover between veterinary flea treatments and pest management practices and a host of other projects throughout his illustrious career.
Agserv’s Andy Knox introduced a range of new resources for technicians, including the Equipment brochure and the Bird brochure, safe work method statements, and step-by-step “How-to guides” covering control methods for spiders, bees and wasps, rodents, ants, cockroaches, and fleas. He also showcased the Jetpack ST18 backpack sprayer, highlighting its practical applications in the field.
Other major presentations included:
- ENVU: An update on the integration of FMC into the ENVU brand, alongside practical advice on pest management processes, treatment planning and the true cost breakdown of chemical use in jobs.
- Syngenta: Practical strategies for achieving stronger results through risk assessments, integrated pest management (IPM) and selecting the right products to match the challenge.
- PCT: A closer look at the company’s pesticide and herbicide range, as well as technical guidance on rodenticides.
- Bell Laboratories: A critical analysis of sensationalised media claims about “mutating super rats” in Sydney, highlighting the importance of evidence-based reporting in pest management.
- Professional Pest Manager Magazine: Phil Ridley announced Nathan Rich as the Pest Technician of the Year, recognising excellence and professionalism in the field.
The events were designed not only for learning but also for fostering connections. Each venue hosted lively trade shows, supported by Agserv’s key sponsors – Bell Laboratories, ENVU, PCT and Syngenta – along with a wide range of exhibitors. Networking opportunities flourished over complimentary lunches and afternoon teas, while raffle prizes added a fun and engaging element to each stop on the road shows.
The sense of camaraderie across all locations underscored the strength of the pest management community in Australia. From technical knowledge to shared experiences, Pestech 2025 succeeded in equipping professionals with practical tools while strengthening industry relationships.
Agserv extends sincere thanks to all sponsors, exhibitors and participants for making Pestech 2025 such a success. The record numbers, collective enthusiasm and engagement set a high benchmark for future events. The first three Pestech events held in Queensland were held a week before the national pest control expo, Pesticon, and the last four were held a week after. Rather than losing momentum after Pesticon, the Pestech events held later in August not only kept the momentum going but increased enthusiasm amongst attendees.
As we look ahead, plans are already underway for Pestech 2026. With the momentum of this year’s achievements, the event promises to continue driving innovation, education and collaboration within Australia’s pest control industry.
