Laois Chamber Alliance CEO Jackie Carroll caught up with John Bourke of CounterPest recently.
Counterpest is a family run pest control company committed to reliable service throughout Laois and the surrounding counties.
John, who hails from Borris-In-Ossory, explains what inspired him to start the business, how they are different to others in the sector and his hopes for the future.
What inspired you to start this business?
I’ve always been a problem solver, which is at the heart of pest control.
While working for a national pest control company, I studied the market and noticed there were no genuinely home grown pest control businesses in Laois.
Seeing this gap, along with my experience working on the Slieve Bloom Grouse Project surveying and reporting on predators during nesting season, sparked a real passion for the industry and that’s when I decided to turn that passion into my own business
What’s the story behind your business name?
The name CounterPest comes from the idea of counteracting pests.
I wanted something unique, straightforward, and meaningful, and ‘CounterPest’ captured exactly what the business is about so I stuck with it and ran with it.
What sets your business apart from the competition?
What sets CounterPest apart is our personal approach. I meet and speak directly with every client because pest control isn’t one size fits all and every home and business is different.
Whether it’s a small coffee shop or a large food production site, every customer receives the same level of priority, and clients always have direct contact with the person on the ground, which has become one of our strongest selling points.
What’s the most unique or surprising service or product you offer?
One of our most unique services is our in-house CCTV drain inspection.
By investing in our own drain camera, we no longer need to outsource this work, which is especially valuable for domestic clients with recurring rodent issues.
It allows us to identify and fix the root cause of the problem,often resolving it completely without the use of chemicals.
What is different and compelling about what you offer?
What’s different about what we offer is our close integration with clients—we listen carefully and work collaboratively toward the best possible result.
We also carry out our own pest proofing work, which is often overlooked or outsourced in the industry, allowing us to deliver a more complete and effective solution.
Can you highlight some of the key achievements of your business?
Since starting my own business, my outlook on success has completely changed.
One of our key achievements is building a loyal client base, which has allowed us to grow sustainably and reinvest in the best products and equipment to deliver seamless, results-driven service.
Pest control is a profession that often goes unnoticed, yet it plays a vital role in protecting crops and helping to curb the spread of disease and we take great pride in contributing to that work.
What are some of the biggest challenges your business has faced, and how have you overcome these?
A major challenge in our industry is compliance and the removal of certain pest control products, such as Ficam D for wasps. While newer, environmentally friendly alternatives work well, it highlights the need for professional expertise.
We’ve invested in tools like thermal imaging cameras to locate nests precisely and, in the case of bees, pass information directly to beekeepers removing any guesswork when locating the honeycombs.
Another ongoing concern is the misuse of amateur rodenticides, which can lead to resistance and accidental poisoning.
These products are widely available but unregulated in the hands of the public, emphasizing why professional, responsible pest control is essential for safety, effectiveness, and environmental protection.
For any business considering locating in Laois, what would you say are the best things about being located here?
Laois has so many hidden gems, from Ballaghmore Castle and Aghaboe Abbey to numerous historic motte-and-bailey sites. Its central location is fantastic ,within an hour in any direction, there’s opportunity and access to Limerick and Dublin.
Laois is also home to many thriving, family-run businesses in every town and village, making it a supportive and welcoming place to live and work. Honestly, there are worse places to be!
About the Person
What’s your favorite part of being a business owner in Laois?
What I love most about running a business in Laois is that I get to build something meaningful right here where I was born and raised.
The local pest control industry is dominated by big national companies, and being the only truly home-grown provider gives me real pride, it’s about serving my community, doing things my way, and showing that local expertise can compete with the big players.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t know that, for a short time, I held the record for being the world’s youngest person.
What’s your favorite local spot or hidden gem in Laois?
I’m taking you to the other side of the county because the Rock of Bunamaise gets all the credit, but I have to say I love the peace and tranquility of Kyle Cemetery in Ballaghmore where I grew up.
Saint Molua founded an early Christian church there though little of it remains, the impressive bullaun stone and fragments of the monastery still have inscriptions that amaze me every time. It’s a hidden gem that’s well worth a visit.
Fun and Personal
If your business had a theme song, what would it be?
Destination Anywhere-The Commitments
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever received is to keep going every single day.
When you’re starting out, it’s like being a burst football,you’ll get rejected nine times out of ten, but there’s always that one person who will give you a kick and get you moving forward.
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