Starting a new business always comes with challenges, especially in a competitive industry like pest control. That’s why  Mosquito Squad Plus , the growing concept under the  Authority Brands umbrella, is setting itself apart with a bold move. “The space we are in is very competitive, so as a way to differentiate ourselves, we are waiving the fee for 12 months,” Vice President of Franchise Development  Josh Minturn said. “It accomplishes two goals: One, it accomplishes a marketing goal, and two, it helps with the franchisees’ business.” Supporting the Ramp-Up Period Mosquito Squad businesses require a ramp-up period as franchisees build recurring customer bases. Removing royalty fees during that critical first year helps owners focus on growth rather than overhead. “In order to help our franchisees meet their goals, we find it important to give them an opportunity to go into the business without the burden of royalty for the first year,” Minturn said. “It helps them get the ramp up, gather customers and depressurize the situation of starting a brand new business.” The typical Mosquito Squad royalty fee starts at 10% and then decreases to 8% over time. By delaying that cost until after year one, franchisees can focus on marketing, operations, and customer service without worrying about additional expenses. Reducing Early Expenses Minturn says that the royalty-free initiative also tackles another major challenge for startups: limited revenue in the beginning stages. “When you don’t have revenue coming in, the last thing you want are more expenses,” he said. “So having one fewer expense to pay when there is limited revenue is important. We eliminate that burden through the process.” The offer isn’t just temporary — it’s available for the foreseeable future. “Anybody who joins our system is eligible for the discount. By way of differentiating ourselves, this is a great one and also provides value to the franchisee,” Minturn said. “We want long-lasting franchise businesses, so we are willing to participate in the challenges of year one so the franchise can get on the ground and on their feet before these expenses.” Beyond Mosquito Control While the royalty-free period is a unique financial incentive, Mosquito Squad also continues to stand out through  its evolving service model and expansive territories . “We used to focus almost exclusively on mosquitoes — we were primarily outdoor and backyard focused,” Minturn said. “More recently, we added general pest control and rodent control for our service offerings, so we can go more interior. It’s not just bugs that live out in the yard. We are able to provide a broader service offering under one franchise.” Additionally, Mosquito Squad territories are three to five times larger than competing brands, ensuring franchisees have plenty of opportunity to build a robust client base. “If you build the territory too small, you don’t have enough at-bats to get it right,” Minturn said. “We have built our territory in such a way that you can capture the amount of people that you need. That is very significant and really communicates the heart of the business. Because they succeed, we will too.” Why Now Is the Time According to Mosquito Squad's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document,   with  $124,299,210 in systemwide sales in 2024 , expanded services and growing demand for pest control, Mosquito Squad is already a strong opportunity. The royalty-free first year makes it even more compelling for entrepreneurs ready to enter the booming home services industry. “Most of our competitors don’t offer anything close,” Minturn said. “This is a very tangible way we support new owners.” To learn more about franchising with Mosquito Squad, visit:   https://1851franchise.com/mosquito-squad .