Mosquito Hunters, the rapidly growing outdoor pest control franchise, allows franchisees to position their business for an explosive first full spring roll out by signing on through the Mid-Season Rollout Program (MRO). Since summer is considered peak season at Mosquito Hunters, beginning between April and August gives an owner plenty of time to get their business on the map, train, prepare and socialize the brand. 

“If a candidate is looking at joining Mosquito Hunters in the Spring, the power window has already opened, but we can still help owners on board, train and start in the MRO,” said Eric Martin, Senior VP of Franchise Development at parent franchisor Happinest Brands. “This gives them time to learn the business, get licensed correctly, start onboarding some customers, focus on ground game and nurture customer and community relationships. It’s not as fast paced as a spring launch, and allows owners to work out the kinks a bit before they get into the full marketing program the following season.” 

The MRO program allows new owners to train, obtain licenses and begin their “Ground Game,” activities such as networking and marketing at the local level. By opening this way, franchisees are able to learn the business and be in position to capitalize on full season customers the following year. 

Martin noted that owners that have done it this way have had incredible first full seasons because they are ready to handle the waves of customers that come in the March, April and May timeframe. Two examples of Mosquito Hunters franchisees who opened this way are Barry Maranville and Ross Lindsey. Maranville signed on during the mid-season of 2022, making 2023 his first full year, while Lindsey signed on as a mid-season roll out in 2021, and had his first full year in 2022.

The Preparation Period

Maranville says that the MRO program made him feel better prepared. The franchisee noted that he used that time to get licensed, something that can take a significant amount of time in Texas, preparing his business operations and speaking to other owners in the Mosquito Hunters system. 

“Looking back, this is how I was meant to do this,” he said. “It gave me time to make sure I had everything set up right. I wasn’t rushed in any way. So when the start of the season came on, I didn’t feel panicked about being prepared enough — I was excited.” 

Lindsey, who had a very successful year in 2022, describes the MRO as the perfect scenario. “It allowed us to kind of take our time,” he said. “Instead of starting right away at the very beginning, I had the opportunity to take my time, figure out all the processes and test them out slowly.”

He added that Mosquito Hunters’ assistance with marketing was a huge benefit. During the preparation period, Mosquito Hunters pushes “Ground Game” marketing efforts such as door hangers and yard signs, Google reviews, social media and more to build brand awareness. 

“There is a lot to prepare for in any market, and the more prepared you are, the stronger you will be going into your full roll out season,” said Martin. “It’s a smart way to begin and allows an owner to keep their marketing dollars set aside for the following Spring. Everyone who joins us gets a full Spring selling season. It’s a matter of it being on the frontend of year one or the backend. Having it on the backend puts a first time owner in a much better position to thrive and capitalize on this important window.”

Is It Less Stressful This Way? 

Although opening with Mosquito Hunters at any point in time is a great opportunity for prospective franchisees, many owners who open through the MRO program believe it to be less stressful than if they had done otherwise. 

“A MRO is much less stressful for a new owner,” said Martin. “If they have a job or another business, it allows them to keep that going while they are easing into the operation here. When someone trains in the winter, the spring comes around fast. It’s a lot going on for someone who is brand new.” 

One of the top things Lindsey did to take away a lot of the stress of opening was shadowing another Mosquito Hunters owner. “I think everybody works better hands on, so being able to go out and do it was great,” he said. “I did a ride along with another Mosquito Hunters owner and followed him around and watched how the process works in action, as opposed to on videos. It just gave me that time to get my hands dirty and learn, process and digest all the backend information.” 

Maranville noted that, though everyone’s situation is different, he believes opening in the way he did was right for him. 

“There was no rush,” he said. “I had that time to train on the vehicle, the products and the sprayers. I got to a point where I felt confident that I was doing the right thing. So for me, that mid-season rollout really prepared me. I wouldn't change it.” 

The total investment necessary to open a Mosquito Hunters franchise ranges from $89,107-$116,187. The franchise license fee ranges from $30,000 to $40,000. For more information on franchising opportunities with Mosquito Hunters, visit https://mosquitohuntersfranchise.com/.