Because the mosquito control business is dominated by seasonal traffic in the majority of U.S. markets, Mosquito Hunters, the rapidly-growing outdoor pest control franchise, leverages a proven model that allows franchisees to use the off-season for the planning and strategy that leads to long term success, as well as adequate ‘ramp-up’ time for new entrepreneurs signing onto the franchise.

Temperature plays a key role in the start of mosquito season. Mosquitoes thrive in warm weather and, in general, activity begins when the temperature reaches the 50° F range. As the temperature begins to rise, the mosquito volume increases, and the season typically reaches its peak during the hot summer months.

“With our business, the revenue peaks in a particular wave of the year,” said Ronald Ens, a franchise development manager for Mosquito Hunters. “Our brand has a 12-to-14-week power window in the spring and summer where a franchisee does 75% of their sales for that year. We want to make sure their business is in order and operational before that window opens and we hit the ground running.”

Aside from areas with year-round temperate climates, Mosquito Hunters’ services are typically in demand right up until the beginning of winter. During the winter, Mosquito Hunters franchisees use the time to train, prepare and ramp up for the busy spring and summer seasons. Winter is also an ideal time for prospective candidates to invest in the brand. 

These few months of planning can be extremely useful for new owners. A new Mosquito Hunters franchisee can get their business in order throughout the winter months, acquiring the necessary licensing and certification for business and becoming versed in the necessary training to hit the ground running when mosquito season begins. The brand’s standard operating cycle is to speak with prospective franchisees in the late summer, fall and early winter

“It’s beneficial for new franchisees to use the fall and winter months to get their legwork done in front of that window, and it can ensure they are launching their business with the fullest potential,” said Eric Martin, senior vice president of franchise development for Mosquito Hunters' parent franchisor, Happinest Brands. “The off season is also an ideal time for our franchisees to target new commercial accounts, which are becoming a much larger part of our business. Commercial customers are typically working on their budgets for the following year in the winter months. It’s a perfect time for us to approach this type of customer and get them set up on our program for that following season.”

Focusing on franchise development during the winter season can also ensure the most comprehensive model is in place before the start of mosquito season. As part of training, Mosquito Hunters franchisees receive insights on the brand’s cloud-based systems, call center protocols and customer policies. New franchisees will also learn about Mosquito Hunters’ advertising strategy, which uses avenues such as social media, pay-per-click, lawn signs, door hangers or other local mediums. 

“We want local communities to know we are there before the mosquito season opens,” Martin said. “It’s a huge advantage when a local strategy can be shaped before the season starts.”

A seasonal business also means that Mosquito Hunters franchisees enjoy both the security of regular income and the luxury of a flexible schedule with plenty of room for adding quality time for the things they love. Franchisees know far in advance when they’ll be busy and when they’ll have time to take family vacations, learn new hobbies or plan for important occasions. 

In addition, Mosquito Hunters’ services don’t require property owners to be on site during treatment. This means that franchisees can either choose to be hands-on themselves, or delegate responsibilities to trusted employees. 

Either way, the mosquito control business opportunity means entrepreneurs can rely on recurring revenue and a flexible schedule that leaves more time for friends and family.

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/.