Franchisor Stories
Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: A three-in-one home-based franchise model offering mosquito control, pest control, and holiday lighting services year-round.
Pest Hunters-Mosquito Hunters-Holiday Humbug Lighting (Hunters-Humbug) is a growing pest control franchise touting an entirely mobile, home-based business model that requires no traditional brick-and-mortar office space (which helps keep overhead low). The brand was founded by Andy Fuller in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2013, began franchising in 2015 and today operates more than 140 locations in the United States.
Mission: To help communities enjoy outdoor spaces safely and beautifully by offering expert pest control and holiday lighting services.
Vision: The Hunters-Humbug vision is one of growth, partnering with fellow Happinest brand Lawn Doctor* to expedite growth by leveraging a seasoned corporate team and advanced data analytics.
Hunters-Humbug is expanding nationwide, with franchise opportunities available in high-demand markets across the U.S. Current target areas include Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.
Initial Costs: The estimated initial investment required to begin operation of a Hunters-Humbug franchise ranges from $141,295 to $170,743. The 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) breaks these costs down as follows:
| Type of Expenditure | Min | Max |
| Initial License Fee | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Initial Marketing Program, Training, Supply & Support Fee | $57,000 | $57,000 |
| Service Vehicle Deposit | $8,350 | $16,700 |
| Service Vehicle Lease Payment | $1,200 | $1,525 |
| Computer Software | $415 | $656 |
| Computers | $0 | $2,000 |
| Opening Mosquito Control Inventory | $500 | $1,000 |
| Holiday Lighting Startup Inventory Package | $6,000 | $14,000 |
| Holiday Lighting Startup Equipment Package | $2,400 | $2,800 |
| Uniforms | $250 | $500 |
| Rental Space | $0 | $3,000 |
| Bookkeeper | $400 | $600 |
| Training Expenses | $1,900 | $4,400 |
| Utility/Security Deposit | $200 | $200 |
| Insurance | $800 | $1,000 |
| Additional Funds (3 Months) | $11,880 | $15,362 |
Initial Franchise Fee: According to the 2025 FDD, the initial franchise fee for a Hunters-Humbug franchise is $107,000, due in full upon signing the franchise agreement. This fee includes:
Ongoing Fees: According to the 2025 FDD, Hunters-Humbug franchisees are responsible for the following ongoing payments and fees:
| Type of Fee | Amount |
| Royalty & Service Fee | 10% of net revenues/week |
| Technology Fee | $150 - $250/month |
| Out-of-Territory Royalty Fee | 15% of net revenues earned outside of assigned territory/week |
| Local Advertising Obligation | Greater of $8,000 or 2% of net revenues/2 months |
| Centrally Managed Media Fund Contributions | Greater of $26,500 or 7% of net revenues/2 months |
| Centrally Managed Tools & Programs Fund Contributions | Greater of $3,000 or 1% of net revenues/week |
ROI Potential: Hunters-Humbug does not disclose ROI data in its FDD.
Hunters-Humbug provides guidance to prepare franchisees for launch, including site/territory assistance. While the business is typically home-based, the franchisor also offers standards for any necessary rental or storage space and provides detailed specifications for essential signs, opening inventory and other supplies. A list of approved suppliers and help with the initial setup of bookkeeping systems is also provided.
New owners must complete a mandatory initial training program that includes approximately 36 hours of classroom and on-site instruction at the corporate headquarters in Florida. This curriculum covers business management, financial planning, sales and technician roles. A separate two or three day program is conducted in New Jersey specifically for the Humbug Holiday Lighting service line covering installation, removal and sales tactics. Franchisees can also access an online learning management system.
Hunters-Humbug offers a scalable model supported by a national call center managing customer inquiries, marketing and processing of transactions. Ongoing guidance is delivered through a confidential operating manual (and periodic consultations with supervisory personnel). The franchisor also administers centrally managed marketing funds.
Franchisees are provided with specialized computer software programs tailored for the management of both pest control and holiday lighting operations. The franchisor also provides an extranet system for real-time access to updated standards, marketing materials and proprietary procedures. Field operations are facilitated by specialized equipment such as mist blowers and the proprietary Smart Repellent System, which is required to deliver the brand's treatment solutions.
Hunters-Humbug does not specify any franchisee requirements with regard to liquid assets or net worth.
The brand is looking for franchisees with strong people skills and a track record of leadership and sales, traits that help build customer relationships and manage teams. While prior pest control experience isn’t required, successful owners typically bring management experience, a strong work ethic and the ability to execute proven business systems. The brand values franchisees who can engage with their local community, drive growth through service quality and lead employees effectively as the business scales.
Running a Mosquito Hunters franchise requires day-to-day operational oversight and active local relationship-building. Owners often meet with technicians at the start of the day to confirm trucks are stocked with products, paperwork and supplies, handle scheduling through the brand’s proprietary software, and stay responsive to customer calls and emails. Local networking is also part of the job, including community and business events that help drive referrals and visibility.
Semi-absentee ownership can work with the right structure, but it is not hands-off. In a semi-absentee setup, owners typically hire a manager to handle daily operations while the owner remains accountable for the business and stays engaged in key relationships with customers, employees, vendors and the local community.
Franchise financing options available directly through the brand. Some expenses may be financed with franchisor support.
“We live in our backyard. And we always used the service for the last five years. Joining up with Mosquito Hunters, it felt almost at home with this family-oriented business structure. They gave us a lot of support. It’s very team-oriented. It’s pretty simple in my eyes: it’s following the model. At the end of the day, the most important thing for us is time with our family. And, with Mosquito Hunters, it just makes our lives easier.”
- Josh Corle, Franchise Owner — Jersey Shore, New Jersey
The American pest control market was valued at $20 billion in 2019, a valuation that is expected to more than double by 2034 (CAGR of 5.4% annually). Driving this growth is an increasing awareness of vector-borne diseases (ticks/mosquitoes), increased time spent on home improvement/outdoor living and the impact of climate change on longer pest seasons. Growing demand for eco-friendly, non-toxic and biological control solutions also plays a role.
Overall, the pest control services sector presents promising opportunities for growth and investment, driven by increasing demand for quality and innovation.
Hunters-Humbug distinguishes itself through a proprietary service model that combines mosquito control, perimeter pest control and holiday lighting to provide a more recurring revenue stream. The brand’s national sales call center and guarantee program help the chain stand out.
In terms of competition, Hunters-Humbug faces several notable players in the pest control services realm, including Mosquito Squad, Mosquito Joe, MosquitoNix, Mosquito Authority, Orkin and Terminix. However, Hunters-Humbug’’s array of services and particular focus on quality and customer satisfaction set the chain apart in a crowded marketplace.
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