Imagine launching a business that helps families reclaim their yards from mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas—all while making outdoor living safer and more enjoyable. Mosquito Joe, founded in 2010 in Virginia Beach and franchising since 2012, has grown into a national outdoor pest control brand with more than 430 territories across 38 states and the District of Columbia.
Now part of the Neighborly® family since 2018, the franchise offers structured support, strong branding, and operational flexibility.
This article is sponsored by Mosquito Joe. The content has been created in partnership with the brand to provide insights into its business model and franchise opportunities.
Industry Context and Market Demand.
Public awareness of mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile Virus, Lyme disease, and Zika has fueled demand for outdoor pest control services. Arizton Advisory & Intelligence reports continued growth in the pest control industry, driven by affordability and heightened health concern.
Mosquito Joe’s seasonal treatment model is well-suited to recurring customer patterns, creating an opportunity for long-term engagement in both residential and light commercial segments.
What Differentiates Mosquito Joe.
- Environmental Leadership through participation in the EPA’s Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP), underscoring a commitment to responsible and low-risk treatment methods.
- Strong Branding with the trademarked “Outside is fun again®” message, reinforced through signature vehicle wraps and uniforms that promote local recognition.
- Executive Ownership Structure where franchisees manage teams of certified technicians, rather than performing treatments directly.
- Veteran Incentives through VetFran, offering initial fee discounts for qualified former military owners.
Franchisee Operations: A Snapshot.
Typical responsibilities for a Mosquito Joe franchise owner include:
- Coordinating technician schedules and routes
- Managing service inquiries and customer follow-ups
- Overseeing local marketing campaigns and referral networking
- Engaging with Neighborly cross-brand leads and support teams
Most operations are home-based, reducing overhead by eliminating the need for physical storefronts and simplifying setup.
Training and Support Framework.
Mosquito Joe offers a robust franchise infrastructure including:
- Sure Start Program: Pre-opening training on operations, marketing, and staffing
- MoJo University: Ongoing education modules and regional workshops
- 24/7 Call Center Services: MoJo Line handles customer inquiries and scheduling
- Marketing Support: Templates and SEO tools tailored for local promotion
- Peer Network and Coaching: Annual conferences and one-on-one franchise Business Coaches available.
Technical assistance is supported by corporate entomologists and regular field updates to treatment protocols, enabling franchisees to implement new strategies efficiently.
Startup Investment for a Mosquito Joe Franchise.
Based on the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), here’s a snapshot of estimated investment costs for a single-unit franchise:
| Expenditure Category | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise Fee | $42,500 | $42,500 |
| Marketing Program/Setup | $38,000 | $38,000 |
| Local Marketing (first 12 mo.) | $35,000 | $35,000 |
| Equipment, Signage, Vehicle Setup | ~$8,500 | ~$16,500 |
| Technology & Software | $2,600 | $5,100 |
| Training & Onboarding | $100 | $2,000 |
| Insurance, Supplies, etc. | $6,000 | $7,000 |
| Licensing & Professional Fees | $100 | $4,200 |
| Additional Working Capital (3 mo.) | ~$17,000 | ~$28,050 |
| Total Estimated Investment | $151,155 | $193,075 |
These figures are sourced from the FDD and may vary by location and setup decisions.
Multi-Unit Investment (Area Development)
Mosquito Joe also offers area development agreements for multi-territory growth:
| Developer Costs | Low Estimate | High Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Franchise + Development Fees | $85,000 | $187,500 |
| Build-Out and Setup Costs | $108,655 | $150,575 |
| Total Developer Investment Range | $193,655 | $338,075 |
Consult the FDD and a franchise advisor before pursuing multi-unit agreements.
Ideal Candidate Profile.
Mosquito Joe seeks individuals who:
- Are motivated by leadership and community impact
- Prefer a home-based, service-oriented business structure
- Value established brand identity and systems support
- Do not require prior pest control experience to succeed
Key traits include strong customer service orientation, willingness to learn, and ability to manage teams.
Why Mosquito Joe Stands Out.
- A focused solution in outdoor pest control with a mission-driven brand
- Participation in EPA PESP underscores environmental stewardship
- National support system through Neighborly and ProTradeNet®, which in 2023 resulted in $98 million in vendor savings and $8.7 million in rebates for franchisees system-wide
- Flexible operations that align well with seasonal demand and quality-of-life objectives
Is This the Right Franchise for You?
Mosquito Joe can be a good match for entrepreneurs seeking a structured, community-focused, service-based franchise. The opportunity is tailored for those who prioritize:
- Repeat customer relationships
- Low-overhead, home-based operations
- National branding and shared resources
The Franchise Brokers Association can help you compare Mosquito Joe with other home-service franchises and assess fit based on your goals, preferences, and financial readiness.
