Preview: figures awaiting verification
Some numbers on this page haven't been checked against their sources yet.
Mosquito and Tick Control Business
A recurring outdoor service that treats home yards for mosquitoes and ticks every few weeks through the warm months, with a real licensing hurdle in California before you can work for hire.
Figures last verified October 31, 2026
$2,413 – $8,223*Pending verificationSourcesSprayer Depot — Solo 451/466 motorized backpack mist blower(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Solutions Pest & Lawn — Maruyama MM91V mist blower(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Sprayer Depot — Kings SpaceSaver 100 gallon skid sprayer, model KS100(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California DPR — Licensing and Certification Program Fee Table, effective 8/5/2024(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California DPR — Pest Control Business License requirements (Rev. 7/24)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner — 2026 agricultural pest control business registration(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026San Bernardino County Agriculture/Weights & Measures — 2026 agricultural pest control business registration letter(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — 2025 Instructions for Form FTB 3522 (LLC tax voucher)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed from 9 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Startup cost
Coming soon
Time to first revenue
High
Difficulty
High
Physical demand
Yes
Can run solo
Strong: about April–October, peak in summer
Seasonality
* Startup cost excludes budget lines we haven't sourced yet.
Risk Meter
Eight factors from this guide's own data, each scored 1 (lowest risk) to 5 (highest). Every score shows why.
Overall risk
Moderate
2.8 out of 5
Average of 6 of 8 factors, weighted equally. 1 is the lowest risk and 5 the highest. It measures risk, not how much you'll earn, and it isn't a prediction. How we score risk.
Money at risk
Not scoredAt least $8,223
4 startup lines aren't sourced yet, so the real total is higher. We'll score this once the budget is complete.
Time to earn it back
Not scoredNot scored yet
Some startup or operating cost lines aren't sourced yet, so a payback time would look shorter than it really is.
Franchise closure rate
2 / 55.9% a yearPending verificationSourcesMosquito Joe 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Mosquito Squad 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 29, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Mosquito Authority 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued May 7, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Mosquito Shield 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 8, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Closures = terminations + non-renewals + outlets that ceased operations, divided by franchised outlets at the start of the year.
Average of 4 brands: Mosquito Joe 5.8% (2025); Mosquito Squad 3.5% (2025); Mosquito Authority 4.9% (2025); Mosquito Shield 9.4% (2025). Our calculation from each FDD's Item 20.
Loan default rate
2 / 54.6% vs 7.2% for all industriesPending verificationSourceSBA 7(a) FOIA loan-level data, files as of September 30, 2026 (our count by NAICS code)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Charged off = the SBA wrote off the unpaid balance after the borrower stopped paying. An industry code can include businesses unlike this one.
33 of 714 SBA 7(a) loans to Exterminating and Pest Control Services (NAICS 561710), approved FY2010–2019, were charged off. Our count from the SBA's loan-level data; 67 loans were still open, so the final rate may be slightly higher.
Demand trend
2 / 5Growing fasterPending verificationSourcesU.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2019, U.S. file (cbp19us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026U.S. Census Bureau — County Business Patterns 2023, U.S. file (cbp23us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026
Exterminating and pest control services (NAICS 561710) employer establishments +10.5% (14,966 to 16,535) vs +5.1% for all industries, 2019–2023.
Licensing and rules
5 / 5Heavy
Spraying yards for hire needs a state license: an SPCB Branch 2 Operator license (two years of field experience) or a DPR Qualified Applicator License plus a Pest Control Business license (see Licensing).
Customer concentration
1 / 5Many customers
Seasonal treatment plans sold to many households.
Physical demand
5 / 5High
From the guide's at-a-glance rating; see the risks section for details.
Franchise vs. Independent
Same type of business. Two very different paths.
Franchise fee
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $25,000 – $54,500Pending verificationSourcesMosquito Joe 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Mosquito Squad 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 29, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Mosquito Authority 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued May 7, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Mosquito Shield 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 8, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Range across 4 franchise brands.
- Independent
- $0
Initial investment
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $39,500 – $220,375Pending verificationSourcesMosquito Joe 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Mosquito Squad 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 29, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Mosquito Authority 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued May 7, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Mosquito Shield 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 8, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 7 estimated initial investment (includes the franchise fee), across 4 brands.
- Independent
- $2,413 – $8,223*Pending verificationSourcesSprayer Depot — Solo 451/466 motorized backpack mist blower(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Solutions Pest & Lawn — Maruyama MM91V mist blower(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Sprayer Depot — Kings SpaceSaver 100 gallon skid sprayer, model KS100(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California DPR — Licensing and Certification Program Fee Table, effective 8/5/2024(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California DPR — Pest Control Business License requirements (Rev. 7/24)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner — 2026 agricultural pest control business registration(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026San Bernardino County Agriculture/Weights & Measures — 2026 agricultural pest control business registration letter(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — 2025 Instructions for Form FTB 3522 (LLC tax voucher)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed from 9 startup budget line items: lean plan low to professional plan high. Some lines are not sourced yet and are excluded.
Ongoing royalties
- Franchise (4 brands)
- 8% – 10% of revenuePending verificationSourcesMosquito Joe 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Mosquito Squad 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 29, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Mosquito Authority 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued May 7, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Mosquito Shield 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 8, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Percent of gross revenue, across 4 brands.
- Independent
- None
Operating costs (5 years)
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $20,345 – $20,545Pending verificationSourcesInsureon — pest control business insurance cost(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026California DPR — Licensing and Certification Program Fee Table, effective 8/5/2024(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner — 2026 agricultural pest control business registration(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026San Bernardino County Agriculture/Weights & Measures — 2026 agricultural pest control business registration letter(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California Franchise Tax Board — 2025 Instructions for Form FTB 3522 (LLC tax voucher)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Five years of the operating costs we have sourced so far (insurance, software, fees), charged to both paths.
- Independent
- $20,345 – $20,545
Brand, training, and support
- Franchise (4 brands)
- Included
- Independent
- You build your own
5-year total cost
- Franchise (4 brands)
- $125,177 – $407,353
- Independent
- $22,758 – $28,768*
5-year totals assume $96,387–$180,180 in yearly revenue (our forecast presets at full volume), the same sourced operating costs (insurance, software, fees) on both paths, and both the lean and professional independent plans. Franchise investment figures come from each brand's disclosure (FDD Item 7) and already include the franchise fee. * Excludes independent startup lines we haven't sourced yet. Adjust the assumptions.
What franchisees report taking in
From each brand's own disclosure (FDD Item 19), copied exactly. These are gross sales before royalties and costs, not profit, and not a promise of what you will earn.
Mosquito Joe
Item 19 reports 2025 gross sales, customers and jobs for 407 franchised businesses open all year, split by age, plus customer retention and revenue per treatment.
- Average 2025 gross sales, 117 franchised businesses in their first 5 years (not profit)$208,341 a yearPending verificationSourceMosquito Joe 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross sales before royalties and expenses. 43 of 117 (36.7%) reached this average; range $15,737 to $931,009. Your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross sales, 117 franchised businesses in their first 5 years (not profit)$164,899 a yearPending verificationSourceMosquito Joe 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross sales before royalties and expenses. Excludes businesses that closed or did not report the full year.
- Average 2025 gross sales, 290 franchised businesses open 6+ years (not profit)$444,223 a yearPending verificationSourceMosquito Joe 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross sales before royalties and expenses. 105 of 290 (36%) reached this average. Your results may differ.
- Median 2025 gross sales, 290 franchised businesses open 6+ years (not profit)$288,923 a yearPending verificationSourceMosquito Joe 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross sales before royalties and expenses.
Mosquito Squad
Item 19 reports 2025 gross revenue per territory by quartile for 217 territories open all year, plus close rates, renewal rates, revenue per visit and per customer, and a company-owned profit and loss.
- Average 2025 gross revenue per territory, 217 territories open all year (not profit)$493,200 a yearPending verificationSourceMosquito Squad 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 29, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross revenue before royalties and expenses. 77 of 217 (35%) exceeded it. Many franchisees own several territories. Your results may differ.
- Average 2025 gross revenue, top-quartile territories (54 territories, not profit)$1,147,855 a yearPending verificationSourceMosquito Squad 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 29, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross revenue before royalties and expenses.
- Average 2025 gross revenue, bottom-quartile territories (55 territories, not profit)$101,689 a yearPending verificationSourceMosquito Squad 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 29, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross revenue before royalties and expenses. The lowest territory reported $19,138.
Mosquito Authority
Item 19 shows a 2024–2025 profit and loss for one company-owned territory in Hickory, North Carolina, and 2025 gross revenue for 125 franchisees (507 territories) open both years.
- Average 2025 gross revenue per franchisee, 125 franchisees operating 507 territories (not profit)$463,228 a yearPending verificationSourceMosquito Authority 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued May 7, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Per franchisee, not per territory; many own several territories. Gross revenue before royalties and expenses. Your results may differ.
- 2025 total gross sales, one company-owned territory in Hickory, NC, open since 2009 (not profit)$389,156 a yearPending verificationSourceMosquito Authority 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued May 7, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Includes $35,545 of general pest service. A mature, staffed single territory; a new owner's first years are likely lower.
Mosquito Shield
Item 19 shows 2025 gross sales for 66 reporting franchisees with two or more full seasons, a company-owned business's 2025 income and costs, and system-wide customer and retention figures.
- Average 2025 gross sales per franchisee, 66 reporting franchisees with 2+ full seasons (not profit)$398,950.19 a yearPending verificationSourceMosquito Shield 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 8, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Per franchisee, not per territory: they average 5.38 territories each. Excludes 45 non-compliant units and units that opened, closed or did not report. 20 (30%) exceeded the average.
- Median 2025 gross sales per franchisee, same 66 franchisees (not profit)$235,812.18 a yearPending verificationSourceMosquito Shield 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 8, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Gross sales before royalties and expenses. Range $49,388.54 to $2,732,473.11. Your results may differ.
What a franchise does give you
Franchises cost more, but the fees buy real things. Weigh them honestly.
- National brand in mosquito, tick and flea control, part of the Neighborly group
- Required direct-marketing program run by the franchisor (direct mail, digital, social)
- Initial training and a set software system for scheduling and billing
- A large owner network: 407 franchised businesses at the end of 2025
- Long-running national mosquito and tick brand
- Truck outfitting package of tanks, pump and blowers installed for you (or buy your own)
- Initial training with printed operations and pesticide applicator manuals
- Option to work under an employee's or partner's pesticide license while you get your own
- Lowest-cost entry of the four through the smaller Hometown territory
- Opening inventory, vehicle outfitting and a first-year marketing package arranged by the franchisor
- Initial training, plus training courses while you obtain your pesticide license
- Part of Main Line Brands, with 521 franchised businesses at the end of 2025
- Starter package with a prepared laptop, three months of products, software, call-center and SEO services
- Customized service vehicle with a dual-tank refill system and two backpack blowers
- Initial training (hotel costs included in the starter package)
- A growing system: 407 franchised territories at the end of 2025
Going independent means
- You keep 100% of what you earn after costs — no royalties.
- You build your own brand, systems, and customer base.
- You need more self-reliance, especially in the first year.
Startup Budget
One-time costs to launch, from cited sources. Totals are added up from the lines below.
| Item | Low | Mid | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas backpack mist blower (sprayer)Pending verificationSourcesSprayer Depot — Solo 451/466 motorized backpack mist blower(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Solutions Pest & Lawn — Maruyama MM91V mist blower(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Solo 466 at Sprayer Depot ($692.96) to Maruyama MM91V at Solutions Pest & Lawn ($822.25). | $693 | $758 | $822 |
| Starting supply of insecticide products | Data coming soon | ||
| Safety gear (respirator, gloves, eye protection, spill kit) | Data coming soon | ||
| DPR Qualified Applicator License (QAL), applicationPending verificationSourceCalifornia DPR — Licensing and Certification Program Fee Table, effective 8/5/2024(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026 | $180 | $180 | $180 |
| DPR QAL exams (laws and regulations, plus one category exam)Pending verificationSourceCalifornia DPR — Licensing and Certification Program Fee Table, effective 8/5/2024(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026$115 per exam on DPR's fee table; two exams counted here. Each extra category exam is another $115. | $230 | $230 | $230 |
| DPR Pest Control Business license (main office)Pending verificationSourcesCalifornia DPR — Pest Control Business License requirements (Rev. 7/24)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California DPR — Licensing and Certification Program Fee Table, effective 8/5/2024(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026$360 per calendar year. Licenses run on a 2-year cycle by name, so a first application can cost $360 or $720. | $360 | $540 | $720 |
| County agricultural commissioner registration (per county, yearly)Pending verificationSourcesLos Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner — 2026 agricultural pest control business registration(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026San Bernardino County Agriculture/Weights & Measures — 2026 agricultural pest control business registration letter(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 20262026 fees: Los Angeles County $60, San Bernardino County $100. Each county sets its own; you register in every county you work in. | $60 | $80 | $100 |
| LLC filing (Articles of Organization)Pending verificationSourceCalifornia Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026 | $70 | $70 | $70 |
| LLC Statement of InformationPending verificationSourceCalifornia Secretary of State — LLC forms and fees(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026 | $20 | $20 | $20 |
| California LLC annual tax (first year)Pending verificationSourceCalifornia Franchise Tax Board — 2025 Instructions for Form FTB 3522 (LLC tax voucher)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Due soon after the LLC is formed; owed every year after that. | $800 | $800 | $800 |
| Scheduling, routing and billing software | Data coming soon | ||
| Marketing launch (yard signs, door hangers, website) | Data coming soon | ||
| Total (sourced lines only) | $2,413 | $2,678 | $2,942 |
Share of mid estimate
- Gas backpack mist blower (sprayer)28%
- DPR Qualified Applicator License (QAL), application7%
- DPR QAL exams (laws and regulations, plus one category exam)9%
- DPR Pest Control Business license (main office)20%
- County agricultural commissioner registration (per county, yearly)3%
- LLC filing (Articles of Organization)3%
- LLC Statement of Information1%
- California LLC annual tax (first year)30%
Budget spreadsheet
Every line with its sources, included in the complete kit.
Mid is the halfway point between low and high where a source gives only a range.
The total leaves out 4 lines we haven't sourced yet. We don't guess.
24-Month Forecast
An example to plan with. Every assumption is yours to change.
This is an estimate, not a prediction
Ticket is Mosquito Joe's 2025 average revenue per treatment (FDD Item 19). Jobs per week, the 12-month ramp, 15% for product, fuel and upkeep, and the seasonal shape are our assumptions, not operator data. Change any assumption to match your market. Your results will differ.
- Break-even
- Month 2
- Year-1 revenue
- $45,623
- Year-2 profit
- $77,837
Show monthly table
| Month | Jobs | Revenue | Costs | Profit | Cumulative cash |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Mar) | 5.2 | $482 | $413 | $69 | -$2,609 |
| 2 (Apr) | 37.8 | $3,505 | $867 | $2,638 | $29 |
| 3 (May) | 53.9 | $4,995 | $1,090 | $3,904 | $3,933 |
| 4 (Jun) | 68.9 | $6,382 | $1,298 | $5,084 | $9,017 |
| 5 (Jul) | 80.8 | $7,492 | $1,465 | $6,027 | $15,044 |
| 6 (Aug) | 87.9 | $8,149 | $1,563 | $6,586 | $21,630 |
| 7 (Sep) | 82.7 | $7,667 | $1,491 | $6,176 | $27,806 |
| 8 (Oct) | 61.5 | $5,696 | $1,195 | $4,500 | $32,306 |
| 9 (Nov) | 13.6 | $1,256 | $529 | $727 | $33,033 |
| 10 (Dec) | 0.0 | $0 | $341 | -$341 | $32,692 |
| 11 (Jan) | 0.0 | $0 | $341 | -$341 | $32,351 |
| 12 (Feb) | 0.0 | $0 | $341 | -$341 | $32,010 |
| 13 (Mar) | 26.0 | $2,410 | $702 | $1,707 | $33,717 |
| 14 (Apr) | 138.7 | $12,852 | $2,269 | $10,583 | $44,300 |
| 15 (May) | 156.0 | $14,458 | $2,510 | $11,948 | $56,248 |
| 16 (Jun) | 164.7 | $15,261 | $2,630 | $12,631 | $68,879 |
| 17 (Jul) | 164.7 | $15,261 | $2,630 | $12,631 | $81,510 |
| 18 (Aug) | 156.0 | $14,458 | $2,510 | $11,948 | $93,459 |
| 19 (Sep) | 130.0 | $12,048 | $2,148 | $9,900 | $103,359 |
| 20 (Oct) | 86.7 | $8,032 | $1,546 | $6,486 | $109,845 |
| 21 (Nov) | 17.3 | $1,606 | $582 | $1,024 | $110,870 |
| 22 (Dec) | 0.0 | $0 | $341 | -$341 | $110,529 |
| 23 (Jan) | 0.0 | $0 | $341 | -$341 | $110,188 |
| 24 (Feb) | 0.0 | $0 | $341 | -$341 | $109,847 |
Pricing
What customers typically pay, from large-sample cost data.
What customers pay
- One-time mosquito treatment (national)$135 – $251Pending verificationSourceFixr — mosquito control cost (updated December 31, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026No published sample size. Recurring plans cost less per visit than one-time treatments.
- Full season of treatments (national)$373 – $694Pending verificationSourceFixr — mosquito control cost (updated December 31, 2025)(opens in a new tab)Tier 2 · Industry report · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Fixr's national average is $518. Treatments about every 21 days from late spring to early fall. No published sample size.
- Average revenue per treatment, Mosquito Joe franchises (2025)$92.68Pending verificationSourceMosquito Joe 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 1, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19: average gross sales per treatment across 407 franchised businesses (median $92.66). A real-world recurring-visit price, not a quote.
- Average revenue per service visit, Mosquito Squad franchisees (2025)$99Pending verificationSourceMosquito Squad 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 29, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Table 4: 71 franchisees (192 territories); quartile averages ranged from $72 to $129.
- Average revenue per customer per year, Mosquito Shield (2025)$756.54 a yearPending verificationSourceMosquito Shield 2026 FDD (Minnesota CARDS), issued April 8, 2026(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026FDD Item 19, Table 2: system-wide among reporting franchisees, including add-on tick and perimeter services.
What similar businesses take in
Context only, not a promise of what you will earn. Government figures cover every business in the industry; guide figures are rougher. Tap the source icon to see which is which. These are revenue, before costs.
- Average receipts per solo (nonemployer) business, NAICS 56171 Exterminating and pest control services, 2023$53,739 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — Nonemployer Statistics 2023, U.S. file (nonemp23us)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed by us: $867,188,000 total receipts ÷ 16,137 nonemployer businesses. Covers all pest control, not only mosquito work. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
- Average receipts per employer firm with fewer than 5 employees, NAICS 561710 Exterminating and pest control services, 2022$236,662 a yearPending verificationSourceU.S. Census Bureau — Statistics of U.S. Businesses 2022, U.S. and states by 6-digit NAICS(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Computed by us: $2,102,035,000 receipts ÷ 8,882 firms. Employer firms only; covers all pest control. Shown for context only — not a promise or prediction of your results.
Key Risks and How to Manage Them
Licensing takes time and may need experience
In California you cannot spray for hire without the right state license, and it is not obvious which one applies. The Structural Pest Control Board route requires two years of field experience for the license that lets you own a company.
How to manage it: Call DPR and the Structural Pest Control Board before buying equipment, describe exactly what you will treat, and plan the exam timeline (or a licensed partner) into your launch date.
A short, intense season
Most revenue arrives between April and October. Winter months bring little or no income while insurance, the LLC tax and loan payments continue.
How to manage it: Sell prepaid season plans, keep a cash reserve from summer, and consider off-season work such as general pest or holiday services.
Heavy, hot, repetitive work
A full gas backpack mist blower is heavy, and you walk every yard in summer heat wearing protective gear. For someone in their mid-50s this is a real strain over 20 or more yards a week.
How to manage it: Plan short routes, work early mornings, keep water and shade on the truck, and budget for a helper or a lighter battery unit as volume grows.
Pesticide exposure and liability
Drift onto a neighbor's yard, a pond, a pet, or flowering plants that bees visit can cause harm, complaints and claims. Standard liability policies may exclude pesticide claims.
How to manage it: Follow every label exactly, avoid spraying blooms and windy days, keep records of each application, and confirm your insurance covers pesticide and pollution claims.
Changing pesticide rules
California regulates pesticides more strictly than most states, and products or methods you rely on can be restricted or need new training.
How to manage it: Keep up with continuing education, follow DPR and county notices, and build your service around more than one product.
Competing with national brands' marketing budgets
Franchise owners in this field are required to spend $35,000 or more a year on local marketing, so they are visible in many neighborhoods.
How to manage it: Compete on personal service and reliability, focus on a few neighborhoods for route density, and ask happy customers to refer their neighbors.
Licensing by State
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction.
More states are coming.
A general guide only. Rules change and vary by city and county — confirm with your local government before you start.
Which agency licenses yard mosquito spraying? It depends on what you treat
Pending verificationPending verificationSourcesCalifornia DPR letter PML 2005-09 — mosquito control licensing and certification (revision of PML 2003-05)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026UC ANR Pests in the Urban Landscape — Who can do perimeter spraying for hire in California? (Sept. 30, 2021)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Structural Pest Control Board — the three branches of structural pest control(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026California splits this work between two agencies. DPR guidance (letter PML 2005-09) says structural pest control companies with a Branch 2 (General Pest) license may control mosquitoes outdoors in the immediate environment of a home, while mosquito control outside that area needs a DPR Pest Control Business license with the health-related Category K. UC guidance treats spraying landscape plants and turf as landscape work under a DPR license (QAL Category B). A typical barrier spray onto shrubs around a house could arguably fall under either, and we did not find a single rule that settles it. Ask both agencies in writing, describing the exact service, before you choose a route.
Verify with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, Licensing(opens in a new tab)Route 1: Structural Pest Control Board, Branch 2 (General Pest)
Pending verificationPending verificationSourcesStructural Pest Control Board — the three branches of structural pest control(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Structural Pest Control Board — how to become a licensee(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Structural Pest Control Board — Form 43E-3, operator certificate of training/experience(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Branch 2 covers household pests. You can start with an entry-level Applicator license, but Applicators and Field Representatives may only work for a registered company. To own the company you need an Operator license, which requires two years of Branch 2 field experience including one year as a licensed Field Representative.
Verify with the Structural Pest Control Board(opens in a new tab)Route 2: DPR Qualified Applicator License plus a Pest Control Business license
Pending verificationPending verificationSourcesCalifornia DPR — Pest Control Business License requirements (Rev. 7/24)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California DPR — Licensing and Certification Program Fee Table, effective 8/5/2024(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California DPR letter PML 2005-09 — mosquito control licensing and certification (revision of PML 2003-05)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Any business doing pest control for hire under DPR rules needs a Pest Control Business license, with at least one supervisor holding a Qualified Applicator License (QAL) in the right category (for example B, Landscape Maintenance, or K, Health Related). The business license also requires proof of chemical liability insurance or a bond, and workers' compensation if you have employees. Fees: QAL application $180, $115 per exam, business license $360 a year.
Verify with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation, Licensing(opens in a new tab)County agricultural commissioner registration and use reports
Pending verificationPending verificationSourcesCalifornia DPR — Pest Control Business License requirements (Rev. 7/24)(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner — 2026 agricultural pest control business registration(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026San Bernardino County Agriculture/Weights & Measures — 2026 agricultural pest control business registration letter(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026Before any work, a DPR-licensed pest control business must register each year with the agricultural commissioner in every county where it works, bringing the business license, QAL card and an equipment inventory. You also file pesticide use reports with the county. Fees vary by county (2026: $60 in Los Angeles, $100 in San Bernardino).
Verify with the Your county agricultural commissioner (list on DPR's site)(opens in a new tab)"Natural" or minimum-risk (25(b)) products do not remove the license requirement
Pending verificationPending verificationSourcesCalifornia DPR letter ENF 03-29 — Title 3 CCR section 6147 (25(b)) products(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026California DPR — 25(b) minimum risk product checklist(opens in a new tab)Tier 1 · Primary source · Accessed October 31, 2026Last verified October 31, 2026DPR's guidance (ENF 03-29) says people in the business of pest control for hire who apply exempt minimum-risk products are still subject to DPR licensing and county registration, though they are exempt from pesticide use reporting. Some 25(b) products must still be registered in California, so check each product.
Verify with the California Department of Pesticide Regulation(opens in a new tab)City or county business license
Pending verificationMost California cities require a general business license or tax certificate. Check with the city where your business is based.
Verify with the California Business Portal (CalGold permit finder)(opens in a new tab)
The Playbook
A step-by-step guide from setup to growth.
Phase 1
Setup
- Confirm with DPR and the Structural Pest Control Board which license fits your service
- Study for and pass the license exams
- Form your LLC and get a city business license
- Get insured, including pesticide coverage
- License the business with DPR and register with your county
- Buy your sprayer, safety gear and first products
Phase 2
Launch
Included in the complete kit
Phase 3
Marketing and season plans
Included in the complete kit
Phase 4
Operations and record-keeping
Included in the complete kit
Phase 5
Safety and compliance
Included in the complete kit
Phase 6
Off-season
Included in the complete kit
Phase 7
Hiring and growth
Included in the complete kit
Suppliers and Tools
Vendors independent operators use.
No supplier pays to be listed. If we ever earn a referral fee from a link, it will say “Affiliate link” right next to it.
Application equipment
Backpack mist blowers and truck-bed skid sprayers.
Insurance
General liability (with pesticide coverage), commercial auto and workers' compensation.
The Kit Is Coming
Everything on this page is free. The downloadable kit (playbook, spreadsheets, templates) is in the works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a franchise?
No. The Open Franchise is not a franchise and does not sell franchises. You start and own your business yourself, with no franchise fee, royalties, or territory rules. We sell guides and kits; that's all.
Would buying a franchise take care of the pesticide license for me?
No. All four franchise disclosure documents we read say you must get the required pesticide licenses yourself or hire or partner with someone who holds them.
Can I skip the license if I only use natural or plant-oil products?
Not in California. DPR says businesses applying even exempt minimum-risk products for hire are still subject to licensing and county registration.
When is the busy season?
Roughly April through October, with the most demand in summer. Expect little or no treatment income in winter.
Are these numbers guaranteed?
No. Every cost and price is an estimate from a cited source, shown as a range where possible, with the date we last checked it. Your costs and results will depend on your market and choices.
Figures last verified October 31, 2026. Every number links to its source. See all sources for this page.