The pest control sector is universally needed, but the most popular brands are dominated by men. In comes MissQuito, a mosquito control franchise founded and led by women.
“What can we do that will set women up for success outside of the normal industry?” General Manager Natasha Oldham said. Her goal was to set up a brand that can create business opportunities for women.
Natasha Oldham is the general manager of MissQuito.
The Atlanta-based company has two territories, a corporate location in Atlanta and a franchised location that just opened in Cleveland, Ohio. The brand launched in 2020 and started franchising this year. MissQuito is under the Rollins umbrella, which also owns Orkin, Safeguard and Waltham Pest Services, among other pest control brands.
“Mosquito control is a pretty simple service that’s provided, but it’s an effective service,” Oldham said.
The brand chose the franchising route for expansion because it wanted to easily given women the opportunity to open their own businesses.
“It’s easy to work for someone, but it’s harder, but more rewarding, to work for yourself,” Oldham said.
Oftentimes women are the ones playing outside with their families or pets, she said. “We’re spending a lot of time outside. So, how can we effectively not only run a business, but take care of families in the process?” Oldham said.
MissQuito, she said, is the answer.
The brand is open to expanding anywhere, but it’s centering its efforts in the southeastern United States, where the weather is muggier and most often people deal with the impacts of mosquitos in their yards.
MissQuito is looking for franchisees with a professional mindsest, regardless of their educational or career backgrounds, Oldham said.
“That flexibility, and someone who is just looking for growth potential,” she said.
The brand has year-round and seasonal opportunities, depending on where a franchisee is looking to open their business.
“We cater to kind of what the individual is looking for,” Oldham said.
Popular mosquito control franchises include Mosquito Squad, Mosquito Joe and Mosquito Authority. In 2021, Mosquito Joe had 413 units and systemwide sales hit $122.2 million. In the same year, Mosquito Squad’s sales hit $102.4 million across 237 units, all but three of which are in the United States. Mosquito Authority’s global sales hit $57 million across its 528 territories.
Related: Mosquito Squad’s New VP of Strategic Growth Focusing on Local Public Health