Pest Authority franchise unit economics
Pest Authority franchisees sell repeat indoor and outdoor pest control and moisture control to homes and businesses across one or more territories.
Pest Authority franchise at a glance
Pest Authority’s 2026 FDD, issued 7 May 2026, makes no financial performance representation in Item 19, so it gives no sales or profit figure. A Pest Authority franchise costs $25,500 to $105,700 to open, including an initial fee of $25,000 for a Full-Size territory or $12,500 for a Hometown territory.
- A Pest Authority franchise pays a monthly fee of 7.5% of gross revenues, with a minimum from year two that rises from $200 to $700 a month, plus a 2% National Marketing Fee.
- A Pest Authority franchise must spend the greater of $7,800 or 5% of gross revenues a year on local advertising and pays a software fee of $100 to $1,500 a month.
- Pest Authority had 341 franchised territories and 1 company-owned territory at the end of 2025.
- Pest Authority opened 87 franchised territories in 2024 and 2 in 2025, and Item 20 reports no terminations or non-renewals from 2023 to 2025.
These figures come from Pest Authority's 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document, as the brand reported them, and were read by Averan Advisors.
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Talk to Averan → Averan Pest Authority Conversion Package →- Item 19 contains no financial performance representation. The franchisor states that it does not make representations about a franchisee’s future financial performance or the past performance of company-owned or franchised outlets. A buyer of an existing outlet may be given that outlet’s actual records.
- Above $156,000* of annual revenue, three charges take 14.5%* of gross revenues. They are the 7.5% monthly fee, the 2% National Marketing Fee and the 5% local advertising minimum. Below $156,000*, the $7,800 local advertising floor applies, so the share is higher.
- The minimum monthly fee starts in year two and reaches $700 a month from year seven. At $700 a month, 7.5% of gross revenues is greater than the minimum above $112,000* a year. Territories four to six bought by the same owner carry a lower minimum in years two to five.
- Two fees are $0 today and capped at $750 a month each. One covers local website pages, Google Business Profiles, reputation management and SEO; the other covers social media management and review responses. If the franchisor sets either fee, it is due from the date stated in its notice.
- Openings fell from 87 in 2024 to 2 in 2025. Franchised territories went from 346 to 341 during 2025, with 7 that ceased operations for other reasons. Item 20 reports no terminations or non-renewals in 2023, 2024 or 2025.
Revenue
What the Pest Authority FDD discloses about revenue
The FDD makes no financial performance representation. Item 19 states that the franchisor does not make any representations about a franchisee’s future financial performance or the past financial performance of company-owned or franchised outlets, and does not authorize its staff to make any.
A buyer of an existing outlet may be given that outlet’s actual records. Item 19 allows this for an outlet the buyer is considering buying. It gives no figures for any other outlet.
The FDD gives no revenue, cost or profit figure for the company-owned territory. The franchisor opened that territory in Hickory, North Carolina in 2023, where it also runs a company-owned Mosquito Authority business.
The figures on this page are the FDD’s charges, its cost-to-open estimate and its territory counts. Figures marked with an asterisk are Averan calculations from those printed figures.
Territory
Territory and services
| Franchise type | Territory | Initial franchise fee |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Size | At least 35,000 single-family dwellings above a $75,000 median household income, or above the area median where it is lower | $25,000 |
| Hometown | A smaller community, with no set minimum number of dwellings or income level | $12,500 |
Source: Items 1, 5 and 12. Item 1 states that the initial investment and other fees are the same for both types; only the initial franchise fee differs.
Pest Authority businesses provide indoor and outdoor pest control and moisture control to residential and commercial customers. Item 1 lists ants, cockroaches, spiders, rats, mice, wasps and pantry pests among the usual targets. Mosquito, tick, fly and spotted lantern fly control are excluded, except commercial fly control.
Termite, bed bug, wildlife and bird control are allowed only for qualified franchisees with the franchisor’s permission. Item 1 states that termite and wood-destroying organism work may need extra state licenses, bonds and inspections.
The territory is not exclusive. Item 12 states that, while the franchisee is in compliance, the franchisor will not operate or license another full-service Pest Authority business in the territory. The franchisor keeps the right to sell through other channels and to run national and regional accounts in the territory.
Pest Authority franchisees may compete with Mosquito Authority businesses. The same franchisor sells Mosquito Authority franchises, with 521 franchised Mosquito Authority businesses at the end of 2025.
Minimum fees
Minimum monthly fee by year and territory
| Territory | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | None | $200 | $300 | $400 | $500 |
| Second | None | $200 | $300 | $400 | $500 |
| Third | None | $200 | $300 | $400 | $500 |
| Fourth | None | $100 | $200 | $300 | $400 |
| Fifth | None | $100 | $200 | $300 | $400 |
| Sixth | None | $100 | $200 | $300 | $400 |
| Total as filed | None | $900 | $1,500 | $2,100 | $3,000 |
Source: Item 6, note 1. The year-five column adds to $2,700*, not the $3,000 printed in the total row. For a single territory, the minimum is $600 a month in year six and $700 a month from year seven through any renewal term.
Item 19 does not split territories into bands, quartiles or ranges. With no revenue data, this section shows the fixed minimum the FDD sets for each territory.
The monthly fee is 7.5% of gross revenues or the minimum, whichever is greater. No minimum applies in year one. The minimum is $200 a month in year two and rises $100 a year to $700.
The minimum applies below these annual revenue levels per territory. Year two, $32,000*; year three, $48,000*; year four, $64,000*; year five, $80,000*; year six, $96,000*; year seven on, $112,000*. Each figure is the monthly minimum times twelve, divided by 7.5%.
Territories four to six carry a minimum $100 a month lower in years two to five. In year five that is $400 a month, which applies below $64,000* of annual revenue. Item 6 states that a new franchisee is generally not allowed to buy more than two territories.
Brand charges
Brand charges
| Charge | As filed | At $156,000* |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly fee (royalty) | 7.5% of gross revenues, or a minimum from year two of $200 a month rising $100 a year to $700, whichever is greater | $11,700 |
| National Marketing Fee | 2% of gross revenues; may rise to 3% on written notice | $3,120 |
| Minimum local advertising | Greater of $7,800 or 5% of gross revenues a year, spent with approved suppliers | $7,800 |
| Technology and software | $100 to $1,500 a month by prior 12 months’ gross revenue | $3,600 |
| Local website, SEO and reputation | Currently $0; may rise to no more than $750 a month | $0 |
| Social media management and review response | Currently $0; may rise to no more than $750 a month | $0 |
| Total, and % of gross revenue | $26,220 (16.81%) |
Source: Item 6 and its notes. The software fee is $300 a month for $150,000.01 to $250,000 of prior 12 months’ revenue. Other fees: transfer fee $7,500 ($3,500 for a buyer already in one of the franchisor’s systems), successor franchise fee $3,500, annual conference non-attendance fee the greater of $699 or the registration fee, additional on-site assistance $750 to $1,250 a day, late fee $100. Card processing fees are paid to the designated processor.
At $156,000 of annual gross revenue, the recurring charges total $26,220*, or 16.81%*. Above that level, the monthly fee, the National Marketing Fee and local advertising take 14.5%* of gross revenues, and the software fee rises by $100 a month for each tier of prior-year revenue.
Local advertising is money the franchisee spends, not a payment to the franchisor. It goes to approved advertising suppliers, and the franchisor must approve all advertising first. Contributions to any special campaign the franchisor sets count toward it.
The National Marketing Fee is 2% of gross revenues and can rise to 3% on written notice. The two digital fees are $0 today and capped at $750 a month each.
Royalty and marketing payments begin at opening, or 120 days after the franchisor signs the agreement if earlier. The franchisor may require the monthly fee more often than once a month on 30 days’ written notice.
Cost to open
Cost to open
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Initial franchise fee | $12,500 | $25,000 |
| Pre-opening and first-year marketing package | $0 | $25,000 |
| Expenses during initial training | $1,000 | $1,500 |
| Computer hardware and technology | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| Opening inventory | $1,500 | $3,000 |
| Storage facility | $0 | $200 |
| Vehicle | $0 | $30,000 |
| Service vehicle outfitting package | $4,000 | $5,000 |
| Insurance (annual premium) | $2,500 | $4,000 |
| Additional funds, first three months | $3,000 | $10,000 |
| Total | $25,500 | $105,700 |
Source: Item 7. Item 7 prints the marketing package as “Up to $25,000”; the low total of $25,500 includes $0 for it. The vehicle line assumes the franchisee owns or leases a qualifying vehicle; Item 7 note 7 puts the purchase price at $20,000 to $45,000.
Item 7 puts the cost to open at $25,500 to $105,700. The cover page states that $23,000 to $38,000 of it is paid to the franchisor or its affiliate. The low end uses the $12,500 Hometown fee and the high end the $25,000 Full-Size fee.
Item 5 states a different range for opening inventory. Item 5 puts opening inventory and supplies at $2,500 to $5,000; the Item 7 line is $1,500 to $3,000.
A second and each further agreement signed at the same time as the first is discounted 30%. For a Full-Size territory that is $17,500*. Qualifying veterans receive 15% off, and the franchisor may defer up to half the fee over 36 months at 8% a year. During 2025 the franchisor sold several territories at $5,000 to existing Mosquito Authority franchisees.
Item 11 states that a franchise typically opens within 3 months of signing. The additional funds line covers the first three months and does not include an owner’s salary or draw.
Locations
Locations, 2023 to 2025
| Year | Start | Opened | Terminated | Non-renewed | Reacquired | Ceased, other | End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 228 | 35 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 263 |
| 2024 | 263 | 87 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 346 |
| 2025 | 346 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 341 |
Source: Item 20, Tables 1 to 5, and Exhibit C. Each territory is counted as one outlet, and many franchisees hold several. Company-owned outlets: 0 at the start of 2023 and 1 at the end of 2023, 2024 and 2025.
Franchised territories went from 346 to 341 during 2025. 2 opened, none were terminated or not renewed, and 7 ceased operations for other reasons. Exhibit C notes that 2 of the 7 belonged to a franchisee who renewed with fewer territories after remapping.
Openings were 35 in 2023, 87 in 2024 and 2 in 2025. That is 124* over the three years. Item 20 reports no terminations or non-renewals in any of the three years.
Territories changed owners 8 times in 2023, 18 times in 2024 and 12 times in 2025. Of the 341 territories at the end of 2025, 29 were Hometown franchises.
No franchise agreements were signed but not opened at the end of 2025. Item 20 Table 5 projects 16 new franchised territories in 2026.
Questions we get asked
Questions owners ask
How much does it cost to open a Pest Authority franchise?
Item 7 of the 2026 FDD puts the total at $25,500 to $105,700. The initial franchise fee is $25,000 for a Full-Size territory or $12,500 for a Hometown territory, and the vehicle line runs $0 to $30,000 for an owned or leased vehicle.
What fees does a Pest Authority franchisee pay?
A monthly fee of 7.5% of gross revenues, with a minimum from year two that rises from $200 to $700 a month, and a National Marketing Fee of 2% that can rise to 3%. Franchisees must also spend the greater of $7,800 or 5% of gross revenues a year on local advertising and pay a software fee of $100 to $1,500 a month.
How much does a Pest Authority franchise make?
The FDD does not say. Item 19 makes no financial performance representation, so there are no revenue, cost or profit figures for franchised or company-owned territories. A buyer of an existing territory may be given its actual records.
How many Pest Authority locations are there?
At the end of 2025 there were 341 franchised territories and 1 company-owned territory. 29 of the franchised territories were Hometown franchises. The franchised count fell from 346 during 2025.
How big is a Pest Authority territory?
A Full-Size territory has at least 35,000 single-family dwellings above a $75,000 median household income, or above the area median where it is lower. A Hometown territory serves a smaller community and has no set minimum.
When does the minimum monthly fee apply?
From year two, when 7.5% of a month’s gross revenues is less than the minimum for that year. At the $700 minimum from year seven, that is below $112,000* of annual revenue per territory.
Questions worth putting to Pest Authority
These are questions the filing leaves open. An owner or a buyer can put them to the franchisor directly.
- Is the revenue in Item 19 gross sales or collected revenue, and how many locations sit below the average?
- Which factors does Pest Authority see in its highest-selling locations, such as territory, years open and staffing?
- How long does a new location take to reach the average you publish, and what does the build-up look like month by month?
- At what level of sales do the minimum charges stop applying and the percentage take over?
- How many Pest Authority locations closed, were sold, or changed hands last year, and why?
Run your own numbers.
The Franchise Numbers Check runs the same checks on your own numbers. It scores where you stand and compares you with Item 19 of your brand’s FDD. It works out what one location earns and spends, and builds a 13-week cash forecast. It also checks whether you are ready to open another one. It is free and it runs in your browser.
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Questions owners ask next
The figures above raise these, and each one is answered on its own page.
- At what level of sales does a minimum fee stop costing me more than the percentage?It works out the sales level where a minimum fee stops applying.
- How much cash do I fund before a new location covers its own costs?It builds a 13-week forecast for the months before break-even.
- What does this location earn on the money I put into it?It works out the payback period and cash-on-cash return for one unit.
- How much of Item 19 can I rely on?It explains what an Item 19 financial performance representation tells you and what it leaves out.
Where these figures come from
Every figure here comes from Main Line Brands LLC’s 2026 FDD and is unaudited by us. We are unaffiliated with the brand. Calculations of our own are labeled where they appear. The figures describe past performance at other businesses and are not a projection of yours. This page is an educational summary. It is not an offer to sell a franchise, and it is not financial, legal or tax advice. Pest Authority is a trademark of its owner. How Averan reads a Franchise Disclosure Document.
These figures come from the brand's disclosure. They are not a forecast, an offer to sell a franchise or advice. Source: Main Line Brands LLC, 2026 Franchise Disclosure Document, issued 7 May 2026.