Cleared for Takeoff: How Repeltec Keeps Airports Pest-Free

Airports are among the busiest places on the planet, with thousands—sometimes millions—of people passing through daily. With this constant flow of passengers, luggage, and cargo comes an unwelcome side effect: pests. Bedbugs hitch rides in suitcases, cockroaches scurry through food courts, and mosquitoes sneak in from tropical destinations, turning terminals into prime real estate for infestations.

Managing pests in an airport is no easy task. Unlike homes or offices, airports operate 24/7, leaving little room for traditional pest control methods that rely on chemical sprays, fumigation, or traps. Strong pesticides can pose health risks in areas with a lot of traffic, while temporary fixes often fail to address the root of the problem. The result? A never-ending battle against insects that not only disrupt passenger comfort but also pose hygiene risks, damage airport reputations, and can even lead to regulatory fines.

Repeltec offers just the solution for this: Unlike conventional insecticides, Repeltec uses an innovative, non-toxic coating technology that repels insects without killing them. Applied to key surfaces in airports—seating areas, luggage handling zones, restrooms, and more—it creates a long-lasting barrier that keeps pests away without disrupting operations or endangering travelers.

With Repeltec, airports can take a proactive approach to pest management, ensuring a cleaner, safer, and more hygienic environment for passengers and staff alike. In this post, we’ll explore why airports are particularly vulnerable to infestations, the challenges of keeping them pest-free, and how Repeltec offers an effective, eco-friendly solution that helps keep pests grounded for good.

Pest Control in Airports- A Challenge

Keeping an airport pest-free is no small feat. Unlike homes, offices, or even hotels, airports are massive, dynamic environments that never truly shut down. With thousands of travelers moving through each day—along with their luggage, food, and personal belongings—airports create the perfect conditions for pests to thrive. From bedbugs and lice hiding in seats to cockroaches and fruit flies scavenging in food courts, the challenges of pest control in these high-traffic hubs are complex.

1. High Passenger Turnover and Global Exposure

One of the biggest challenges is the sheer number of people passing through airports. Travelers come from all over the world, and with them, pests can easily hitch a ride. Bedbugs, for example, can be stowaways on luggage and clothing, spreading between countries undetected. Similarly, mosquitoes and other insects that carry diseases can enter via open doors, cargo holds, and even aircraft cabins, increasing the risk of infestations.

2. Multiple Pest Hotspots in One Location

Airports aren’t just places for travelers—they’re full of restaurants, lounges, restrooms, and cargo facilities, each presenting different pest control challenges.

• Food courts and lounges attract cockroaches and flies due to food waste.

• Baggage claim areas can become breeding grounds for bedbugs transported in luggage.

• Restrooms offer a humid environment perfect for insects like flies.

• Cargo zones frequently receive shipments from different climates, increasing the risk of invasive pests.

With so many potential infestation points, a one-size-fits-all approach to pest control simply doesn’t work.

3. Strict Regulations and Passenger Safety

Because airports are public spaces with food service areas and high sanitation standards, traditional pest control methods—such as chemical sprays or fumigation—are often impractical or even restricted. The use of strong pesticides near food, seating areas, and children’s play zones can pose health risks, making it difficult to find an effective yet safe solution.

4. 24/7 Operations and Limited Downtime

Unlike hotels or offices, airports don’t close for pest control treatments. Any solution must work discreetly without disrupting airport operations, passenger movement, or staff routines. Traditional extermination methods, which often require temporary shutdowns, are simply not viable in such a fast-paced environment.

Given these challenges, airports need an approach that is effective, non-toxic, long-lasting, and safe for high-traffic areas— exactly Repeltec’s strong points.

How Repeltec Provides a Solution

With airports facing constant pest threats and traditional control methods proving impractical, a smarter, more adaptable approach is needed. Unlike conventional insecticides that rely on toxic chemicals or short-lived sprays, Repeltec provides a long-lasting, eco-friendly solution that keeps pests away without harming people, animals, or the environment.

1. A Non-Toxic, Passenger-Safe Alternative

Airports are public spaces where safety is a top priority. Traditional pest control often involves chemical treatments that can pose health risks to travelers, staff, and even sensitive or vulnerable groups like children and pregnant women. Repeltec, however, is dermatologically tested, non-toxic, and free from harmful substances, making it safe for use in lounges, seating areas, baggage claim zones, and even food courts. Passengers can sit, eat, and move around without worrying about exposure to pesticides.

2. Long-Lasting Protection Without Disruption

Because airports operate 24/7, shutting down for routine pest control is not an option. Many insect repellents require frequent reapplication or deep-cleaning procedures that can disrupt daily operations. Repeltec, on the other hand, bonds to surfaces and remains effective for an extended period, offering a continuous, invisible layer of protection without requiring constant upkeep. This means pest management teams can apply it once and focus on other priorities instead of repeatedly spraying or setting traps.

3. Multi-Surface Application for Maximum Coverage

Repeltec is designed to be applied on a variety of surfaces, making it perfect for airports where pests can lurk in different locations:

• Seating areas & lounges – Prevents bedbugs from hiding in fabric seats.

• Luggage handling zones – Stops pests from hitching rides on baggage.

• Restrooms & waiting areas – Repels insects like cockroaches and flies.

• Food courts & cafes – Keeps flies and crawling pests away from dining areas.

• Cargo & storage areas – Prevents infestations from incoming shipments.

4. We don’t kill, We repel – A Smarter Pest Control Strategy

Traditional pesticides work by killing insects, which can lead to pesticide resistance and unintended ecological consequences. Repeltec’s technology repels insects instead of poisoning them, disrupting their ability to land and bite without harming beneficial species. This eco-conscious approach aligns with modern sustainability goals while still ensuring effective pest control.

By integrating Repeltec into airport maintenance routines, airports can reduce infestations, enhance hygiene, and provide a more comfortable experience for travelers—without relying on harmful chemicals or operational downtime.

Where Repeltec Can Be Applied in Airports

Airports are vast, multi-functional spaces where pests can find countless hiding spots. From passenger lounges to cargo storage, each area presents different pest challenges. Fortunately, Repeltec can be applied to a wide range of surfaces, ensuring comprehensive protection throughout the airport.

1. Passenger Seating & Lounges

Bedbugs are known for hitching rides in luggage and can easily infest fabric seats in waiting areas and lounges. Repeltec can be applied to chairs, benches, and sofas, preventing these unwanted travelers from settling in and causing discomfort for passengers.

2. Baggage Handling & Claim Areas

Luggage passes through multiple hands and environments, making baggage carousels and storage areas prime hotspots for pest transmission. Treating these zones with Repeltec helps stop bedbugs, cockroaches, and other pests from spreading through suitcases and cargo.

3. Food Courts & Restaurants

Food attracts pests like flies, cockroaches, and ants. Traditional pest control methods often involve harsh chemicals that can’t be used around food, but thanks to its NSF-certification, Repeltec offers a non-toxic solution that helps keep pests away from tables, counters, and food storage areas.

4. Restrooms & Waiting Areas

Restrooms provide the moisture and warmth that insects like flies and cockroaches thrive in. Applying Repeltec to walls, floors, and partitions can create a pest-free environment without the need for constant chemical treatments.

5. Cargo & Storage Facilities

Incoming shipments bring not just goods but sometimes unwanted pests from other countries. Treating cargo zones with Repeltec can help prevent infestations before they spread throughout the airport.

By applying Repeltec strategically across key airport locations, pest risks can be significantly reduced—ensuring a cleaner, safer environment for travelers and staff alike.

Conclusion

Airports are high-traffic zones where pests can easily spread, making effective pest control essential. However, traditional methods often rely on harsh chemicals that pose risks to passengers and require frequent reapplication.

Repeltec offers a smarter, safer solution. Its non-toxic, long-lasting formula repels pests without harming people, animals, or the environment. Applied to seating, baggage areas, food courts, restrooms, and cargo zones, Repeltec helps prevent infestations before they start—without disrupting airport operations.

Unlike insecticides that kill pests, Repeltec works by repelling insects, thus reducing their ability to settle or bite. This makes it a sustainable, passenger-friendly alternative that supports modern hygiene and safety standards.

By integrating Repeltec into routine maintenance, airports can ensure a cleaner, more comfortable environment for travelers and staff alike—keeping pests off the flight list for good.