Aircraft Disinsection Questions, Answered
The basics, the treatment, destinations, and booking, answered the way we would answer on the phone. Anything else, send us your route.
The basics
What is aircraft disinsection?
The treatment of an aircraft interior with an approved insecticide to kill mosquitoes and other insects, required by many countries on arriving aircraft to stop disease vectors crossing borders.
What does disinsection mean?
The word combines dis and insect: removing insects. In aviation it means treating an aircraft so it cannot carry live mosquitoes or other insects into the destination country. It is a public-health measure aimed at the aircraft, and it is documented with a certificate the crew presents on arrival.
Is disinsection the same as disinfection?
No. Disinfection targets pathogens; disinsection targets insects. Different treatments, different rules, and a disinfection record does not satisfy a disinsection requirement.
What does Pure Aircraft Disinsection provide?
Pre-embarkation disinsection: a WHO-approved 2% permethrin aerosol applied to the empty aircraft before boarding, at your US departure point, so the aircraft arrives compliant. We come to your aircraft, nationwide.
Which WHO edition do you work to?
The WHO Aircraft Disinsection Methods and Procedures, 2nd edition, published in 2023.
The treatment
Can passengers be on board during disinsection?
Not for pre-embarkation. It is done on an empty aircraft before boarding, which is one of its advantages over spraying at the arrival gate.
What product do you use?
A WHO-approved, US EPA-registered aircraft aerosol containing 2% permethrin, applied at the WHO-specified rate. It is designed and approved for aircraft cabin use.
Is the treatment safe for passengers and crew?
The product is a WHO-approved aircraft insecticide, applied only to the empty aircraft. The aircraft is ventilated before boarding and boards after the required wait, and there is no spraying with passengers aboard.
How long is a treatment valid?
Pre-embarkation covers one flight sector, the flight it is performed for. Multi-stop routings need a closer look; send us the itinerary.
Does it cover the holds and flight deck?
Yes. Cabin, flight deck and holds are treated as part of the WHO pre-embarkation method.
Do you offer other disinsection methods?
Pre-embarkation is our service. If a destination requires an on-arrival treatment, or if your routing means pre-embarkation at a US airport will not cover the arrival, we tell you that up front.
Destinations
Which countries require disinsection?
Many do. We handle disinsection for US flights to destinations including Australia, New Zealand, Italy, Greece, India, Bangladesh, Jamaica, Chile, Barbados, Paraguay, Brunei, Morocco, the Solomon Islands, Egypt and the Cook Islands. Send us your itinerary and we will confirm what applies.
Do I need disinsection flying to Italy from the US?
Yes, Italy requires it on arriving flights from the US. Tell us your trip and we will confirm exactly what you need.
Does Greece require disinsection now?
Yes. Greece made disinsection mandatory in September 2025 for aircraft arriving from mosquito-risk countries, including the United States. We treat the aircraft at your US departure airport and provide the certificate.
What about Australia and New Zealand?
Both require disinsection on every international arrival and both carry operator paperwork that should be started early. We help operators meet the requirements; contact us to plan ahead.
What if my destination is not on your list?
Send us the route anyway. Requirements change and the list is not exhaustive. We will tell you plainly whether pre-embarkation at your US departure airport is the answer.
What if our routing has a stop before the destination?
Pre-embarkation is performed at the last port before the destination country, so multi-stop routings need a closer look. Send us the full itinerary and we will confirm how to plan it.
Booking and logistics
How fast can you get to us?
Within 24 hours across the central US, and within 24 to 36 hours almost anywhere in the continental US, day or night, with no last minute or overnight fees. For Hawaii, Alaska and US territory departures we arrange scheduled service, so reach out as soon as your trip is on the calendar.
How far in advance should we book?
Same day to next morning across the central US, and within 24 to 36 hours almost anywhere in the continental US. Scheduled bookings made with four or more days of notice are guaranteed for the scheduled departure, and Hawaii, Alaska and US territories such as Puerto Rico are served on a scheduled basis. If you are flying to Australia or New Zealand there is operator paperwork that should be started early; contact us and we will guide you.
Where do you operate?
United States nationwide. We travel to the aircraft at any US departure airport and handle our own logistics.
What do you need to get started?
Destination, departure airport, date and aircraft type. If the routing has stops, include them.
What do we receive after treatment?
The disinsection certificate for the destination authority, plus the treatment details your crew enters on the General Declaration, which the pilot-in-command completes. We take care of the rest of the documentation for the route.
Are you insured?
Yes. Pure Aircraft Disinsection, as part of Pure Aviation Detailing, is fully insured.
How is aircraft disinsection priced?
Per trip, based on the departure airport, the aircraft and the timing. Send us the route and we will come back with a clear quote; there is no published rate card because no two trips are quite the same.
Is there aircraft disinsection near me?
Wherever your aircraft is parked in the United States, yes. We travel to the aircraft at your departure airport, so the nearest provider is the one that comes to you.