Mortein is a household pest control brand currently owned by Reckitt. Established in the 1870s, it is one of Australia’s oldest and best-known insecticide brands. The company has expanded its operations into markets across Asia, Africa, Oceania, and parts of the Middle East. Mortein produces a wide range of items designed to protect homes from mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, ants, rats, and other common household pests. The brand is particularly recognized for its mosquito control solutions in countries including India, Australia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Philippines 1.

Key Facts

• Brand Name: Mortein
• Industry: Household Pest Control
• Founded: 1870s
• Founder: Johann (J.) Hagemann
• Country of Origin: Australia
• Current Owner: Reckitt
• Headquarters (Brand Origin): Sydney, Australia
• Parent Company: Reckitt
• Product Categories: Insecticides, mosquito repellents, rodent control, pest traps, aerosols, vaporizers, coils, mats, and baits
• Markets Served: Australia, New Zealand, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Philippines, South Africa, Kenya, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and several other countries 2

Origins (1870s)

Mortein was invented in the 1870s by German immigrant J. Hagemann. Frustrated by the prevalence of insects in Australia, Hagemann developed an insecticidal powder using crushed chrysanthemum flowers. These flowers naturally contain pyrethrum, which acts as an effective insecticide 1.

The name “Mortein” is a combination of two words:

• “Mort”: French for “dead”
• “Ein”: German for “one”

This multilingual naming convention reflected Hagemann’s German heritage and the influence of his French wife, creating a memorable association with the elimination of pests 3.

Growth and Innovation

Hagemann partnered with businessman Samuel Taylor to commercialize the product. Following several changes in ownership, the business entity became Samuel Taylor Pty Ltd in 1937.

Over the decades, Mortein introduced various innovations to its product line:

• Original insecticidal powder
• Squeeze puffer (1920s)
• Liquid insecticide with flit gun (1928)
• Pressure-pack aerosol spray (1953), which was among the first commercially produced aerosol insecticides in Australia 1

Acquisition by Reckitt

In 1969, Samuel Taylor Pty Ltd was acquired by Reckitt & Colman, integrating Mortein into one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies. After Reckitt & Colman merged with Benckiser in 1999, the brand became part of Reckitt Benckiser, which is now known simply as Reckitt 1.

Although originally developed for the Australian market, Mortein gradually expanded into international regions.

India

Mortein entered the Indian market in 1993, initially offering mosquito coils, mosquito mats, and aerosol sprays. The product portfolio later expanded to include electric liquid vaporizers (1999), rat kill products (2000), the Insta range, liquid repellents, PowerGard technology, and fast-action mosquito solutions. Today, India remains one of Mortein’s largest markets, where the brand focuses on mosquito-borne disease prevention and awareness campaigns 3.

Mortein offers products categorized under insect control and rodent control.

Mosquito Control

• Liquid vaporizer refills
• Electric mosquito machines
• Mosquito coils
• Mosquito mats
• Aerosol mosquito sprays
• Personal mosquito repellents (availability varies by market)

Flying Insect Control

• Fly spray
• Flying insect aerosol
• Outdoor insect spray

Crawling Insect Control

• Cockroach spray
• Ant killer
• Crawling insect aerosol
• Surface insecticide

Rodent Control

• Rat kill bait
• Rat traps
• Rodent poison

Specialty Products

• Multi-insect sprays
• Fast knockdown aerosols
• Long-lasting barrier sprays
• Indoor and outdoor pest control products 1

Mortein positions itself as a brand dedicated to creating safe, pest-free homes. Its marketing emphasizes family protection, disease prevention, fast-acting performance, long-lasting pest control, and scientific innovation. In countries with high mosquito populations, the brand promotes awareness regarding diseases such as dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and Zika virus 1.

Mortein has a history of notable advertising campaigns. One of its most iconic mascots is Louie the Fly, introduced in Australia in 1957. This animated character became a well-known advertising icon in Australia and inspired similar mosquito-themed characters in some international markets 1.

The company was also among the pioneers of Australian television advertising, with one of the country’s earliest TV commercials airing shortly after television was introduced in the 1950s 1.

Throughout its history, Mortein has evolved from natural pyrethrum-based powders to modern insecticides that typically use synthetic pyrethroids and other active ingredients. These formulations are designed to provide rapid knockdown and residual protection. Exact formulations vary by product and country to comply with local regulations 1.

Mortein products are sold in numerous countries, including:

• Australia
• New Zealand
• India
• Pakistan
• Bangladesh
• Sri Lanka
• Philippines
• South Africa
• Kenya
• Fiji
• Papua New Guinea
• Morocco
• Algeria
• Tunisia
• Egypt
• Libya
• Mauritania 2

With a history spanning more than 150 years, Mortein is one of the world’s longest-established household insecticide brands.

1. About Mortein & Our Pest Control History | Mortein AU
2. Mortein
3. How Does Mortein Work? | Mortein IN | Mortein