Mortein Insecticide

Mortein is a globally recognized brand of household insecticide with a history dating back to the 1870s. It was founded in Australia by J. Hagemann, a German immigrant who originally developed an insecticidal powder from crushed chrysanthemum flowers. The brand's name is a portmanteau of the French word 'mort' (dead) and the German word 'ein' (one), effectively meaning 'dead one'. Mortein became an iconic Australian brand through innovative marketing, most notably featuring the cartoon character 'Louie the Fly' in television advertisements since 1957.

In 1969, the brand was acquired by the British company Reckitt & Colman, which later merged to become Reckitt Benckiser and is now simply known as Reckitt. Today, Mortein is managed as a key part of Reckitt's hygiene and home care portfolio. While its heritage is firmly rooted in Australia, the brand has expanded significantly into international markets, particularly in India, Pakistan, South Africa, and Southeast Asia. Manufacturing occurs in multiple locations globally, including dedicated facilities in Australia and various regional sites such as those in India and the Philippines, to serve its diverse international customer base.