History of Mortein
Mortein, a well-known insecticide brand, has its origins in Australia, where it was first developed
in the late 19th century by German immigrant J.H. Heine. Heine created the formula to combat the
prevalent issue of insect infestations in Australian homes. Initially, the product gained popularity
through door-to-door sales, with Heine's 'Mortein' deriving its name from the French word 'mort'
(meaning death) and the German word 'ein' (meaning one), signifying its potency in killing insects
effectively.
As the brand evolved, Mortein expanded its product line to include a wide array of
insect control solutions such as sprays, coils, and electric vaporizers, addressing different
consumer needs for pest control. In the 1950s, Mortein was acquired by the multinational company
Reckitt Benckiser, which helped propel its global reach. The brand became synonymous with innovative
pest control, leveraging advertising campaigns that featured the iconic character 'Louie the Fly,'
which became a cultural touchstone in Australia. Today, Mortein remains a leading name in
insecticides, trusted by millions worldwide for its effective and reliable pest control products.