The label is the law. Rates and restrictions below are taken from the product labels listed under Sources. Your product's own label governs; read it before you mix or apply. Mixing calculator · Disclaimer
- Active ingredient
- Tetramethrin
- Chemical class
- Pyrethroid; IRAC lists tetramethrin, and its (1R)-isomers, in Group 3A sodium channel modulators.[2]
- Mode of action
- IRAC Group 3A: Sodium channel modulators: pyrethrins and pyrethroids[2]
- Signal word
- Real-Kill Household Flying Insect Killer: Caution[1]
Ventilation before you go back in
Besides the 15-minute closed-room step for gnats and moths, the use restrictions say to wait two hours after application, then open windows, vents and doors for two hours more.[1]
If you can still smell it after that, the label says the room needs more ventilation. Nobody should re-enter until vapors, mists and aerosols have cleared.[1]
Where it is used
For houseflies and mosquitoes, aim the nozzle away from people and spray in short bursts. Sweep up and throw away the fallen insects afterward.[1]
For roaches, ants, crickets, sowbugs, centipedes, firebrats and spiders, hit as many as you can directly, then spray cracks, under sinks and behind stoves and refrigerators.[1]
For fleas and brown dog ticks, throw out old pet bedding and spray where pets sleep. Treat dogs and cats with a registered flea product before they go back in.[1]
In the pantry, toss infested packages, spray the empty shelves, and line them with clean paper once dry before putting food back.[1]
Products and registrations
| Product | Registrant | EPA Reg. No. | Active % | Formulation | Signal word |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real-Kill Household Flying Insect Killer[1] | Realex, Division of United Industries Corporation | 478-93 | 0.25% | aerosol spray (with 0.15% phenothrin) | Caution |
Label rates
| Product | Use | Pests | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real-Kill Household Flying Insect Killer | Closed indoor rooms | Small flying moths and gnats | 5–10 seconds of spray per average room[1] Shut doors and windows, then sweep the spray slowly upward toward the middle of the room. Leave the room closed for 15 minutes and air it out well before going back in. |
Safety and environmental hazards
People
Signal word CAUTION: causes moderate eye irritation and is harmful if swallowed or inhaled. Don't breathe the vapor or spray mist, keep it off skin and clothing, and wash after handling.[1]
Pets
Remove pets and birds before spraying, and don't spray animals directly. Keep adults, children and pets out until sprays have dried and the room has been aired out.[1]
Bees and pollinators
The label carries no bee or pollinator statement; its directions are for indoor household pests.[1]
Fish and water
Extremely toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates. Cover aquariums and ornamental fish ponds before spraying, turn aquarium systems off, and never spray into sewers, drains or gutters.[1]
Common questions
- Can I spray Real-Kill Flying Insect Killer with food out?
- No. The label says not to apply it while food is present; cover or remove exposed food and cover food prep surfaces and utensils, or wash them before use.[1]
- Is tetramethrin safe around my fish tank?
- The label calls the product extremely toxic to fish. Cover aquariums and turn their systems off before you spray.[1]
- Can I spray it on my carpet?
- The label allows spraying rugs and carpets for carpet beetles, but says to check the carpet maker's warranty and care information first.[1]
Sources
- U.S. EPA Pesticide Product Label System, “Real-Kill Household Flying Insect Killer label, EPA Reg. No. 478-93 (EPA-stamped, July 30, 2018).” www3.epa.gov/pesticides/chem_search/ppls/000478-00093-20180730.pdf (accessed 2026-10-06)
- Insecticide Resistance Action Committee, “IRAC Mode of Action Classification Scheme, Version 11.5 (Feb. 2026).” irac-online.org/documents/moa-classification/ (accessed 2026-10-06)