Tetramethrin

Active

Cyclopropanecarboxylic acid, 2,2-dimethyl-3-(2-methyl-1-propenyl)-, (1,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydro-1,3-dioxo-2H-isoindol-2-yl)methyl ester

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS) listed active ingredient for pesticide products.

Safety around dogs & cats

Cats are the sensitive species for tetramethrin, as for all pyrethroids, because of their glucuronidation deficiency (ASPCA, Pet Poison Helpline, VCA), so keep cats away from treated air and sprayed surfaces and never let one groom a misted coat. Dogs are far more tolerant (Merck Veterinary Manual). Keep pet birds out of enclosed treated spaces, and never apply to any animal.

CatsAvoid

DogsLow concern

Moderate confidence. Ratings from ASPCA Animal Poison Control, the Pet Poison Helpline, and published veterinary toxicology. This is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is exposed, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Full guide: bug repellents around dogs and cats →

The evidence

Tetramethrin is a fast knockdown pyrethroid used in fogging and aerosol mixtures. There is little peer-reviewed field data isolating tetramethrin as a consumer yard adulticide, so its efficacy is inferred from the broader pyrethroid class and, like them, its residual is short.

Experimental Evaluation of the Impact of Household Aerosolized Insecticides on Pyrethroid Resistant Aedes aegypti
2018Field Trial
Semi-field test of consumer pyrethroid aerosols against resistant and susceptible Aedes aegypti.
Pyrethroid Resistance Reduces the Efficacy of Space Sprays for Dengue Control on the Island of Martinique
2011Field Trial
Field study of how pyrethroid resistance undermines space-spray adulticiding.

Products using it

Repel

Repel Propane Insect Fogger (Model 190397)

Tetramethrin 0.10% · Permethrin 0.25%

Coverage & effectiveness

Treated area~5000 sq ft

Fewer bitesest.40-70%

Black Flag

Black Flag Electric Insect Fogger (Model 190107)

Tetramethrin 0.10% · Permethrin 0.25%

Coverage & effectiveness

Treated area~5000 sq ft

Fewer bitesest.40-70%

Cutter

Cutter Backyard Bug Control Outdoor Fogger

Tetramethrin 0.20% · Phenothrin 0.20%

Coverage & effectiveness

Treated area~150 sq ft

Fewer bitesest.40–70%

Regulatory notes

Source: EPA SRS active ingredient list export. Minimum risk (25(b)) status is applied separately when applicable.