Tetramethrin is a broad-spectrum, first-generation photolabile synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, exhibiting rapid knock-down especially against flying and crawling insects. It is very effective against flies and as an ectoparisiticide in animal health against ticks, mites and fleas. In public health and household use, it controls a broad spectrum of insects but its primary used is to control flies, wasps, hornets, cockroaches, ants and fleas. Formulations include: emulsifiable concentrates, ready-to-use products, capsule suspensions, aerosols and ultra-low volume space sprays.

It can be used on its own or in combination with other insecticides and the synergist piperonal butoxide that enhances the activity of an insecticide and assists in overcoming metabolic (detoxification) resistance.