Osmegen to Market First and Only EPA Registered Insecticide Chalk; Dead-Fast(TM) Insecticide Chalk is a New Alternative in the Battle to Control Bugs, and the Only Legal, Registered Insecticide Chalk Available in the United States.

LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. -- Dead-Fast, a ready-to-use insecticide chalk that kills and controls cockroaches, ants and crickets, has received registration from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and is being introduced by Osmegen, Inc., a leader in the household products industry. Dead-Fast's active ingredient is tralomethrin (1 percent), a highly active residual pyrethroid insecticide that continues working up to eight weeks after application.

The first and only insecticide chalk in compliance with EPA requirements, Dead-Fast features child resistant packaging, the use of a bittering safety additive and a dispenser design that distinguishes the product from standard blackboard chalk. In addition, product and packaging labels include Chinese and Spanish translations.

Mark Adams, Osmegen general manager, says Dead-Fast is a distinctive new insecticide product and an advantageous alternative over traditional aerosol sprays and bait traps. "Dead-Fast is the first and only insecticide chalk registered by the EPA to kill and control cockroaches and ants. It's easy to apply and easy to see, which prevents over-applications and unnecessary inhalation. In addition, Dead-Fast is fast acting, long-lasting and not attractive to pets."

Dead-Fast is designed for use in residential, commercial and institutional structures. Recommended applications include homes, apartment buildings, utility buildings, storage bins, vacation and mobile homes, recreational vehicles, buses, electrical switch boxes, hospitals, dormitories, commercial buildings, warehouses, trucks and trailers, freight cars, boats and ships.

A single band is applied to the areas being treated, avoiding any breaks or gaps in the line to create the most effective barrier. Each application will control roaches, ants and crickets up to eight weeks. Lab and field tests conducted by the University of California's professor and vice chairman Michael K. Rust show that Dead-Fast provides excellent control for a minimum of eight weeks.

Consumers Warned Against Look-alike Products

Unregistered insecticide chalks have been illegally sold in the United States and Canada for more than three decades. Unlike Dead-Fast, the ingredients and packaging of these products have not been reviewed and registered by the EPA, and show no signs of quality control in the production of the packaging or chalk. Active ingredient levels in confiscated sample sticks vary from low to highly toxic.

The EPA directs consumers to safely dispose of any supplies of illegal insecticide chalk by returning the product to the retailer where it was purchased or contacting a local hazardous waste facility to arrange for disposal.

Osmegen Incorporated is a manufacturer and marketer of odor and pest control products for the household and pet industries. Established in 1993, Osmegen develops and markets solid gel air fresheners and liquid spray odor removers under the Natural Magic(R) brand name and insecticide chalk under the Dead-Fast(TM) brand name. Natural Magic products are sold through leading retailers, including home centers, mass merchandisers, grocery and hardware stores. For information about Osmegen products, call 1-800-376-2442 or visit www.naturalmagic.com.