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No—not in the usual sense of a repellent. The pheromone in the headline is a sex attractant for male apple leaf midges (Dasineura mali). Researchers used it with a species-specific lure and trap to monitor the pest in apple orchards. It is not evidence that applying pheromone daily repels midges from homes, people, or other crops.
What is apple leaf midge pheromone?
Apple leaf midge pheromone is a chemical signal produced by female Dasineura mali. The identified compound is (Z)-13-acetoxy-8-heptadecen-2-one. A 2004 Chemistry World report said the research team estimated each female produced 1.5 picograms of it. That tiny amount is relevant to how the insect communicates; it is not a recommended application dose.
The species is an apple pest: its larvae curl leaf edges into galls, reducing photosynthetic leaf area and potentially affecting tree growth. The 2004 report described particular concern for nurseries and young orchards, but that historical account is not a current estimate of annual economic losses.
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No evidence cited for this pheromone shows that it works as a general midge repellent. Its documented effect is the opposite of “keep away”: it attracts male apple leaf midges toward a trap baited with the compound. The target is D. mali, not every insect called a midge, and the evidence does not establish a benefit for households or people.
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This distinction matters because “midge” covers different insects and problems. For example, non-biting chironomid midges have aquatic larvae and may be drawn to lights. The US Environmental Protection Agency’s guidance on those midges discusses site-specific management, including adjusting lighting; that is a separate issue from apple leaf midge pheromone research: EPA guidance on midges.
How do pheromone traps work for apple leaf midge?
In the published orchard-monitoring system, a species-specific lure releases the pheromone and a trap catches attracted males. Cross and colleagues reported in a 2009 Crop Protection study that a rubber septum dispenser loaded with 3 μg of racemic pheromone in a delta trap was suitable for monitoring. Their field work reported attraction from at least 50 m and found that trap height affected catches. Those details describe the studied system, not universal instructions for other species, lures, or orchards.
Rank #2
- Targeted Trapping for codling moth: designed to attract codling moth species using species-specific pheromone lures; Helps monitor and reduce adult moth activity around apple trees, orchards, and home gardens
- Pheromone-based Lures, Species Specific Pollinator Friendly: the included pheromone lures are formulated to attract moths from the clearwing moths family, without attracting codling moth; A focused and environmentally responsible approach to pest management
- Complete 6-trap Value Kit for Wide Coverage: this set includes 6 triangular sticky traps and 6 pheromone lures, making it ideal for multi-tree placement or larger orchards; Provides broader coverage compared to small starter kits
- Practical Trap Design with Side Pouch Hanging Hook: each trap unfolds to approximately 4.3 × 10.8 inches/ 11 × 27.5 cm and features a built-in hanging hook for easy placement on branches or supports; The side-opening design makes inserting and securing pheromone lures simple and stable
- Easy to Use Disposable for Seasonal Control: simply insert the pheromone lure, fold the trap, and hang it near the trunk or canopy area; The sticky surface captures target moths on contact; Disposable design allows for easy replacement throughout the growing season
The lure is essential: a delta sticky trap by itself does not attract apple leaf midge. The studies establish an orchard-monitoring method, but do not establish whether a compatible lure is currently available to consumers.
Does trapping control the pest or protect the crop?
Monitoring tells growers whether male apple leaf midges are being caught; a catch count alone does not show how much crop damage will occur or whether the population has been controlled. Field studies examined trap catches and galling in locations in England, Italy, and New Zealand, but the evidence summarized here does not establish a general yield benefit.
A separate 2007 study by Suckling and colleagues in the Journal of Economic Entomology reported 96% lower monitoring-trap catches in treated plots over 137 days. However, colonisation was limited, so the researchers could not assess whether the treatment suppressed the population. A lower monitoring-trap catch is therefore not proof of eradication, sustained pest control, or improved yield.
Rank #3
- Targeted Trapping for codling moth: designed to attract codling moth species using species-specific pheromone lures; Helps monitor and reduce adult moth activity around apple trees, orchards, and home gardens
- Pheromone-based Lures, Species Specific Pollinator Friendly: the included pheromone lures are formulated to attract moths from the clearwing moths family, without attracting codling moth; A focused and environmentally responsible approach to pest management
- Complete 18-trap Value Kit for Wide Coverage: this set includes 18 triangular sticky traps and 18 pheromone lures, making it ideal for multi-tree placement or larger orchards; Provides broader coverage compared to small starter kits
- Practical Trap Design with Side Pouch Hanging Hook: each trap unfolds to approximately 4.3 × 10.8 inches/ 11 × 27.5 cm and features a built-in hanging hook for easy placement on branches or supports; The side-opening design makes inserting and securing pheromone lures simple and stable
- Easy to Use Disposable for Seasonal Control: simply insert the pheromone lure, fold the trap, and hang it near the trunk or canopy area; The sticky surface captures target moths on contact; Disposable design allows for easy replacement throughout the growing season
In 2004, chemical ecologist David Hall discussed mass trapping, lure-and-kill, and mating disruption as possible future uses of the pheromone. That comment described avenues being considered at the time, not proof that those approaches were subsequently established or commercially available for general midge control.
Quick Recap
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- Targeted Trapping for codling moth: designed to attract codling moth species using species-specific pheromone lures; Helps monitor and reduce adult moth activity around apple trees, orchards, and home gardens
- Pheromone-based Lures, Species Specific Pollinator Friendly: the included pheromone lures are formulated to attract moths from the clearwing moths family, without attracting codling moth; A focused and environmentally responsible approach to pest management
- Complete 24-trap Value Kit for Wide Coverage: this set includes 24 triangular sticky traps and 24 pheromone lures, making it ideal for multi-tree placement or larger orchards; Provides broader coverage compared to small starter kits
- Practical Trap Design with Side Pouch Hanging Hook: each trap unfolds to approximately 4.3 × 10.8 inches/ 11 × 27.5 cm and features a built-in hanging hook for easy placement on branches or supports; The side-opening design makes inserting and securing pheromone lures simple and stable
- Easy to Use Disposable for Seasonal Control: simply insert the pheromone lure, fold the trap, and hang it near the trunk or canopy area; The sticky surface captures target moths on contact; Disposable design allows for easy replacement throughout the growing season
Rank #4
- Targeted Trapping for Cydia Pomonella: designed to attract Cydia pomonella species using species-specific pheromone lures; Helps monitor and monitor and trap around apple trees, orchards, and home gardens
- Pheromone-based Lures, Species Specific Pollinator Friendly: the included pheromone lures are formulated to attract moths from the clearwing moths family
- Complete 12-trap Value Kit for Wide Coverage: this set includes 12 triangular sticky traps and 12 pheromone lures, making it ideal for multi-tree placement or larger orchards; Provides broader coverage compared to small starter kits
- Practical Trap Design with Side Pouch Hanging Hook: each trap unfolds to approximately 4.3 × 10.8 inches/ 11 × 27.5 cm and features a built-in hanging hook for easy placement on branches or supports; The side-opening design makes inserting and securing pheromone lures simple and stable
- Easy to Use Disposable for Seasonal Monitoring and Trapping: simply insert the pheromone lure, fold the trap, and hang it near the trunk or canopy area; The sticky surface captures target moths on contact; Disposable design allows for easy replacement throughout the growing season
What should growers take from the evidence?
- For orchard monitoring, the evidence concerns a species-specific pheromone lure paired with an appropriate trap—not a trap alone.
- Use the reported dispenser, loading, trap format, and height findings as study-specific details; they are not a substitute for current local pest-management advice.
- Interpret trap catches as monitoring data. The cited evidence does not by itself demonstrate population suppression or yield protection.
- Do not use this apple-pest research to choose a household midge repellent or a control method for unrelated midge species.
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