Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesNo—not as a general midge repellent. The phrase “a pheromone a day keeps the midges away” refers to research on the apple leaf midge, Dasineura mali. Its female sex pheromone attracts males of that species to a trap; it is not shown to repel midges from homes or people.
What is apple leaf midge pheromone?
Apple leaf midge is a specific orchard pest, not a catch-all name for midges. Its larvae curl apple-leaf edges into galls, reducing photosynthetic leaf area and potentially affecting tree growth. A 2004 Chemistry World report described the identified female sex pheromone as (Z)-13-acetoxy-8-heptadecen-2-one. The report said researchers estimated that a female produces 1.5 picograms of pheromone; that is a historical estimate, not a consumer dose or application rate.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
A sex pheromone is a chemical signal used to attract a mate. In this work, the signal was used to draw male apple leaf midges toward a monitoring trap—not to drive them away. The Chemistry World report quoted chemical ecologist David Hall saying that larvae are difficult to kill once they have hatched and formed leaf galls, which helps explain the value of detecting the pest before damage is established.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteDo pheromone traps work for apple leaf midge?
Published orchard work supports use of a species-specific pheromone lure for monitoring apple leaf midge. Cross and colleagues reported that a rubber septum loaded with 3 μg of racemic pheromone in a delta trap was suitable for monitoring. Their field work also reported attraction over at least 50 m and found that trap height affected catches. These are findings for the studied lure, trap, and orchard conditions—not universal setup instructions for other pests or pheromone products. See the study in Crop Protection (2009).
#1 Best Overall
- Non-greasy, fragrance free, odorless; dries quickly and won't damage plastics or synthetic coatings — safe for use on clothing, backpacks, watches, sunglasses, fishing line, firearm finishes, and more
- Safe for use on the whole family, long-lasting insect and tick repellent spray deters a wide variety of pests — up to 12 hours against mosquitoes and ticks and up to 8 hours against flies, gnats, and chiggers
- Fragrance-free topical insect repellent with 20% Picaridin — more effective at repelling biting flies than DEET; repels disease-spreading ticks (Lyme, tick-borne encephalitis) and mosquitoes (West Nile, Dengue, Zikam and Chikungunya viruses), chiggers, and more
- Very comfortable to wear on your skin, it's ideal for all your outdoor adventures, from camping, backpacking, hunting, and fishing to backyard BBQs, sporting events, days at the park, and more
- Top rated bug repellent by WireCutter/New York Times (May, 2020); maximize protection by pairing with Sawyer Permethrin tick and insect repellent spray for clothing and gear
The practical implication is that the lure and trap must be treated as a system: a delta sticky trap by itself does not attract apple leaf midge. The published monitoring setup used a compatible, species-specific lure. The evidence here does not establish whether such a lure is currently available to consumers or growers in a particular market.
Does trapping prove the pest is controlled?
No. A trap catch is a monitoring measure, not proof of reduced crop damage, improved yield, eradication, or population suppression. Orchard monitoring studies examined catches and galling at sites in England, Italy, and New Zealand. A separate high-density trapping study reported 96% fewer monitoring-trap catches in treated plots over 137 days. But limited colonisation meant the researchers could not assess whether trapping suppressed the population. That result should not be read as evidence of yield protection or eradication. See Suckling and colleagues’ Journal of Economic Entomology study (2007).
What about midges around a home?
The apple leaf midge pheromone findings do not establish a household repellent. “Midge” refers to many insects, and the lure was developed for male Dasineura mali, not for all midge species or people. For a different group, non-biting chironomid midges have aquatic larvae and may be attracted to lights. EPA guidance discusses site-specific measures such as adjusting lighting; that advice concerns chironomids, not apple leaf midge. See the EPA’s midge guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Pet-Friendly & Family-Safe Formula – Mighty Mint is a top pick for pet parents looking for a natural pest control solution. Safe to use around dogs, cats, and kids when applied as directed—no harsh fumes or dangerous chemicals, just powerful peppermint protection you can trust.
- Powerful Plant-Based Pest Control – Formulated with extra-concentrated peppermint oil, this spray is a proven deterrent for spiders, ants, roaches, and more.
- Effective Indoor & Outdoor Use – Designed for versatile application on baseboards, entryways, patios, and other areas. Helps repel insects from kitchens, bathrooms, living spaces, and more—without staining surfaces.
- Fresh Minty Scent With Long-Lasting Effect – Infused with pure peppermint oil, this formula leaves a crisp, clean aroma that lingers without overwhelming. Free from synthetic fragrances and common allergens, making it a gentle option for scent-sensitive households.
- Ready-To-Use 16 Oz Spray For Targeted Application – Perfect for quick treatments in high-traffic areas, this 16 oz bottle delivers fast, focused pest control against spiders, ants, and other common insects. Pre-mixed and easy to use—just spray and go for natural protection wherever it’s needed most.
Rank #4
- RELIABLE BITING MIDGE PROTECTION — Designed to help repel biting midges (no-see-ums) and provide dependable personal protection outdoors.
- EVERYDAY OUTDOOR USE — Ideal for camping, hiking, fishing, gardening, travel, and everyday outdoor activities.
- DEET-FREE FORMULA — Provides dependable biting midge protection without relying on DEET-based repellents.
- QUICK & CONVENIENT SPRAY — Ready-to-use spray applies easily whenever outdoor protection is needed.
- MADE IN USA – Manufactured in the USA using quality ingredients.
Rank #3
- Non-greasy, fragrance free, odorless; dries quickly and won't damage plastics or synthetic coatings — safe for use on clothing, backpacks, watches, sunglasses, fishing line, firearm finishes, and more
- Safe for use on the whole family, long-lasting insect and tick repellent spray deters a wide variety of pests — up to 12 hours against mosquitoes and ticks and up to 8 hours against flies, gnats, and chiggers
- Fragrance-free topical insect repellent with 20% Picaridin — more effective at repelling biting flies than DEET; repels disease-spreading ticks (Lyme, tick-borne encephalitis) and mosquitoes (West Nile, Dengue, Zikam and Chikungunya viruses), chiggers, and more
- Very comfortable to wear on your skin, it's ideal for all your outdoor adventures, from camping, backpacking, hunting, and fishing to backyard BBQs, sporting events, days at the park, and more
- Top rated bug repellent by WireCutter/New York Times (May, 2020); maximize protection by pairing with Sawyer Permethrin tick and insect repellent spray for clothing and gear
Rank #2
- 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞 — Experience reliable protection with picaridin insect repellent wipes Featuring 10% Picaridin — to repel mosquitoes for 8 hours and deer ticks for 12 hours. DEET-free insect repellent that actually works.
- 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐖𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐝 — Each of 16 bug repellent wipes is sealed in its own foil packet so every towelette stays potent until opened. Unlike loose-pack mosquito wipes that dry out, individually wrapped means reliable protection.
- 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐮𝐥𝐚 — While other bug spray wipes leave greasy residue and harsh chemical smells, our oil-free Picaridin towelettes nourish skin with Vitamin E and Aloe. Dermatologist tested. Non toxic bug repellent that pampers.
- 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐲 — Toss these mosquito repellent wipes in your carry-on, purse, or daypack — they never count as a liquid. The resealable bag keeps picaridin wipes fresh trip after trip. Perfect bug repellent wipes for travel.
- 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞 — Backed by Skin So Soft Bug Guard — trusted in millions of homes — these tick repellent wipes blend skincare with advanced insect defense. Repels mosquitoes, deer ticks, gnats, no-see-ums, and sand flies.
What the research does—and does not—support
- Supported: a species-specific female pheromone can attract male apple leaf midges to orchard monitoring traps.
- Not established: that taking or applying pheromone daily repels midges, or that this lure works against household nuisance species.
- Not proven by lower trap catches alone: population control, eradication, or improved yield.
- Historical context: Hall discussed mass trapping, lure-and-kill, and mating disruption as possible future control approaches in 2004. That statement described avenues for investigation, not proof those methods were commercially available or effective for midges generally.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
