Aphidoletes aphidimyza - Pro Tips

Yellow sticky cards should be removed for the first few days after the release of the midges. Blue sticky cards are acceptable to keep the entire time but avoid releasing them right next to them.
Releasing Aphidoletes during late summer in the presence of aphids can effectively decrease the population of aphids that overwinter. It also helps establish a predator population that remains active during the early spring of the following year.
If ants are present, be sure that they are controlled before releasing Aphidoletes or aphid parasitoids. Aphids produce honeydew that the ants feed on and will protect them from predators or parasitoids.

Do not introduce in combination with Green Lacewings or Amblyseius swirskii since the lacewing larvae will eat the Aphidoletes larvae, and A. swirskii may eat the midge eggs.
Aphidoletes respond to cool temperatures by entering diapause, therefore in most greenhouses they are only active from mid-March to September unless supplemental lighting is used.
Using 10x-15x magnification, full grown larvae are relatively easy to see among aphids because of their characteristic color. Younger larvae are pale and smaller, and are much more difficult to see.
Depending on the size and type of plants, the number and type of pests, other predator and parasite populations, and temperature, the frequency of releases may be affected.