A relationship has been established between the departures from average of temperatures in February and March and the subsequent level of infestation of strawberry crops by the shallot aphid in south‐east England. Broadly, if temperatures in February (especially) and March areaverage or below, a low level of infestation can be expected. If these months are mild, moderate or severe infestation is probable. Copyright © 1969, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved