All parasite larvae observed to date are legless, headless, white, and round in cross-section as opposed to the laterally flattened leafminer larvae. Only one larva develops per host. When ornamental and vegetable crops are not present in the fields, leafminers can occur on a variety of plants including broad-leaf weeds. These plants can serve as reservoirs for pest. Removal or destruction of all crop residues is an important control tactic that is overlooked.
Some plant varieties appear to be resistant to leafminer attack.
A similar example of resistance can be found on chrysanthemums where variety 'Yellow Iceberg' is highly susceptible whereas 'Improved Rivalry' appears resistant. Both of the insecticide products have limited crop registrations and must not be used on unregistered crops. The pest is highly resistant to most other insecticides. Application of ineffective insecticides to control the vegetable leafminer is futile. It usually results in a larger leafminer problem in the pesticide reduces field densities of leafminer parasites.