Managing Leatherjackets in Your Lawn: A Practical Guide

A well-kept lawn is a source of pride, but it can be threatened by pests like leatherjackets—the larvae of crane flies, commonly known as daddy longlegs. These larvae can cause significant damage by feeding on grass roots, leading to patchy, unhealthy lawns. This guide from Tip Top Lawn Care will help you identify, prevent, and control leatherjacket infestations to maintain a lush, green lawn.

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What Are Leatherjackets?

Leatherjackets are the larvae of crane flies, named for their tough, leathery skin. They are greyish-brown, legless, and can grow up to 3cm in length. These larvae hatch from eggs laid by crane flies in late summer and remain in the soil throughout the winter, feeding on the roots and stems of grass.

If left untreated, leatherjackets can create large, unsightly patches of dead grass in your lawn as they feed. Identifying their presence early is key to preventing extensive damage.

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Signs of Leatherjacket Infestation

Recognising the signs of a leatherjacket infestation is crucial:

1. Patchy Grass: Leatherjackets feed on grass roots, resulting in yellow or brown patches that may expand over time.
2. Bird Activity: Birds, especially starlings, are attracted to lawns infested with leatherjackets. Increased bird activity on your lawn could indicate an infestation.
3. Spongy Turf: Affected areas of your lawn may feel spongy due to root damage caused by the larvae.
4. Crane Flies: An abundance of crane flies hovering over your lawn in late summer suggests that leatherjackets might be present.

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Preventing Leatherjacket Infestation

Preventative measures can help reduce the risk of a leatherjacket infestation:

1. Encourage Natural Predators: Birds, such as starlings, and other predators like hedgehogs, can naturally control leatherjacket populations. Creating a bird-friendly environment can help keep these pests at bay.
2. Aerate Your Lawn: Regular lawn aeration improves soil drainage, making it less attractive to crane flies for laying eggs. It also promotes healthier grass, which is more resilient to pests.
3. Proper Lawn Maintenance: Maintaining a healthy lawn through regular mowing, fertilisation, and watering reduces its vulnerability to pests. A dense, well-maintained lawn is less likely to suffer from severe damage.
4. Reduce Thatch: Thatch provides an ideal environment for crane flies to lay their eggs. Regularly dethatching your lawn can reduce the chances of an infestation.

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Controlling Leatherjacket Infestations

If you suspect a leatherjacket infestation, it's important to act quickly:

1. Chemical Treatments: For effective and immediate control of leatherjackets, chemical insecticides can be applied. **Tip Top Lawn Care** offers professional application services, ensuring safe and thorough coverage that maximises results while minimising impact on the surrounding environment.
2. Nematodes: Another effective method is the use of nematodes, microscopic worms that naturally prey on leatherjackets. This eco-friendly option is ideal for those looking to control pests without chemicals. Nematodes should be applied in late summer or early autumn for best results.
3. Manual Removal: For smaller infestations, you can manually remove leatherjackets by digging up affected patches. This is best done in the early morning or after rain when the larvae are closer to the surface.
4. Water Trap Method: Flooding the lawn and covering it with a black plastic sheet overnight can force leatherjackets to the surface, where they can be easily collected and removed.

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Conclusion

Leatherjackets can be a serious threat to the health of your lawn, but with careful management, they can be effectively controlled. Regular lawn maintenance, combined with early detection and targeted treatment, will help you maintain a lush, green lawn throughout the year. For professional assistance with leatherjacket control and other lawn care services, trust Tip Top Lawn Care to keep your lawn in top condition.