Leatherjackets

These are the grubs of the common crane fly or “daddy long legs”

They cause severe damage to turf areas over the autumn to spring period when they are feeding on the grass roots. The effects are most noticeable during dry spring weather when the turf starts to die off due to an inadequate root mass, which cannot provide adequate water and nutrients to the plant.

There are several signs that indicate the presence of leather jackets;

• A large number of adult crane flies in July and August
• Rooks, Crows and Starlings feeding on the lawn
• Bare patches appearing in the grass
• Yellow patches in early spring

If you think you have an infestation of Leatherjackets contact Lawn3 who will assess the problem and where necessary apply a contact insecticide to control the larvae numbers and the resulting damage.