What are leatherjackets?
Leatherjackets are the common name for the larvae of crane flies. These larvae are long, cylindrical, and have tough, leathery skin, hence the name. They are typically found in moist soil and can damage lawns by feeding on the roots of grass plants. They also attract predators who will dig up the lawn whilst searching for food.
A single female crane fly can lay up to 300 eggs in your lawn, so quick and effective leatherjacket control is vital to keeping your lawn healthy!
How can I spot leatherjackets?
There are a few ways to spot leatherjackets. Firstly, look for signs of damage to your lawn. If you see yellow or brown patches in your lawn, or if the grass is starting to thin out, it could be a sign of a leatherjacket infestation.
If you’re not sure whether you have leatherjackets, you can dig up a small patch of soil and look for them. They are typically found in the top few centimetres of soil. They will also come up to the surface of the soil during heavy rainfall, or at night, when they are more active and looking to feed.
How can we treat leatherjackets?
Our professional lawn care experts are here to help, and you should leave this to the professional. The only effective treatment for leatherjackets requires the application of an insecticide by a trained professional, but don’t worry; your lawn will be entirely safe for use after the application.
Our trained lawn care expert will:
- Undertake a pest management assessment
- Aerate the lawn to enhance insecticide penetration
- Apply professional insecticide treatment to the lawn
- Repair damage to the lawn
Getting rid of a leatherjacket infestation can be stressful, but our experts can handle everything with our insect control treatment.
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