An insect’s larvae could ruin your well-tended grass, turning it yellow and brown, leaving nothing in its wake, but an expert has revealed how to get rid of the pesky nuisance
The wet weather the UK has experienced so far this year provides the perfect damp environment for a garden insect that eats the roots of grass and destroys lawns.
Gardeners may be dreaming of finally being able to get back outside to cultivate and tend to their prized lawns and shrubs after a dreary long winter, but there’s a pesky bug that could ruin all your green-fingered dreams and it’s probably hiding under your soil.
In late summer, we’re used to seeing crane flies bumbling along in the air and getting into houses through open windows but it’s the larvae of this insect that can cause the issues for gardeners.
It’s at this time of year that the problem can start and our lawns are particularly at risk following a wet winter. An expert explained what happens to Devon Live. Chris McIlroy, lawn expert at The Grass People said: “Although small, these pests can undo all the hard work you’ve put into your lawn and leave you with nothing. Crane flies, also known as daddy long legs, lay eggs in most UK lawns and some may never hatch.
“But after the wet winter we have had, the damp conditions are the perfect setting for the eggs to hatch into leatherjackets. They thrive in lawns which have poor drainage and remain damp.”
To spot if you have leatherjackets in your garden, you may be able to see them with the naked eye. They have long tubular bodies, up to 30mm long and are greyish brown with no head or legs. If your lawn develops yellow patches, this may be a sign of their presence. To establish if the issue is caused by leatherjackets or another problem, lift affected areas of turf and look for them.
You could also try soaking the lawn with water and covering it with black polythene or something which doesn’t allow light through. Leave overnight and the next day if there are leatherjackets present, they should be on the surface of the lawn under the cover. Larger birds like magpies, rooks and starlings hunt for the pest and will leave small holes in the lawn, so this could also be a sign.
There aren’t currently any pesticides that deal with leatherjackets but there is one treatment you can try that comes in the form of a tiny worm. Chris explains: “Nematodes are microscopic bacterial worms that get rid of leatherjackets by infiltrating their outer casing and subsequently killing them. There are a wide variety of nematodes on the market, but it is important to make sure you have the right nematodes for the pest you are experiencing. For leatherjackets, the correct nematodes are ‘Steinernema feltiae’.”
However, timing is crucial and it may be too late if they have already caused damage. If the yellow patches are already there, it’s best to remove it, sow new grass and feed the whole lawn.
Drainage is also very important in preventing leatherjackets. To improve drainage in your lawn, simply aerate it by making holes in the surface to allow water to escape more easily. Different types of soil can affect how well your lawn drains though.
Chris says: “Some soils are better than others for drainage. For example, nutrient-dense clay soils can make gardens more prone to flooding so if this is a recurring issue, investigate the type of soil you have so you know what grass to grow and how to nurture the lawn correctly.”
Although the insects can be annoying for gardeners, it’s important to remember they are needed. The Royal Horticultural Society explains: “These insects are part of healthy balanced ecosystems, most feed on decomposing organic matter or algae and some are predatory. A few species feed on living plant material and a small number of these may cause damage in gardens.”
Have you had a problem with leatherjackets? Let us know in the comments below.
