Leatherjackets
The larvae of some crane flies (leatherjackets) can damage lawns and sports turf by eating roots. They are often more numerous after a wet Autumn, as damp conditions favour survival of eggs and larvae. Lawns develop yellowish brown dead patches; seedlings collapse having been eaten at soil level; presence of leatherjackets in the soil.
Identify: Leatherjackets have elongate tubular bodies, up to 30mm long, and are greyish brown. They have no legs or obvious head.
Time of Year: February to October.
CONTROL
Biological: These are pathogenic nematodes, Steinernema feltiae or S. carpocapsae, which are watered into the turf or soil. The nematodes enter the bodies of leatherjackets and infect them with a bacterial disease. As a preventive measure, apply nematodes in September to early October against leatherjackets.
Speak to your East Riding Turfcare Area Manager, or a member of our Technical Team about the best control solution, including any Emergency Authorisation Chemicals.
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