How to Get Rid of Leather Jackets in Your Grass

When your lawn turns patchy and yellow with birds and wildlife digging through the grass for food, you should consider the possibility of an underground pest problem from leather jackets. The larvae of crane flies, which people often call daddy longlegs, turn into destructive grubs that will severely harm your lawn without proper treatment. This blog covers methods to spot leather jacket infestations and explains their destructive nature, before detailing the safest and most effective elimination techniques.

What Are Leather Jackets?

The larvae of crane flies develop into what people call leather jackets. The larvae hatch between late summer and early autumn before staying underground throughout winter and spring. The larvae of leather jackets appear as grey-brown worm like creatures that reach lengths of 3cm . Their tough outer skin earns them the name leather jackets, even though they lack legs and visible heads.

The crane flies deposit their eggs in soil located in grassy areas where larval offspring emerge to consume grassroots and stems. Leather jackets display their highest level of activity during spring when they awaken from their winter dormant state to eat aggressively before turning into pupae.

Identifying Leather Jacket Infestation in Your Lawn

Leather jackets remain hidden until their damage reaches a critical level. Look for these common signs:

• Patches of dead or yellowing grass
• If turf becomes spongy and lifts without difficulty this demonstrates root consumption by pests.
• Your lawn shows increased bird activity when starlings, crows, or magpies begin pecking at it.
• Grubs become visible when turf sections are pulled back.

If you’re unsure, try a simple overnight test. Water a small portion of your lawn in the evening and cover this area with black plastic or a bin bag. In the morning leather jackets emerge from the surface because they need to escape the water’s moisture and low oxygen levels, which verifies their presence.

Why Are Leather Jackets a Problem For Your Grass

Grassroots destruction by leather jackets obstructs your lawn from absorbing water and nutrients. The destruction of grassroots by leather jackets results in a weakened and thin lawn, that becomes more prone to disease and drought effects. When populations grow large enough they possess the power to destroy whole lawns.

• Wildlife such as birds and foxes exacerbate the issue because they dig up the grass to find tasty larvae.
• Various natural and chemical control techniques exist to manage leather jacket infestations in grass.

There Are Multiple Methods To Clear Your Grass Of Leather Jackets

1. Nematodes (Biological Control)

Nematodes represent a group of microscopic worms which exist naturally within soil environments. The Steinernema feltiae strain of nematodes functions as an effective predator against leather jackets. Beneficial nematodes actively hunt leather jackets and kill them within several days after infection.

For maximum effectiveness apply nematodes during late summer through early autumn, when leather jacket larvae remain small and active.

• Use this method only when soil temperatures exceed 10°C and the ground retains moisture.
• Ensure the grass receives adequate watering both before and after you apply the nematodes.

Organic gardeners frequently choose nematodes because they pose no risk to humans, pets, and beneficial garden insects.

2. Cultural Control Methods

Healthy turf grass helps prevent insect damage while aiding recovery from infestations.

• Regular aeration: Reduces soil compaction and improves drainage
• Overseeding: Overseeding works to both fill bare spots and enhance lawn strength.
• Fertilising: Fertilising supports root development which helps grass sustain minor injuries.

Maintaining healthy grass throughout the year will help control leather jacket issues before they become severe.

3. Chemical Treatments (Use With Caution)

Historically, people used chemical insecticides to control leather jacket populations. Environmental concerns have led to market withdrawal for numerous chemical insecticides against leather jackets.

When you select a chemical treatment, make certain it is intended for grass application and strictly adhere to the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Steer clear of broad-spectrum insecticides that have the potential to damage pollinators and aquatic organisms.

Optimising Grass Treatment Timing for Leather Jackets

Timing is critical for effective treatment:

• Late summer to autumn (August to October): The most effective period for nematode application coincides with the lifecycle stage when newly hatched larvae show maximum vulnerability.
• Spring (March to May): Although nematodes remain functional during spring treatment they show decreased effectiveness on mature larvae compared to autumn application.

Annual nematode treatments, combined with regular grass maintenance, are crucial steps in preventing infestations.

Final Thoughts

Although leather jackets pose a significant challenge for gardeners, proper timing and effective methods can help manage them. You can achieve consistent grass protection by performing regular lawn care and using biological treatments with nematodes, while monitoring your lawn closely in late summer.

When signs of leather jacket damage show up in your lawn you should act immediately to prevent irreversible damage. Your garden deserves a second chance to flourish, so start taking steps right now.