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Leatherjackets, the larvae of the Cranefly and will attack seedlings of any species, however they are better known for causing widespread damage to turf.
They eat the stem at the soil level, and may strip some upper roots, severly affecting growth or even killing the plant/s.
The grey, legless larvae (leatherjackets) begin feeding immediately, and continue to do so throughout the autumn and during warm periods in winter.
They feed on the grass stems and roots just beneath the turf surface, and can grow up to 4cm long when fully grown.
They stop feeding around mid May, when they pupate
Insecticide sprays against adults are of no value,due to crane flies not feeding between emergence and the laying of their eggs.
The most successful way to control the larvae is to use of nematodes.
Alternatively; employ a fully licensed lawn operative to apply an effective insecticide.
The female crane fly lays up to 300 black, shiny eggs mainly at night, from mid-July to late September.
Eggs are laid on the soil surface, or at depths of about 10mm, and take about 11-15 days to hatch,then the larvae are active throughout winter and spring.
Mild winters can cause the number of leatherjackets to soar, resulting in huge amounts of damage to lawns during this period.
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