Lawn Pests: Identify Common Issues

Leatherjackets are the larvae of crane flies, often known as daddy longlegs. They can become a common lawn pest in the UK, particularly during autumn and spring. These grey-brown, legless larvae live just beneath the surface of the soil and feed on grass roots and other organic matter.

What Damage Do Leatherjackets Cause?

A small number of leatherjackets may cause little noticeable damage, but larger populations can seriously affect the health and appearance of your lawn.

Common signs of leatherjacket activity include:

• Thin or yellowing patches of grass
• Areas of lawn that become weak and bare
• Grass that can be easily pulled away from the soil
• Increased bird activity as birds search for leatherjackets
• Damage that becomes more noticeable during periods of dry weather

Leatherjackets are particularly troublesome because the damage happens below ground, meaning problems can sometimes go unnoticed until the grass begins to deteriorate.

How Do Leatherjackets Get Into Lawns?

Crane flies lay their eggs in grass during late summer and early autumn. The eggs hatch into leatherjackets, which then spend much of their time in the soil feeding and developing.

Healthy, well-maintained lawns can still experience leatherjacket problems, so their presence isn’t necessarily a sign of poor lawn care.

How Can Leatherjackets Be Controlled?

Effective leatherjacket control starts with identifying the problem correctly. Lawn maintenance, good drainage and encouraging strong grass growth can all help your lawn cope with pest activity.

If leatherjackets are causing significant damage, professional assessment and treatment may be appropriate. The most suitable approach can depend on the time of year, the severity of the infestation and current regulations governing lawn pest treatments.

At Superior Lawn Care, we can inspect your lawn, identify signs of leatherjacket activity and recommend an appropriate course of action to help get your lawn looking healthy again.

Protect Your Lawn with Superior Lawn Care

If you have noticed bare patches, thinning grass or lots of birds feeding on your lawn, leatherjackets could be part of the problem.

Contact Superior Lawn Care today to arrange a professional lawn assessment and find out how we can help keep your lawn healthy, green and looking its best.