Leatherjackets are the larvae of the Crane Fly, better known as the Daddy Longlegs.
When you start to see the adult daddy-long-legs in your garden (towards the end of August) you will know that in a few days they will be laying eggs. These will hatch quickly, within two weeks. The young start to feed, continuing throughout winter, ready to gorge on grass roots in spring.
During the mild months of late autumn and early spring the larvae will feed voraciously on grass roots, and a sure sign of lawn damage by these pests are dry, yellow patches, which will become ore evident in the spring and early summer.Left untreated these patches will eventually become brown as the grass plants die altogether. Certain birds, especially of the crow family and in particular the magpie, can cause further damage as they tear up the lawn looking to feast on the leatherjackets.
Leatherjackets can also sometimes attack plants in the vegetable plot, eating roots and causing the plants to turn yellow or die completely. Simply digging around the affected plants or lifting an area of dying grass should confirm the presence of leatherjackets. They grow to around 1-2cm in size and are generally dark brown in colour and you can expect to find several within a small area.
| Another common garden pest, which can cause similar damage to lawns and other plants is the Chafer grub. This is the larvae of the Chafer beetle, which lives as an adult beetle for around 2-3 weeks during May and June, then laying eggs in the soil or lawn. The larvae will then spend most of its life in the soil feeding extensively on plant roots. Major infestations can be devastating for lawns and other plants with symptoms becoming evident when the damage has already been done. The grubs can grow to around 2cm in length and are easily identified by their greyish white colour and their curled appearance. |
Chafer Grub |
Leatherjacket Grub |
Unlike the leatherjacket, chafer grubs display typically 3 pairs of legs situated to the front of the body, making them instantly recognisable. It’s usually a plump grub with a light brown head and is a favourite food source of the crow family including starlings, jackdaws, jays and magpies. However, they can also be a tasty meal for foxes and badgers, who will rip up the lawn as they search for them.
| There are no chemical remedies available for either leatherjackets or Chafer grubs so one option is to tackle infected areas by removing the grubs manually and then to repair lawns and replace dead plants. Another option, and one preferred by most gardeners, is to apply a biological control known as pathogenic nematodes. Nematodes are microscopic parasitic worms, which seek out the leatherjackets and chafer grubs and infect them with a bacteria. This infection stops the grubs from feeding and so they eventually die. |  |  |
Nematodes are a very effective control method because once the host grub has died the nematodes will quickly reproduce, creating a new generation of hungry parasites, which will go in search of new prey. The nematodes are best applied to warm soil in September and before the autumn frosts.
AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE AUGUST - BEGINNING OF OCTOBER
Did you find this post Useful? So will others, please like it on Facebook, or share on Twitter.
Have you any other top tips you think are worth a mention? Please leave a comment below and let us know....
All blog content on this page is copyright of SimplySeed and is not to be reproduced without prior written permission. ©
Are you unsure which type of Parsley you should be using in your cooking? Which is best to garnish the plate? Which adds the most punch to your dish?
There are two main types of parsley; flat parsley and curly parsley. Find out the differences between flat and curly parsley.....
The seed potatoes you choose will affect the quality of your jacket potatoes.
Larger seed potatoes will give you a bigger crop. A floury texture is best for jacket potatoes, to produce a light and fluffy baked potato.....
Granular fertilisers are small, nutrient-rich pellets that release nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium slowly into the soil.
This slow release means your plants get a steady supply of nutrients over time, for healthier and more vigorous growth....
Using perlite in compost will improve aeration and drainage and your plants will grow stronger and healthier.
In this post we will explain why adding perlite to your compost is beneficial and how to do it....
The right seed tray is key to plant health, dependent on seed size, depth requirements and tray features like drainage and material durability.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this guide will help you pick the best trays, understand what to look for and how to use them to grow healthy plants....
Want to know about the types of chilli peppers and what makes them different?
In this blog we’ll cover a wide range of chilli varieties, heat levels, flavours and uses in the kitchen....
Has a lovely fruity flavour......
Growth Habit - Cordon.
Average Packet Contents : 10 seeds
An older traditional variety, best sown later.....
Average Contents : 0.5g (approx 150) seeds
Tomato First in the Field is very good for outdoor allotment......
Av. Packet Contents : 20 seeds
Chilli Jalapeno is the chilli most often used for nachos.....
Average Contents : 20 Seeds
Mix of Lettuce varieties suitable for use as a cut and come.....
Average Contents : 1.5g, approx 1000 seeds
Small, round watermelons that grow to a handy size of about 15 to 20cm.....
Av. Packet Contents : 12 seeds
