How to Get Rid of Leatherjackets

Thu, May 09, 2024 01:52 CET

Brits, beware! As the summer sun begins to peek through and gardens burst into life, a silent threat lurks beneath the surface of your beloved green lawn: leatherjackets. Infestations are currently wreaking havoc on lawns across the country.

A close-up of a green grass

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Homeowners are reporting widespread damage, with patches of once-lush grass turning brown and lifeless. Experts warn that this year's mild winter could have created ideal breeding conditions for these pesky grubs, potentially leading to a leatherjacket outbreak.

But fear not! Gardening expert Fiona Jenkins at MyJobQuote.co.uk has created this guide highlighting everything you need to know about these pests - how to identify them, the damage they cause, and most importantly, how to combat them and save your precious lawn. So, grab your gardening gloves because it's time to defend your turf from these unwanted lawn invaders!

What are Leatherjackets?

So, what exactly are leatherjackets? Unlike their name suggests, they are not little biker jackets taking over your lawn. In the gardening world, leatherjackets are the destructive larvae of daddy longlegs.

These critters are like tiny, brown or grey worms with a tough, leathery exterior (earning them their name). They live underground, munching away on the roots of your precious lawn, particularly feasting on grass. While they might seem small, a significant infestation can leave your once-vibrant green grass looking more like a patchy, sad excuse for a lawn.

So, the next time you notice brown, lifeless areas popping up in your lawn, leatherjackets might be the culprits.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Leatherjackets?

There are several ways in which you can identify leatherjackets taking over your lawn. Below is a list of the most common signs to help you identify an infestation quickly.

Patchy, Brown Grass: The most obvious sign of leatherjackets is the damage they cause. As they feast on your grass roots, affected areas will start to turn brown, creating unsightly patches in your once-lush green haven. These patches might feel spongy underfoot due to the damaged root system.
Bald Spots: In severe infestations, the leatherjackets can completely devour the grass roots, leaving behind completely bare patches of soil.
Feathered Lawn: If the infestation isn't too bad, you might notice your lawn appears feathered rather than having smooth, even growth. This can be caused by the leatherjackets damaging the grass roots unevenly.
Bird Activity: Birds are always on the lookout for a tasty snack, and leatherjackets are no exception. If you see an increase in birds pecking at your lawn, particularly crows and magpies, it could be a sign they've discovered a hidden stash of leatherjackets.
Inspection Test: This might not be the most glamorous method, but it's the most definitive way to confirm a leatherjacket problem. Take a small spade and carefully lift a small patch of the affected lawn. If you find plump, greyish-brown grubs with tough skin wriggling in the soil, this is a clear indication of a leatherjacket infestation.

How Do You Get Rid of Leatherjackets?

If you find a leatherjacket infestation in your garden, it’s best to deal with it as soon as possible to prevent any further damage to your precious lawn.

Below are some of the best methods to tackle these pesky critters.

Natural Methods

Nematodes: These microscopic superheroes are your secret weapon. They're naturally occurring nematodes that hunt down and kill leatherjackets. Apply them in late summer or early autumn when the soil is moist and warm (around 12°C). Remember, these guys work best on young grubs, so timing is key!
Beer Trap: This might sound like a strange trick, but leatherjackets are attracted to yeasty smells. Dig a shallow hole in an affected area, fill it with beer, and cover it with a piece of slate or cardboard. The grubs will crawl in and perish within the booze. Dispose of any trapped critters humanely. This is not the most efficient method, but it's a natural option for smaller infestations.
Encourage Predators: Birds love a good leatherjacket snack. Attract them to your garden with feeders and birdhouses to create a natural defence system. Hedgehogs also enjoy a grub feast, so consider building a friendly haven for these spiky lawn patrollers.

Shop-Bought Solutions

Insecticides: There are specific insecticides available that target leatherjackets. However, these should be a last resort as they can harm beneficial insects as well. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and only use them if the natural methods haven't done the trick.

How Do You Prevent Leatherjacket Infestations?

There are certain things you can do to prevent leatherjackets in the first place. So, if you’re lucky enough not to have a leatherjacket infestation yet, keep these tips in mind so you can prevent the critters from becoming a problem in the future.

Good Lawn Care: A healthy lawn with a thick root system is less susceptible to leatherjacket damage. Regularly mow, aerate the soil, and reseed bare patches to keep your grass strong.
Drainage: Leatherjackets thrive in damp soil. Ensure your lawn has good drainage by addressing any drainage issues.

Final Thoughts

It’s important to remember that patience is key. Eradicating a leatherjacket infestation takes time. By combining these methods and monitoring your lawn, you can send these grubby menaces packing and reclaim your beautiful green haven so that you can enjoy it as it’s supposed to be throughout summer and beyond.

FIONA JENKINS

Fiona Jenkins is a UK-based landscaper with over twenty-five years of experience in the industry. As a gardening expert for MyJobQuote, one of the UK's top trades-matching sites, Fiona offers her expert advice to MyJobQuote's tradespeople and homeowners and has also been featured as a gardening expert for a range of reputable publications.

MyJobQuote is one of the UK's top trades matching sites that helps individuals find a reputable tradesperson in their local area.

MyJobQuote also has a wide range of experts with extensive knowledge in interior design, cleaning, gardening, property, construction and more. MyJobQuote's experts have been featured in over 700 publications, including Woman and Home, The Times, House Beautiful, BBC News and more.