What Are Leatherjacket Grubs?
Leatherjackets are the larvae of crane flies (commonly known as daddy longlegs). These grubs hatch in late summer and feed on grass roots throughout autumn and spring. Their feeding weakens the lawn, leading to yellowing, thinning, and, in severe cases, complete turf loss.
Why Are Leatherjacket grubs Bad for Your Lawn?
- Root Damage: The primary issue with both leatherjacket and chafer grubs is their diet. By feeding on grass roots, they reduce the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, leading to visible decline.
- Weak and Patchy Grass: Infested lawns become thin, yellow, and susceptible to drought stress and disease.
- Attracting Pests: Wildlife such as crows, starlings, and badgers will tear up the lawn to feast on the grubs, causing further destruction.
- Rapid Spread: If left untreated, grub populations can grow, making recovery more difficult and costly.
How to Prevent and Treat Grub Infestations
Prevention Methods
- Encourage Healthy Grass Growth – A well-maintained lawn with strong roots is more resilient to grub damage. Regular aeration, feeding, and watering help prevent infestations.
- Manage Thatch Levels – Thatch is the layer of dead grass, roots, and organic debris that sits between the soil and the growing grass. A thick thatch layer can create an ideal environment for pests by providing shelter and moisture. Regular scarification (removal of thatch) helps to improve airflow, water penetration, and microbial activity, reducing the likelihood of grub infestations.
- Overseed in Autumn and Spring – Overseeding can help thicken the lawn, reducing the likelihood of grub damage. A dense lawn is more resistant to pests and can recover more quickly from minor infestations.
- Proper Mowing Techniques – Cutting the grass at the right height (not too short) encourages deep root growth and resilience. A stronger root system makes it harder for grubs to cause severe damage.
- Deter Adult Crane Flies and Chafer Beetles – Reducing moisture levels in late summer can make the lawn less attractive for egg-laying adults. Avoid overwatering and improve drainage to discourage breeding conditions.
- A cheap and easy option is to water your lawn to saturate the soil. Lay and secure a plastic sheet on the grass and leave overnight. Check the next morning and you may find grubs on the surface you can hand pick
- Nematode treatments – see below
Natural Treatment with Nematodes
For homeowners looking for a safe and environmentally friendly approach, nematodes offer an excellent natural solution for controlling leatherjacket grubs. Nematodes are microscopic, soil-dwelling worms that actively seek out and infect the grubs, ultimately killing them. They are completely safe for people, pets, and beneficial insects. However, they are not a one time on ly treatment. If you have an infestation you may need to proactively apply nematodes twice a year ongoing to keep control.
- Application Timing:
- For leatherjackets, apply nematodes between April – June, then again August to end of October when the larvae are young and most vulnerable.
- Application Method:
- Water the lawn thoroughly before application to ensure the soil is moist.
- Mix the nematodes with water as per the product instructions and apply using a watering can or hose-end sprayer.
- Keep the soil moist for at least two weeks after application to allow the nematodes to establish and attack the grubs.
Lawn Tiger’s Lawn Grub Treatment
If an infestation has already taken hold, a professional treatment can provide the most effective solution. Lawn Tiger provides specialised grub control treatments tailored to your lawn’s needs.
- We will inspect your lawn to perform an Integrated Pest Management survey. This will determine the best course of action in the most environmentally beneficial way.
- UK-Approved Chemical Control: We use a highly effective grub control product approved for use in the UK. It targets Leatherjackets and chafer grubs, providing long-lasting protection for your lawn. This treatment can be applied once per year on a lawn. in September – October.
- The product is designed to only be effective against the young stage of the grub life cycle. Mature grubs are very resistant to the treatment. However, the treatment and other approached you an take all help reduce the population and further damage.
- Aerating your lawn prior to application can speed up the product getting into the soil, as well as being hugemany other benefits to the lawn too.
- Repair and Recovery: If your lawn has suffered severe damage, we offer a range of lawn renovation services including scarification, aeration, overseeding and top dressing to encourage rapid recovery.
When to Act
Leatherjacket infestations typically become noticeable during Autumn to mid Spring with grass thinning out with bare patches appearing. If you can easily lift up patches of grass there could be grubs in soil eating the grass roots.
If you suspect an issue, acting quickly can prevent further damage and save your lawn from costly repairs.
Get Professional Help Today
Contact us today for a no obligation quote, and let us restore your lawn to its lush, healthy state. 01293 974358, [email protected], www.lawntiger.co.uk.
