You might not think of daddy long legs as a regular garden pest, but their larvae; leatherjackets can cause real problems in your lawn. The leatherjacket grub feeds on the roots of your grass causing yellow or brown patches which are often blamed on drought, dogs or wildlife.
Symptoms and Clues
Close up of a leatherjacket
Brown or yellow patches will appear on the lawn. The leatherjackets will eat the roots of the grass which means your grass gets less water. The problem is more visible in times of drought as there's less water to go around.
You may also notice an large number of birds pecking at the brown areas. They aren't damaging the lawn, but they are hunting for the leatherjackets which are beneath the surface. Foxes and other animals will also feed on leatherjackets, scratching the surface of lawn to uncover the leatherjackets below.
In August/September you can see daddy long legs hopping along the surface of the lawn laying their eggs, this is a dead giveaway that there's a problem.
Test for Leatherjackets
An easy way to find out if you have leatherjackets:
- In the evening during Summer, thoroughly water a patch of lawn where you suspect leatherjacket activity.
- Cover the patch with a bin liner or piece of polythene.
- The next day, lift the polythene and any leatherjackets will have risen to the surface.
Treatment
Provado Lawn Grub Killer
You can treat the problem with Provado Lawn Grub Killer. Most people aren't aware of the cause until they see the daddy long legs appear in August and September, but if you're aware you have a problem you can apply Provado earlier. Provado Lawn Grub Killer is a contact and systemic insecticide, one treatment lasts all season.
Safety and Environmental Information
Children and pets need not be excluded from treated areas once dry. Grazing animals like rabbits and Guinea pigs should be kept away from treated areas for 4 weeks.
The chemical in provado lawn grub killer can be hazardous to bees, always mow the lawn before applying (to remove any flowering weeds like dandelions, buttercups or daisies) and apply in the late evening that way bees won't be around until it has dried. Do not use when lowering weeds are present.
Do not apply near ponds or streams.
Provado Lawn Grub Killer contains imidacloprid, always read the label, use safely.
