Crane Fly & Leather Jackets
Adult Crane Fly - with one leg missing!
Provado Lawn Grub Killer for Chafer & Leather Jacket
*The above Lawn Care Products are available in the Lawnsmith Shop and discussed below:
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The Crane Fly or Daddy Longlegs is the adult and the Leather Jacket the larvae. As for Chafers it is only the larvae that cause damage to your lawn and once again these are a delicious treat for the local wildlife!
If you see crane fly or leather jackets don’t panic and go into extermination mode. Most lawns and gardens have a healthy number living in and around them without any discernable damage. They are part of the natural balance and make your lawn a more interesting and rewarding place. Please also refrain from pulling their legs off!
Identification
If you have a problem you will notice one of three things:
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Adult crane fly can be seen from late July to September. If you see a lot then be prepared for possible problems in the following year
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Patches of lawn dry severely and the turf can be pulled or peeled up – look for larvae on or just below the soil surface
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Lawn damage as the wildlife starts ripping and pulling grass, moss and thatch out of the lawn. Once again look for larvae on or just below the soil surface
Most damage from leather jackets will occur in late spring and early summer giving you adequate warning to treat with Provado lawn Grub Killer* in the later summer or following spring. If you suspect a problem peel bag several patches of affected turf and if you have more than about 5 grubs per square foot then consider treatment at the next opportunity.
If you do see grubs and they are a creamy colour with an orange brown head and have legs then you have chafers not leather jackets!
Treatment with Provad
o
You only need to apply the Provado Lawn Grub Killer* to an area slightly larger than the area that is attacked. It is rare for the whole lawn to suffer an attack.
Treatment is recommended from mid August to September and kills the young larvae only. However, I have found treating leather jackets in October/November or March also gives good results.
Tip: If conditions are dry when you come to apply the insecticide the grubs will be deep in the soil and may not come into contact with the chemical. Thoroughly water the lawn a day or two before treatment to bring the grubs nearer the surface for best results.
