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Leatherjackets are the larvae of Crane Flies, otherwise known as the Daddy Long Legs. These larvae cause damage to lawns by feeding on grass roots. This can lead to yellowing of the grass and patchy areas of lawn. Lawns will also suffer secondary damage when Leatherjackets are present, as animals such as badgers, or birds will attempt to feed on the larvae; and will rip up areas of lawn in the process.
Naturally and safely control your Leatherjacket infestation with our Leatherjacket Killer Nematodes, which are deadly to the Leatherjacket larvae but safe to humans, pets and wildlife. Dragonfli Leatherjacket Killer contain Steinernema species nematodes that enter the Leatherjacket larvae via a natural opening, like the mouth, and feed on the pest from inside it. A natural bacterium is produced by the nematodes inside the larvae, which kills it. Infected larvae will be completely broken down by the nematodes. The nematodes also reproduce inside the larvae, releasing more nematodes into the surrounding area.
Our Small Garden Leatherjacket Killer Nematodes are ideal for those looking to treat a smaller surface area of turf or lawn.
Our 20sqm pack size contains one sachet of 10million Steinernema species nematodes which can be easily applied to smaller patches of garden that are infested with Leatherjacket grubs.
For optimum control over Leatherjackets, we advise using two applications of nematodes each year, once in the spring and once in the summer.
You should closely monitor soil temperatures and the presence of the adult Crane Flies (Daddy Long Legs) to time these applications.
Spring Applications
Leatherjackets overwinter in the soil and can be present from February, or even earlier in certain weather conditions. We recommend applying nematodes in the spring when Leatherjackets have been observed in the soil, and soil temperatures are above 10℃. As a very general rule, with such varying weather in the UK, this will be normally be between February to April. Ideally utilise a soil thermometer to accurately gauge this, as soil temperatures are different to air temperatures.
Summer Applications
We advise a summer application based on the presence of the adult Crane Flies (Daddy Long Legs). You should apply your summer treatment approximately 10-14 days after seeing the adult crane flies emerge from soil. This should make applications most effective. This treatment should be applied usually between late August to October (so long as conditions remain mild). Summer applications are most effective as the soil is warmer which provides better conditions for the nematodes to locate the Leatherjackets.
This pack size has been specifically designed to treat lawn areas of up to 20 square metres. This makes the pack more suited for treating smaller gardens, or for targeted treatment of smaller patches of lawn.
If looking to treat larger lawns, or heavier infestations of Leatherjackets, see our standard sized Leatherjacket Killer Nematodes which are available in 4 larger treatment sizes.
Choose a humid or wet day to apply your Leatherjacket Killer Nematodes. Nematodes are UV-sensitive and will not survive long when exposed to bright, sunny conditions. Apply the nematodes early in the morning or early in the evening in order to utilise the optimum humidity levels. Avoid application in frosty conditions.
Soil temperatures should be above 10℃ for the nematodes to be active, if applying in the spring.
To increase the effectiveness of your nematode treatment, we always advise you spike and scarify the lawn before application. If there are bare patches or poor grass coverage, spiking the ground is particularly important. If grass thatch is thick, scarifying the lawn is vital in aiding the passage of nematodes into the soil. The lawn also needs to be kept moist for nematodes to penetrate the soil and reach the Leatherjackets.
See also our Nemaflo carrier which will help aid the movement of the nematodes in the soil.
1. First, open the sachet and empty entire contents into a bucket of 1L of lukewarm water. Stir thoroughly to break up and dissolve carrier material.
2. Add 0.5L of the nematode concentrate to a watering can with up to 10L of water. One pack of 20sqm nematodes will make two watering cans (including concentrate solution).
3. Apply to lawns using a coarse rose / nozzle. Each watering can treats up to 10sqm. Use of all the contents of the pack once opened. Made up solution cannot be stored.
The nematodes can also be applied with some hose end feeder nematode applicators & sprayers such as our Nema Super Sprayer.
You can store unopened nematode packs in a fridge but it is best to ensure you apply your nematodes as soon as possible for the best results.
Leatherjacket Killer Nematodes are harmless to humans, and safe to apply to edible plants.
To aid the recovery, and boost the repair of your lawn that has suffered damage, try our Lawn Grub Repair Boost. This natural biostimulant helps roots regrow, and aids new grass growth. This will help negate lawn damage, and the boost can be used in combination with nematode treatments. Treatments can begin as soon as grass begins growing in the spring.
