Leather Jacket Control On Lawns.
Daddy longlegs or crane flies come from leather jacket larva in your lawn
Leather jackets are the larvae of crane flies, which are also known as daddy-long-legs. They are a common pest that can cause damage to lawns by feeding on grass roots, which can lead to yellowing or browning of the grass and eventual death of the lawn. Controlling leather jackets on lawns is important to maintain the health and appearance of the lawn.
The best time to control leather jackets is in the late summer or early fall when they are most active and near the surface of the soil. This is typically from mid-August to mid-October, depending on your location and climate. At this time, the leather jackets are still small and vulnerable to control methods.
There are several methods for controlling leather jackets on lawns:
- Cultural control: This involves maintaining a healthy lawn by providing adequate water, fertilizer, and mowing. A healthy lawn is better able to withstand leather jacket damage.
- Biological control: This involves introducing natural predators of leather jackets into the lawn, such as birds or nematodes.
- Chemical control: This involves using insecticides to kill the leather jackets. Insecticides can be applied as granules or liquid sprays.
It is important to follow the instructions on the insecticide label carefully and apply the product according to the recommended rate and timing. Insecticides should only be used as a last resort and should be applied in accordance with local regulations.
Overall, controlling leather jackets on lawns involves a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical methods, depending on the severity of the infestation and the preferences of the homeowner.