Leatherjacket Nematodes

Leatherjackets are the larvae of crane flies (daddy-long-legs), they can cause significant damage to your lawn. Typically, the damage begins around late August, depending on weather conditions. As adult crane flies lay eggs that quickly hatch into leatherjackets, prompt action is essential to prevent harm to your grass.

Effective leatherjacket control with nematodes

They can be controlled by nematodes steinernema feltiae to effectively target and control crane fly larvae, stopping them from damaging your lawn. This solution helps maintain the health of your grass by addressing the larvae problem at its source.

The best time to apply nematodes for leatherjackets

For optimal results, apply leatherjacket nematodes between August and November. While this is the ideal timeframe, the nematodes can still be effective if used outside these dates. Each pack treats up to 100 square metres of lawn.

Nematode storage and application guidelines

Store nematodes in the refrigerator immediately after delivery and use them before the expiry date, usually around 2 weeks. During application, ensure the soil is moist and continue to keep it moist afterwards to enhance nematode effectiveness. Please note that as live organisms, nematodes cannot be returned, and their effectiveness may vary based on external conditions.

Identifying Leatherjackets

• Appearance: Legless, greyish-brown larvae that can grow up to 4 cm long. They have a tough, leathery skin.
• Habitat: Typically found in the soil, especially in grassy areas like lawns, pastures, and golf courses. They thrive in moist environments.
• Behavior: Feed on the roots of grasses and other plants, causing yellowing and wilting of the plants above.
• Timing: Most commonly seen in the autumn and spring. Adult crane flies lay eggs in late summer, and the larvae hatch and start feeding soon after.

Identifying Leatherjacket Damage

• Yellowing Grass: Patches of yellow or brown grass where the larvae have fed on the roots.
• Loose Turf: Grass that lifts easily from the soil due to root damage.
• Increased Bird Activity: Birds pecking at the lawn to feed on the larvae.
• Wilting Plants: Plants that appear wilted or stunted due to root damage.

What plants do leatherjacket nematodes eat?

Leatherjackets are known for eating the roots of grass, leading to yellow and dead patches. They are also known for eating seedlings and small plants. They attack the roots of younger plants in garden borders and vegetable plots which then causes the plants to wilt and collapse. In some cases, they also eat roots of vegetable crops which then impacts their growth,..

Step by Step guide how to use Leatherjacket nematodes :

Storage Instructions

• Store nematodes as soon as possible after delivery.
• Keep them in the fridge or at temperatures below 5°C until the expiry date on the package.
• Do not freeze or expose to high temperatures.
• Ensure the soil temperature is at least 8°C for application.
• The soil should be moist and kept moist for three to four weeks after application.
• Apply in the evening, when overcast, or during rainfall.
• Water immediately after application.
• If applying over plants, water the plants within 30 minutes to wash the nematodes off the leaves and onto the soil.

Application Instructions

• Use a watering can with a coarse 1.4mm rose or a sprayer, alternatively the Gardening Naturally applicator to attach to your hose.
• If using a sprayer, remove all filters finer than 1.4mm mesh.
• Spray using a maximum pressure of 5 bars through nozzles at least 0.5mm.
• Nematode applicators are available on the website.

How to Use

1. Use the entire pack.
2. Make a stock solution by emptying the whole packet into 10L of water and stir continuously. Use this solution within 4 hours.
3. Take 1L of the stock solution and pour it into a separate bucket, then mix with 9L of water, stirring continuously.
4. Transfer the 10L solution from the bucket into a watering can. One watering can will treat 10m².
5. Repeat this process until all the stock solution has been used, then water the treated area with the watering can or a hose pipe.

How can I enhance the effectiveness of the nematodes?

Nemaquick is a product designed to enhance the effectiveness of nematodes. It helps them work more quickly by improving their movement through the soil and increasing their chances of finding and infecting pests. Nemaquick typically acts as a surfactant or soil conditioner, making the soil environment more conducive for nematode activity, which allows them to disperse more effectively and reach the pests sooner.

Frequently Asked Questions about Leatherjacket Nematodes