The two main pests that cause problems in a lawn are leatherjackets
and chafer grubs. Both these pests are larvae that feed on the grass roots
which cause death or damage to the grass plant.
Leatherjackets
Season:
Spring and summer
Symptoms:
Leatherjackets are the larvae of daddy long-legs. You are at risk if
you see a large number of daddy long legs in the vicinity of your
lawn, if you have suffered with leatherjackets in the past or if your
lawn is thin and pachy. They cause a yellow or brown dead patch in the
summer.
Preventative measures:
From April – May a leatherjacket pesticide killer can be applied also
during the summer a polythene sheet can be laid on the lawn. The
leatherjackets will come to the surface overnight and can be
removed.
Chafer Grubs
Season:
late summer
Symptoms:
More common on sandy soils, but leaves the grass in the same condition
as above.
Preventative measures:
It is best to treat in late summer as this is when the grub is closest
to the surface. Treatment is similar to leatherjacket with the use of
pesticides.
