There are currently no chemical treatments to kill off leatherjackets.
Leather jacket treatment for grass.
The lawn must be moist we recommend pre watering and apply on a dull day or in the evening.
This modern natural treatment utilises a parasitic nematode worm called steinernema feltiae for the control of leatherjackets.
To apply simply mix the nematodes with water.
This treatment may also be effective on very young grubs during april and may once the soil temperature is above 12 degrees.
After correct application to the soil these microscopic worms find a leatherjacket grub as a host and infect them with a specific species of bacteria.
Signs of leatherjackets can also include birds pecking at your grass or patches of grass coming away without any roots.
A biological treatment and of course disturbing the life cycle so that we limit their lifespan.
This multiplies and kills the grub.
If the local wildlife has completely wrecked your lawn while feasting on leatherjackets you might choose to replace the lawn completely.
It can only be used in the right conditions the soil temperature must be above 12 degrees so application is recommended between july and october.
The microscopic nematodes then seek out the leatherjacket grubs invade them and destroy them from the inside.
The soil should also be moist so the nematodes can be at their most effective.
To get rid of leatherjackets try using a nematode treatment that you can apply to affected areas after rain or a session with the sprinkler.
It may be necessary to water the lawn before and after application to ensure the soil is sufficiently moist for nematode activity and survival.
After application you must wash in the nematodes by watering heavily by hose or by sprinkler.
We also have treatments for red spider mite and aphids greenfly whitefly.
Another way to remove leather jackets from the lawn is to cover the area with a large black plastic sheet overnight.
However provado lawn grub killer kills leatherjackets and also chafer grubs in the lawn.
The soil beneath your lawn is like a very busy city teaming with all sorts of life forms.
So as lawn lovers we are limited to two types of treatment.
Nematodes are microscopic worms and certain species predate the leatherjackets.
Nemasys leatherjacket killer should be applied to the lawn in april and or september.
Small infestations are not troublesome but more than 20 25 grubs per sq ft.
Furthermore the soil must be moist in order for the nematodes to survive once applied.
Nematodes should be applied as soon as possible after purchase following the suppliers instructions for use.
As a preventive measure apply nematodes in september to early october against leatherjackets.
After a few weeks your lawn should be back to its former glory.
Water your lawn regularly if there is no rain and you should see new grass shoots appearing within a couple of weeks.
Biological insect control also known as nematodes treatment helps with leather jacket insect control.