Causal organism: Tipula spp.
Crane fly (Daddy Long Legs) are the adult of the soil pest larvae, Leatherjackets.
Crane Fly larvae feed on the roots of grasses. Usually very little damage is done as plants have a remarkable ability to compensate for minor root damage. However, when populations are high (estimated to be about 25-30 larvae per square metre) damage to turf areas can be extensive.
The adult Crane Fly is found in the late summer and early autumn. It has long legs and resembles a large mosquito (body is about 1 inch long). The larvae, called Leatherjackets, live in the soil. They hatch from eggs laid in the late summer. They feed during the autumn and into the spring of the following year. They stop feeding in May. Damage generally becomes noticeable during the spring, caused by feeding that occurred the previous autumn and winter. Damage can also occur when birds scratch at the turf surface attracted to the larvae.
The most effective way to manage them is to time treatments to coincide with when the larvae are young and close to the surface. A common and environmentally friendly approach is to apply beneficial nematodes, microscopic parasitic worms that seek out and kill leatherjackets when watered into moist soil under the right temperature conditions. For preventative control, apply nematodes in late summer to early autumn or in spring while the larvae are small and active, and keep the lawn moist before and after application for best results. In more severe infestations or where nematodes aren’t suitable, professional turf-care treatments such as carefully applied approved insecticides (e.g., Acelepryn) can be used by trained operators to reduce populations. Alongside direct control, maintain a healthy lawn with good drainage and regular aeration so the turf can better tolerate and recover from pest damage.
WhatsApp 
Mail 
Copy link 
