I recently found six leatherjackets while digging up some weeds in my yard. I'm wondering if that number is something to be concerned about, or does it become an issue only if I start seeing a lot more? My lawn is pretty patchy, but I think that could just be due to some poor maintenance and having a dog around. Any advice would be appreciated!
3 Answers
Leatherjackets can actually be beneficial as food for starlings and other garden birds. If you make your garden more wildlife-friendly, they shouldn’t pose much of a problem!
While I wouldn’t suggest wearing a leather jacket while gardening, they definitely protect you from the sun!
At this time of year, leatherjackets are in their pupae stage, so there's not much you can do right now. Just wait until August or September to see how many crane flies come out. If you notice a lot, you might want to think about a nematode treatment, though keep in mind that they can be pricey and require precise application to work effectively. Plus, the soil needs to stay moist for a couple of weeks after application, so it can be a bit of a project.
I totally relate. I lost about 60% of my lawn to a severe leatherjacket infestation a while back. You definitely know when it’s bad because you'll see hundreds crawling around at night!
I hear you! Unfortunately, there are just too many cats in my area, and they seem to be taking care of those birds.