The daddy long legs or Crane fly as it’s properly known lays hundreds of it’s little eggs in our lawns in the Autumn. These hatch a few weeks later remaining in the soil and eating away on the grass roots and stems before pupating and emerging as adults in the Spring.
These little critters can actually cause a great deal of harm as can be seen in the picture attached.
These large patches of dead looking grass are a clear indication that all is not right. You may also seen increased daddy long legs activity on your lawns and possibly birds or other animals scraping them out to feast upon. All this contributes to an unsightly looking lawn.
So what can be done. Three things really. 1) A pesticide chemical application designed specifically to kill the crane fly larvae is perhaps the most effective way to deal with them. You will need a certified license to use these products though so get in touch for us to apply this. 2) Scarifying and aeration can help to interrupt feeding habits and can be effective but it will not kill them. 3) Nematodes have been used effectively for some time now but conditions are absolutely critical if they are to work.
Whatever way you choose we are here to offer our services so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.