Is Your Lawn Under Attack from Leatherjackets?

Crane flies lay their eggs in lawns between August and October. Once hatched, the larvae -- known as leatherjackets -- live beneath the surface and feed on grass roots, causing serious damage that can be difficult to reverse without professional treatment. At Woods Lawns, we offer a targeted, licensed pest control treatment that eliminates leatherjackets and gives your lawn the chance to fully recover.

What are Leatherjackets?

Leatherjackets are the larvae of the crane fly (commonly known as Daddy Longlegs). They hatch from eggs laid in late summer and autumn, burrowing into the soil where they feed on grass roots throughout winter and into spring. Because they live beneath the surface, the damage they cause often goes unnoticed until it becomes severe.

Signs Your Lawn May Be Affected

• Yellowing and thinning turf in patches -- often mistaken for drought or disease.
• Dead areas that peel back like a carpet -- a tell-tale sign of root damage beneath the surface.
• Birds pulling up your lawn -- starlings, crows, and magpies dig for leatherjackets as a food source.
• Grass that never properly establishes -- particularly common on new build properties with shallow root systems.

When to Treat

• Late summer to autumn (August to November): The ideal window for treatment, when larvae are young and close to the surface. Acting early limits root damage and gives your lawn time to recover before winter.
• Spring (March to May): If autumn treatment was missed, spring treatment can still be effective as larvae become active again before pupating.

Why Professional Treatment is More Effective than DIY

DIY biological treatments such as nematodes are widely available but rely on specific soil temperatures and moisture levels to work, making results inconsistent. Our licensed professional application targets larvae directly, regardless of conditions, stopping further root damage and allowing your lawn to recover and establish strong, healthy growth.

• Licensed application: Our treatment is applied by trained professionals using products not available to the general public, ensuring more reliable results.
• Targeted and effective: Unlike nematodes, our treatment works directly on the larvae rather than depending on environmental conditions.
• Full recovery support: We can advise on follow-up care, including overseeding and feeding, to help your lawn bounce back as quickly as possible.

Pricing

Leatherjacket treatments start from £75, with the average residential lawn coming in at around £125. Pricing depends on lawn size. Contact us for a free quote.

Protect Your Lawn Before It's Too Late

Leatherjacket damage is progressive -- the longer it's left, the harder and more costly it becomes to restore your lawn. If you're noticing patchy, thinning, or lifting turf, it's worth getting it checked sooner rather than later.

Get in touch with Woods Lawns today for a free quote and we'll assess your lawn and recommend the right course of action.

Contact Woods Lawns today!