LEATHERJACKETS

Adult Crane Flies emerge and are most abundant from mid August to mid September. Each adult only lives for about a week, long enough to mate and for the female to lay up to 280 eggs, often on lawns.

The eggs hatch within 2 weeks into larvae called LEATHERJACKETS. These feed on tender small roots through the fall and during warm periods in winter. Most damage occurs in the Spring as they reach full size (1.25 in.). In warm winter conditions damage may be apparent as early as February and increase through the Spring months until June. They stop feeding at this time as they pupate in the soil to re emerge as adult Crane Flies in August.

If a large number of adults are seen in the fall or if chronic damage has occurred in previous seasons, Fall treatment can be justified after early October. If no treatment was done in the Fall and if significant damage is apparent in early Spring, a treatment to eliminate the larvae and save the lawn is suggested.

CONTROL

MasterLawn uses government registered, approved insecticides for treating these lawn destroying pests. One application after early October is all that is required. If you think you have a problem with these pests or if you would like information on this or any other of our services, please call...