Insecticide For Leather Jackets
Leatherjackets are the larvae of the Crane Fly, also known as Daddy Long Legs. There are reported to be over 300 species found in the British Isles, with as many as 15,000 worldwide, existing in many different habitats. However, the main problems to turfgrass in the UK are caused by just two species, Tipula paludosa and T. oleracea.
The lifespan of the adult is commonly only ten to fifteen days as its sole purpose is to mate. During this period, they can come to the attention of people as they fly ungracefully around exterior lights and invade households in search of a mate. Turfgrass problems are caused during the larval stage when leatherjackets feed on the roots of the grass plant making the plant more susceptible to disease and killing the plant. Significant secondary damage can also occur as predators such as starlings, rooks, crows, jackdaws, magpies, foxes and badgers dig up the turf in search of an abundant high protein feed lying just beneath the surface.
Identification
The first indication of a problem is usually birds pecking and damaging the surface, in severe infestations the turf turns yellow in patches and bare areas start to appear. Lift back the turf to find Leatherjackets feeding on the roots of the grass plant; generally at the edge of an infected area.
The larvae have an elongated grey/brown tubular body up to 30 mm long without any legs. The adults look similar to a very large mosquito although they have a very distinct ungainly flight. Their bodies are long and thin, so much so, that it is very easy to break off their legs when trying to catch them. Adult Crane Flies do not damage turf, nor do they bite or sting.
Methods Of Control
Control is best achieved through the use of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan. An IPM plan helps site managers to understand the pest within the context of their site and to take appropriate action to help reduce the threat of damage before it has become a problem. Steps within an IPM plan include:
- Identify the pest.
- Map the site and set priority levels for different areas.
- Set action thresholds.
- Monitor the pest.
- Take appropriate action once action thresholds have been exceeded.
- Review the process and make changes as necessary.
Cultural Control
As with most problems the symptoms can be relieved more effectively prior to the onset of problems or when symptoms are first noticed. Scarify and aerate turf in the autumn. Where there is a history of infestation compress the turf by rolling it in the spring.
Natural Predators
Starlings are an important natural predator of chafer beetles and crane flies; narrow beaks facilitate feeding on these pests whilst causing minimal damage to turf. Introducing Starling boxes will not only help support your local population of this red listed species but will also help reduce problem species such as leatherjackets
Chemical Methods of Control
Professional Use
Currently, there are no approved insecticides for the control of leatherjackets; although, in 2018 and 2019 emergency authorisation of Syngenta insecticide Acelepryn was approved for the control of chafer grubs and leatherjackets. The Emergency Authorisation is authorised for a limited window within each calendar year and the specific details of this are likely to change from one authorisation to the next. For specific details on the status of Emergency Authorisations for this issue contact our technical sales advisors.
Biological Control
The nematodes Steinernema feltiae and Steinernema carpocapsae are commonly used as a biological control for leatherjackets.
Nematodes are the most abundant multicellular organism on Earth. They are a very diverse group of animals with an estimated 1 million species adapted to specific ecological niches.
The group of nematodes that are used to control Chafer Grubs are host specific. The species used to control chafer grubs are; Steinernema feltiae (autumn control) and Steinernema carpocapsae (spring control). They are native to Britain, persistent in the soil for long-term control and are safe for users and the environment.
The nematode penetrates the grub and releases bacteria (Xenorhabdus spp.) that kill the chafer grubs by stopping them feeding.
Nematodes need to be applied to moist soil in affected areas during August to October when the soil temperatures are in excess of 12oC (54oF) and the grubs are active. A secondary application during March to April is possible for severe infestations. Sufficient water should be applied after application to ensure the nematodes are washed into the soil profile.
The lifecycle of a leatherjacket is illustrated below and explains that the most effective time to apply nematodes will be between August to October. At this time the larvae are at the top of the soil profile and large enough to encounter the nematodes.
Insecticide For Leather Jackets
Crane fly larvae are common pests in turf grass. The larvae have a long, thin body and six legs. They are up to 1/2 inch long when mature. The color of the larvae ranges from white to yellowish-white with a brown head. Crane fly larvae are also known as leatherjackets or leather-jackets.
Crane fly larvae are found in turf grasses that contain high levels of thatch or other organic matter such as mulch and leaf litter. These conditions provide the habitat necessary for their survival and reproduction.
Crane flies are attracted to light so they may be found near window screens or doorways during the evening hours. They lay their eggs on plant stems and foliage, especially around edges and in shady areas where they can stay out of sight from predators such as birds or other insects that might want to eat them. After hatching, these tiny creatures begin feeding on grass blades until they reach maturity at about 3 weeks old when they begin laying eggs themselves before dying off naturally within about 6 weeks time (if not killed off sooner by predators).
Insecticides containing carbaryl are effective against crane fly larvae but should be applied carefully so as not to harm any beneficial insects such as bees.
List Of Insecticide For Leather Jackets
- Ortho Home Defense Insect Killer for Indoor & Perimeter2 with Comfort Wand kills ants, cockroaches, spiders, fleas, ticks and other listed bugs; the formula is odor free, won’t stain, and keeps listed bugs out
- KILLS BUGS INSIDE: Kills those annoying home-invading insects, including ants, cockroaches, spiders, fleas, ticks, scorpions, beetles, silverfish, centipedes and millipedes
- KEEPS BUGS OUTSIDE: Creates a bug barrier that will kill bugs you have and prevents new bugs for up to 12 months (applies to ants, roaches and spiders indoors on non-porous surfaces)
- NO STAINING OR STINK: This spray can be used indoors and out, leaves no residue, and has no odor; people and pets may re-enter treated areas after spray has dried
- WAND MAKES APPLICATION EASY: The Comfort Wand eliminates hand fatigue, and there’s no pumping required, making it easy to spray along your home’s perimeter–indoors and outside
Additional Info :
| Color | White |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 4.88 Inches |
| Width | 12 Inches |
| Length | 8.95 Inches |
| Weight | 0.73 Pounds |
- SAFE FROM RAIN & STAINS: Garde will make sure that your handbag and shoes are safe if you get caught in the rain. By forming an invisible protective layer, Garde keeps your products free from water spots, salt stains, body oil, grease, perspiration, coffee, wine, and any other dangers to your leather goods.
- WON’T AFFECT APPEARANCE: Apple Brand Garde will not alter the color or shade of your products, or leave any sticky or gummy residues. Our products are trusted by some of the biggest names in fashion and are recommended time and time again for their gentle yet effective care on leathers and fabrics.
- USE ON ALL YOUR FAVORITE PRODUCTS: Great for handbags, purses, heels, flats, shoes, boots, wallets, belts, furniture, car interiors, and more!
- MADE IN USA – SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: We are proud to keep all of our manufacturing and customer service in the USA and stand behind all of our products 100%. If for any reason you are unsatisfied with your order please let us know and we will be sure to make it right!
Additional Info :
| Color | Clear |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Weight | 0.50926782522 Pounds |
- KILLS FAST: Kills mosquitoes, listed ant types, fleas and other listed insects
- QUICKFLIP HOSE-END SPRAYER: Hose-end-sprayer activates spray at the flip of a switch – just grip, flip and go
- LASTS ALL SUMMER: Controls up to 12 weeks against house crickets, carpenter ants, harvester ants, lady beetles and earwigs
- COVERAGE: Treats up to 5,000 square feet of lawn
- NO MIXING REQUIRED: Attach the sprayer to a garden hose to treat your lawn, landscape and outdoor surfaces where insects hide
Additional Info :
| Color | Silver Bottle |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 11.5 Inches |
| Width | 2 Inches |
| Length | 5.25 Inches |
| Weight | 1.08 Pounds |
- Broad-spectrum control of more than 50 nuisance pests
- Effective knockdown with a long residual
- No odor, no visible residue
- Package Dimensions: 3.1 L x 27.7 H x 18.0 W (centimeters)
Additional Info :
| Color | White |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 8.875 Inches |
| Width | 1.75 Inches |
| Length | 4.5 Inches |