LeatherJacket & Chafer Grub Preventative Control

Leatherjackets

These are the larvae of the crane fly (daddy longlegs). They live in the soil and feed on grass roots and stems, usually from autumn through spring.

Chafer Grubs

These are the larvae of the chafer beetle. They also feed on grass roots and are active mostly from late spring through summer.

Both pests can cause extensive lawn damage, including:

• Yellow, patchy, or thinning grass
   
• Turf that lifts easily like a carpet
   
• Increased bird, badger, or fox activity tearing up the lawn to feed on the grubs
   
• Slowed or stunted lawn growth
   
• Costly repairs or full renovation
   

Once a large population takes hold, the damage happens fast and can be difficult to reverse.

Prevention is far more effective than cure.
Waiting until the damage appears often means it’s too late to save your turf without significant work. Our preventative approach:

• Targets the pests before they cause visible harm
   
• Keeps the grub population low year-round
   
• Supports healthy root systems and lawn resilience

We assess risk factors including soil type, past infestations, wildlife activity, and turf condition.

We apply either a biological or chemical solution depending on the situation and time of year:

• Biological control: We use beneficial nematodes (microscopic worms) that seek out and kill the larvae naturally, safe for pets and pollinators.
   
• Preventative insecticide: In some cases, approved turf-safe insecticides may be used to suppress early-stage grubs.
   

These treatments are timed carefully to match the pests' life cycle for maximum effectiveness.

Leatherjackets - October/November; Nematodes or chemical treatment targeting eggs/early larvae

Chafer Grubs - May – July; Nematodes applied when grubs are young and near the surface 

Pest control is just one part of keeping your lawn strong. A healthy, well-fed, aerated lawn is less vulnerable to grub infestations. That’s why we always integrate pest prevention into a complete lawn care plan.