Nematodes are recommended for use whenever larvae or grubs are present. Generally, this is during spring and autumn.

Water and nurture newly seeded areas: Proper watering is essential for the success of your lawn’s restoration. Keep the newly seeded areas consistently moist by watering lightly but frequently. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to fungal diseases. Additionally, provide adequate nutrients through regular fertilization to support the growth of new grass. Control:NematodesVariousproductscontaining Steinernemafeltiaeand S.carpocapsae,including Nemasys Fruit and Veg protection andBox tree caterpillar killer.

Stop Lawn Damage from Leatherjackets

Garlic Spray: A bitter-tasting spray on the grass will discourage the grubs from eating the grass an they will wriggle away. Hopefully to be caught by birds or swept up off your patio. I have a professional organic garlic spray which I can apply to customers lawns, or you could try to make some yourself by soaking crushed cloves in boiling water overnight. Control:A mixture of nematode species, sold as Fruit and Vegetable Protection, is available, may give some control of other insects. The nematodes then reproduce inside the dead pest and release a new generation of hungry infective nematodes, which disperse and search for further prey.

The best form of protection is prevention. EU legislation has restricted the use of pesticides but you can employ organic solutions which don’t require a pesticide certificate. These are called ‘nematodes’, which are microscopic worms. They enter the grubs and infect them with a bacterial disease which kills them. Nematodes are available from various horticultural suppliers, but be warned; timing, soil moisture and the age of the larvae are all critical if the treatment is to be successful. Their coloration ranges from pale grey to brown, blending seamlessly with the soil, making them all the more elusive.

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Several species and combinations of species can be available including, Steinernema kraussei, S. feltiae, Heterorhabditis megidis and H. bacteriophora. Steinernema species can remain active at soil temperatures down to 5ºC (41ºF) whilst Heterorhabditis require temperatures above 12ºC (54ºF).

Nematodes (phylumNematoda) are a very diverse group of animals. There are more than 25,000 described species, and they are found in almost every habitat. Most are microscopic and theyare important components of soil and marine ecosystems. Many nematodes are free living, but more than half of described species are parasitic on plants or animals. A fewspecies such as the potato cyst nematodes ( Globoderaspecies), leaf and bud nematodes ( Aphelenchoidesspecies)and stem and bulb nematodes ( Ditylenchus dispasci) can feed on garden plants.

Keep the soil moist and warm for at least a few weeks, to make sure that the nematodes remain active. Apply insecticide evenly: Even distribution is crucial to ensure thorough coverage and maximize effectiveness. Calibrate your sprayer or spreader according to the manufacturer’s instructions to achieve the recommended application rate. Walk at a steady pace, maintaining a consistent speed to achieve a uniform application. Adult Crane Flies: One tell-tale sign is the presence of large numbers of adult crane flies hovering above your turf during their mating season. Once you’ve removed all the damaged patches, apply good-quality topsoil to the bare soil, making sure it’s level with the rest of the lawn and re-seed. Choose grass seed that’s suitable for the soil and aspect of the garden.