Leatherjacket nematodes will protect your lawns from leatherjacket grubs without the need for chemicals. The microscopic worms work their way around your soil to seek our the leatherjacket grubs and kill them quickly and safely. Leatherjacket grubs are the larvae stage of crane flys (also known as daddy long legs).
One pack treats 100sq.m
What Are Leatherjacket Nematodes?
Leatherjacket nematodes are microscopic worms which you can find naturally in your soil but by applying the nematodes you are increasing the levels. The nematodes attack the leatherjacket larvae by entering the body and quickly and safely kills them. The nematodes then reproduce to move on to find it's next prey.
It can take up between 7-21 days to see the benefits from using leatherjacket nematodes however you should notice a significant reduction in the number of grubs within the first two weeks.
How to Apply?
Nematodes are very easily applied by dissolving the pack in water and distributing the nematodes evenly across your area by either using a watering can or a miracle grow applicator. Full instructions and dilution rates are provided and can also be found on the product images.
Nematodes are a live beneficial organism so have a short shelf life of around two weeks. We advise ordering the nematodes when you wish to use them. If you don't use them straight away they need to be stored in a fridge and used before their expiry date.
When to Apply?
The soil temperature needs to be above 12°C for the nematodes to be effective.
The optimum time to apply leatherjacket nematodes is between August and October. The crane flies (daddy long legs) usually become visible in your garden around August time, this is when they start to lay their eggs. This is the optimum time to apply your nematodes because it allows the nematodes to attack the larvae at the correct time and be most effective.
However you find you have leatherjacket grubs in your soil earlier in the season then it's also advisable to do an earlier application which can help the control. You will still need to do the later application as well when you start to see the crane flies.
Applying outside of the recommended time frame may still aid the control.
The soil temperature is generally warmer than the air temperature so the nematodes can survive the odd frost and slightly lower night time temperatures.
Don't apply in direct sunlight, ideally on an overcast day or in the evening. Keep the soil nice and moist for at least two weeks after the application. The nematodes thrive in wet conditions.