Having problems with leatherjackets?

Leatherjackets are the larval stage of the crane fly or daddy-long-legs, they are about 2.5cm (1″ long), greyish black in colour, legless and with no distinct head.

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Expert Leatherjacket Control Services in the UK | Shire Pest Solutions

Expert Leatherjacket Control Services in the UK

Leatherjackets are the soil-dwelling larvae of craneflies (commonly called daddy longlegs). While many cranefly species are harmless and even beneficial, some feed on living plant material and can cause serious damage to lawns, beds and borders. At Shire Pest Solutions we deliver targeted biological treatments that protect your turf without harsh chemicals.

Understanding Leatherjackets

Britain has around 350 cranefly species across six true fly families (Tipulidae, Pediciidae, Limoniidae, Cylindrotomidae, Trichoceridae and Ptychopteridae). Leatherjackets live in the upper soil. Some recycle organic matter and algae; others feed on living roots and stems, thinning lawns and killing seedlings.

How to Identify Leatherjackets

Appearance: Elongated, tubular grubs up to 30 mm long, grey-brown, legless and without a distinct head.
Signs in lawns: Yellow or brown patches and turf that lifts easily because roots have been eaten.
Bird activity: Crows, magpies, rooks and starlings peck small round holes when feeding on them.
Confirmation: Lift a section of affected turf and check the soil. You can also soak the area and cover it overnight with light-proof material to draw larvae up.

Where and When Do They Cause Damage?

Lawns: Patches of dying grass and loose, easily lifted turf.
Beds and veg plots: Seedlings and small plants may be cut off at soil level as stems are grazed.
Seasonality: Adult craneflies appear towards the end of August and lay eggs soon after; young larvae are most susceptible at this time. Spring activity can also be significant.

How to Prevent and Control Leatherjackets

Monitor flights: Seeing daddy longlegs in late summer is the cue to plan treatment.
Turf health: Maintain good drainage, sensible mowing height and balanced feeding to help grass recover.
Encourage predators: Birds and beneficial organisms can help reduce numbers.
Spot checks: Investigate new discoloured patches promptly by lifting small sections of turf.

Our Professional Remedy

We use a 100% biological control watered into the turf/soil. It enters leatherjackets and infects them with a bacterial disease. For best results, soil should be well-drained but moist.

Timing: Two treatments per year for active infestations (spring and autumn) give maximum protection. A single late-summer/early-autumn treatment can work well when timed immediately after cranefly flights.
Aftercare: Keep the lawn evenly watered for at least two weeks after application to ensure effectiveness.

Do Leatherjackets Carry Diseases?

No. Leatherjackets are not known to transmit diseases to humans or animals. Their impact is horticultural, through feeding damage to roots and stems.

Do Leatherjackets Bite or Sting?

No. They do not bite or sting; the issue is the damage they cause to plants and turf.

When to Call a Professional

If you are seeing widespread yellowing, frequent bird peck holes, or turf that lifts easily, book an inspection. Our technicians use professional-grade biological products and provide tailored prevention advice to stop repeat problems. Need help now? Contact Shire Pest Solutions.

Leatherjacket Control FAQ

What are leatherjackets and why are they a problem?

Leatherjackets are the soil-dwelling larvae of craneflies (daddy longlegs). Some species feed on living plant material, especially grass roots, causing thinning lawns, yellow/brown patches and loss of seedlings in beds and veg plots.

How can I tell if leatherjackets are in my lawn?

Look for irregular yellow or brown patches and turf that lifts easily because the roots have been eaten. Birds (crows, magpies, rooks, starlings) pecking small round holes is another clue. To confirm, lift a small section of turf and check the soil; or soak an area and cover it overnight to draw larvae to the surface.

When is the best time to treat them?

Right after cranefly flights—typically late August—when eggs are laid and young larvae are most susceptible. If activity is present in spring/summer, a two-visit programme (spring and autumn) gives the best control.

What treatment do you use—and is it safe?

We apply a 100% biological control that’s watered into the turf/soil. It infects leatherjackets and stops feeding. There are no harsh residual chemicals; it’s targeted at the pest. For success, the soil must be moist and well-drained, and the area should be kept evenly watered for at least two weeks after application.

Do leatherjackets bite, sting, or carry diseases?

No. Leatherjackets do not bite or sting and aren’t known to transmit diseases to people or pets. Their impact is horticultural—damage to grass roots and young plants.

How should I care for my lawn after treatment?

Keep the treated area consistently damp (not waterlogged) for two weeks, avoid heavy use while the turf recovers, mow at a sensible height, and feed appropriately to encourage regrowth. Rake out dead thatch and overseed thin patches once activity has dropped.

How can I prevent future infestations?

Monitor for cranefly activity in late summer, schedule timely treatment, maintain lawn health (good drainage, balanced nutrition, correct mowing), encourage natural predators (birds), and spot-check any new discoloured patches by lifting small sections of turf to catch issues early.

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