The Daddy Longlegs Have Disappeared… Are Leatherjackets in Your Lawn?
Are leatherjackets in your lawn?
Daddy longlegs, which were commonly seen towards the end of summer, have suddenly vanished. However, their presence may have lasting implications for your lawn.
Adult crane flies lay their eggs in the soil, and these eggs develop into leatherjackets. While the adult flies do not harm your grass, leatherjackets feed on the roots beneath the surface, potentially weakening your lawn over time.
So, if you saw plenty of crane flies around your garden recently, it is worth asking the question now: could there already be leatherjackets in your lawn?
Where Did the Daddy Longlegs Go?
Adult crane flies have relatively short lifespans. After they mate and lay eggs, they die.
So the disappearance of daddy longlegs doesn’t necessarily mean the risk has passed; it can signal the start of the next phase.
Their eggs remain in the soil and hatch into leatherjackets, which continue to develop underground.
What Are Leatherjackets?
Leatherjackets are the larvae of crane flies.
These grey-brown, legless larvae live beneath the soil surface, feeding on grass roots and other plant material.
This underground activity can make leatherjackets difficult to spot early on, often before any noticeable changes occur in the grass above.
Why Leatherjackets Can Be a Problem
Healthy grass relies on a strong root system.
When leatherjackets feed near the roots, they can weaken the grass, reducing its ability to absorb water and nutrients. As the pest population grows, you may notice:
- Thin or patchy grass
- Yellow or brown patches
- Areas that recover slowly
- Grass that feels loose around the roots
- Increased bird activity.
Often, by the time these signs show, leatherjackets may have been feeding for some time.
Why Autumn Is the Time to Pay Attention
Autumn often makes the problem nearly invisible.
While crane flies may no longer be visible over your lawn, their larvae can still be active beneath the surface.
That’s why it’s important to recall what happened in late summer.
- Did you notice an unusually high number of daddy longlegs?
- Has your lawn experienced leatherjacket issues before?
- Are birds suddenly pecking at the grass more than usual?
If so, it’s wise to monitor your lawn more closely as autumn advances.
What Do Birds Have to Do with It?
Birds can often offer a clear indication that you have leatherjackets in your lawn.
If they frequently peck at the lawn or tug at patches of turf, they might be looking for leatherjackets and other larvae underground.
The birds themselves are not the primary issue, but their feeding can exacerbate existing damage.
If heightened bird activity coincides with thinning grass, it is advisable to check whether leatherjackets in your lawn are contributing to the problem.
Don’t Assume Every Thin Patch Is Leatherjackets
This is important.
Thin or damaged grass can result from various factors such as summer drought, soil compaction, disease, poor drainage, or weak root growth—all of which show similar symptoms.
That’s why correct identification is crucial.
If you suspect leatherjackets in your lawn, a proper assessment can clarify whether pests are the cause or if there’s another underlying problem.
How TruGreen Can Help
If your lawn saw heavy crane fly activity last late summer or has had leatherjacket issues before, now is a good time to consult your local TruGreen lawn care specialist.
A lawn analysis can evaluate your lawn’s condition and pinpoint factors hindering its recovery.
TruGreen’s lawn care packages promote stronger grass, healthier roots, and increased resilience throughout the year, helping your lawn recover more efficiently from seasonal stress and pests.
While daddy longlegs may have disappeared, it’s worth checking beneath the surface for leatherjackets if you suspect their presence, before visible damage appears.
Find your nearest TruGreen lawn care expert today and book your free lawn analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are leatherjackets?
Leatherjackets are the larvae of crane flies, commonly known as daddy longlegs. They live beneath the soil and feed around the grass rootzone.
How do I know if I have leatherjackets in my lawn?
Possible signs include thinning grass, yellow or brown patches, weak roots and increased bird activity. A professional lawn assessment can help confirm the cause.
Do daddy longlegs damage lawns?
No. Adult crane flies do not usually damage grass. The issue comes from the eggs they lay, which hatch into leatherjackets.
When should I look for leatherjackets in my lawn?
Autumn is a useful time to stay alert, especially after heavy crane fly activity in late summer.
Why are birds pecking at my lawn?
Birds may be searching for larvae beneath the soil, including leatherjackets. Repeated bird activity can sometimes indicate that there is food below the surface.
