Today’s Crane Flies Could Become Tomorrow’s Leatherjackets
As summer winds down, you may notice more crane flies, often called daddy longlegs, hovering around your garden. While they may seem harmless, these late-summer visitors could be an early warning sign for your lawn.
Adult crane flies don’t damage grass themselves, but they lay eggs that hatch into leatherjackets, one of the UK’s most destructive lawn pests.
If your lawn has suffered from leatherjackets before, August is one of the most important times of the year to stay alert.
What Are Leatherjackets?
Leatherjackets are the larvae of crane flies. After the adult flies lay their eggs in late summer, the larvae hatch and feed beneath the surface of your lawn.
Unlike the adult insects that only live for a short time, leatherjackets can spend several months underground feeding on grass roots.
Because all of the damage happens below the surface, many homeowners don’t realise there is a problem until their lawn begins to deteriorate.
How Do Leatherjackets Damage a Lawn?
Healthy roots are essential for a healthy lawn.
As leatherjackets feed on those roots, the grass struggles to absorb water and nutrients. Over time, this weakens the lawn and reduces its ability to recover from normal wear and from changing weather conditions.
Common signs of leatherjackets include:
- Thin or patchy grass
- Yellow or brown areas developing
- Grass that lifts easily from the soil
- Slower recovery after mowing
- Increased bird activity as they search for the larvae
By the time these symptoms become obvious, leatherjackets may have already been feeding beneath your lawn for weeks or even months.
Why August Matters
August is when the next generation begins.
Adult crane flies are at their most active during late summer, laying eggs that will develop into leatherjackets over the coming weeks.
Watching for increased crane fly activity gives you valuable warning that your lawn could soon become home to these damaging pests.
If you’ve experienced leatherjacket damage before, now is the ideal time to monitor your lawn and plan ahead.
Don’t Ignore the Birds
Birds can often be one of the first signs that leatherjackets are present.
If you notice birds repeatedly pecking at your lawn or pulling back areas of turf, they may be searching for the larvae beneath the surface.
While birds help remove some of the pests, they can also cause additional damage by tearing at the grass to reach them.
Can You Prevent Leatherjackets?
The earlier you identify a potential problem, the easier it is to manage.
Monitoring crane fly activity in August helps you stay one step ahead rather than waiting for visible damage to appear.
Healthy lawns are naturally more resilient. Strong roots, good nutrition, and consistent lawn care help grass recover more effectively if pest activity does occur.
How TruGreen Can Help
At TruGreen, we know that protecting your lawn is about prevention as much as treatment.
If your lawn has previously been affected by leatherjackets, your local TruGreen specialist can assess the risk, monitor your lawn, and recommend the most appropriate course of action before significant damage occurs.
Our lawn care packages are designed to build stronger, healthier lawns through balanced nutrition, improved root development, and expert seasonal care, giving your lawn the best possible chance of recovering from environmental stress and pest activity.
The earlier leatherjackets are identified, the easier it is to protect your lawn.
Find your nearest TruGreen lawn care expert today and book your free 14-point lawn analysis to help keep your lawn healthy and protected throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are leatherjackets?
Leatherjackets are the larvae of crane flies, often known as daddy longlegs. They live beneath the soil and feed on grass roots.
Do crane flies damage lawns?
No. Adult crane flies do not damage your lawn. The problem begins when they lay eggs that hatch into leatherjackets.
How do I know if my lawn has leatherjackets?
Signs include thinning grass, yellow or brown patches, grass that lifts easily, and birds repeatedly pecking at the lawn.
When are leatherjackets most active?
Adult crane flies are most active during late summer, particularly in August and September, when they lay eggs. The larvae then feed beneath the lawn through autumn and into winter.
