Autumn is a critical season for lawn care, as it’s the ideal time to address common lawn pests like chafer grubs and leatherjackets. These underground larvae can wreak havoc on your otherwise beautiful lawn, causing brown patches and weakened grass, so if you’re spotting signs of grub activity in your lawn, now is the time to control them to ensure your green space stays healthy and vibrant.
Identifying the Culprits: Chafer Grubs and Leatherjackets
Before diving into control methods, it’s essential to understand the two primary lawn-damaging larvae: chafer grubs and leatherjackets.
- Chafer Grubs: These C-shaped, creamy-white grubs belong to the beetle family and feed on grassroots. There are 4 common types in the UK; these include the Garden Chafer, Summer Chafer, Cockchafer and Welsh Chafer. Chafer grub infestations often result in spongy or brown patches in your lawn, as the damaged roots cannot support healthy grass growth.
- Leatherjackets: Leatherjackets are the larval stage of crane flies, often referred to as “daddy longlegs.” They have a grey-brown appearance and feed on grass blades and plant roots. Their presence can lead to uneven, dead patches on your lawn.
Chafer grubs can be a nuisance in your lawn causing damage to grass roots and resulting in brown patches.
Autumn Grub Control Measures
Controlling grubs in lawns during autumn is crucial for maintaining a lush and healthy green space. Whether you choose natural or chemical methods, early intervention and proper lawn care practices are key to preventing chafer grubs and leatherjackets from turning your lawn into a buffet. By following these strategies below, you can ensure your lawn remains vibrant and pest-free.
Insecticides
In July 2023 a new pesticide product, Acelepryn, was licensed for professional use in the UK for the control of Chafer Grubs and Leather Jackets. This product is now available to be applied by our qualified team of lawn care technician’s here at Lawntech, following an Integrated Pest Management assessment. This treatment is carried out during late September and early October once the eggs have hatched but before the grubs go dormant and move too deep in the soil for effective treatment.
Nematode Application
Beneficial nematodes are microscopic organisms that can effectively target and control both chafer grubs and leatherjackets. Applying nematodes in late summer to early autumn, when soil temperatures are still warm, is crucial for success. It is important to ensure you follow the package instructions for proper application.
Chafer Traps
Chafer traps are commonly used in gardening and agriculture to manage chafer beetle infestations. The traps are effective at attracting and capturing adult chafer beetles to significantly reduce the population of these destructive pets in your garden.
Chafer traps can be reused from season to season with replacement lures, making them a cost-effective method.
Lawn Aeration
Aerating your lawn in early autumn can help disrupt the life cycle of grubs. It improves soil drainage, making it less hospitable for the larvae. Aeration also allows treatments like nematodes and insecticides to penetrate the soil more effectively.
Natural Predators
Encourage natural predators of grubs, such as birds, to visit your lawn. Bird feeders and bird baths can attract insect-eating birds like robins and starlings.
Birds pecking at your lawn can be a sign you have a grub infestation. However, encouraging birds to help control lawn grubs can be a free, natural approach to pest management.
Monitor and Treat Early
Regularly inspect your lawn for signs of grub damage, such as brown or spongy patches. Early detection and treatment are essential for preventing extensive damage.
Promote Lawn Health
Prevention is always better than cure and a healthy lawn is more resilient to grub infestations. Ensure your lawn receives proper nutrients, watering, and mowing. Fertiliser in autumn will encourage strong root growth, making it less attractive to grubs.
Addressing grubs in your lawn during autumn is the best approach to preserving the health of your lawn. It not only prevents winter damage but also sets the stage for a lush and thriving lawn in the coming spring and beyond.
A healthy lawn with a strong root system is more resilient to pest infestations.
For more information about Chafer Grubs or Leatherjackets in your lawn, you can visit our dedicated pages below:
If you would like to know more about our services and how Lawntech can maintain the health of your lawn you can find out more about our Annual Lawn Care Treatment Programme here or get your own your instant, online quote today.
