Nemasys Leatherjacket Killer (Spring / Summer 50sq.m)

What are Leatherjackets?

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

Also known as Tipula paludosa (European crane fly) or Tipula oleracea (Marsh Crane Fly).

How can I control Letherjacket larvae?

Use Nemasys Leatherjacket Killer to deal with a leatherjacket infestation, without any of the precautions associated with harmful chemicals.

Nemasys Leatherjacket Killer is incredibly effective and is 100% safe for children, cats, dogs, other pets and wildlife. 

When can I apply Leatherjacket Killer Nematodes?

• Autumn application - typically late August through to the end of October:

When you start to see the adult daddy-long-legs in your garden (towards the end of August) you will know that in a few days they will be laying eggs. These will hatch quickly; therefore aim to apply two weeks after you see the adults.

This is when the young leatherjackets are active in the soil and is when they are most susceptible to the nematodes.

• Spring application - typically April to June / Summer application July to August:

If you have discovered Leatherjackets (not daddy long legs) at any other time of year i.e. in the spring/summer then treat at double strength as the mature LeatherJackets are much harder to kill -  you must treat in autumn as well.

Where a severe LeatherJacket infestation is present, multiple treatments over an extended period (spring and autumn) may be required.

Tipula paludosa (European crane fly) Leatherjackets have one generation per year. The adults emerge from pupation from July to September and almost immediately lay their eggs (peak emergence can vary regionally). The larvae hatch out after about 14 days and start to feed on the bases of stems and roots immediately (this is when they are most vulnerable to nematodes), they become more active and feed voraciously in the spring when the soil begins to warm (the second opportunity to treat with nematodes but at double strength).  When fully grown they reach approximately 3-4 cm in length and then stay within their burrows for about 6-8 weeks before making their way to the soil surface to pupate and the cycle repeats. 

How do Leatherjacket Killer Nematodes work?

The nematodes (Steinernema feltiae), seek out the leatherjackets and attack the pest by entering natural body openings. Once inside, they release bacteria that stops the pest from feeding, quickly killing the pest.

The nematodes then reproduce inside the dead pest and release a new generation of hungry infective nematodes, which disperse and search for further prey.

Beneficial nematodes are living organisms, so they must be used before the expiry date (which is marked on the inside of the pack and will be around 2-3 weeks) and should be stored in the fridge until it is applied.

How do I apply LeatherJacket nematodes?

Prior to applying the nematodes:

• Cut the grass short before treatment.
  
• Soil should be between 10°C and 30°C during application and for at least two weeks after.
  
• Irrigate the area to be treated prior to application in order to apply the nematodes to a moist lawn.
  
  

To avoid desiccation of the nematodes:

• Avoid direct sunlight; make applications in the evenings or in dull conditions
• Application during rain is highly desirable.
• It is very important to irrigate immediately after application, water the grass well so the nematodes are washed below the thatch layer into the soil to reach the roots where the larvae will be feeding.
• Ensure soil is moist for at least two weeks after application.

Hose end feeder application:

1. Mark out area to be treated.
2. Wash the feeder through with water to ensure it is clean.
3. Add entire contents of the pack to feeder bowl.
4. Fill the feeder bowl with water, then attach head of the hose end feeder, setting it to "flat" and "feed & water".
5. Taking care to keep the feeder in an upright position apply evenly to the whole of the area for 8 minutes using a side-to-side motion to keep the nematodes well mixed. During this time most of the nematodes will have been applied.
6. Treat the same area again for a further 16 minutes to apply the remaining nematodes as well as to make sure they are adequately watered in.
7. Adhering strictly to the application timings will ensure that any remaining colour in the bowl will be due to inert carrier and that you have performed an even application.
   
   IMPORTANT: Make sure the lawn does not dry out after applying nematodes and keep it well watered for at least two weeks.

Watering can application (using 0.5 litre stock solution):

How to use:
1. Dissolve the entire contents of the pack in a bucket containing 5 litres of water to create a stock solution.
2. Stir vigorously and immediately take 0.5 litre of the stock solution, add to a watering can fitted with a very coarse rose and fill with 5 litres of water.
3. Apply the solution to a tenth of the soil area to be treated.
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4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until the whole area is treated.
5. Water the treated area thoroughly after application.

This method fills 10 watering cans of 5 litres and treats up to 50m2

IMPORTANT: Make sure the lawn does not dry out after applying nematodes and keep it well watered for at least two weeks. 

Which pack size do I need?

To calculate your area measure the width and length of the area to be treated and multiply them by each other e.g. 5m x 10m = 50 sq.m

Leatherjacket Killer - Spring application must be made at double strength - therefore this pack treats 50 sq.m - even though the outer sleeve shows 100 sq.m.

Can't see an answer to your question? Please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.