Nemasys Leatherjacket Killer Programme - (Spring 50sq.m and Autumn 100sq.m)

Leatherjacket Killer - Spring application must be made at double strength - therefore the Spring pack treats 50 sq m only, the Autumn pack will treat 100 sq m.

If you need to treat your entire area in spring - please order an extra pack when ordering this programme.

Tip: If you are going on holiday during your programme period just let us know by adding the holiday dates to your order notes when placing your order or by emailing us after you place your order and we will make sure that your shipments don't get sent whilst you are away.

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).

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 early April to the end of May:

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.

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.

How do I apply LeatherJacket nematodes?

Apply the nematodes to moist lawns when the soil temperature is above 12ºC (54ºF). Immediately after application water the grass well so the nematodes are washed into the soil to reach the roots where the leatherjackets will be and make sure the lawn does not dry out after applying nematodes.

Applying Nematodes with a hose end feeder:

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 bowl with water before attaching the hose.
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 only and that you have performed an even application.
8. Make sure the lawn does not dry out after applying nematodes and keep it well watered for at least two weeks. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT!

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.