Egg Stage: It all begins when adult crane flies, commonly known as daddy longlegs, lay their eggs in the soil during the late summer or early autumn months. These small, cylindrical eggs are often clustered together and hidden within the grass or vegetation. You can buy nematodes online. However, they aren't necessarily cheap and you do need to follow the very precise instructions on how to use them. How to use nematodes In spring, when the ground temperatures rise, they will reappear and start consuming the grass roots and some top growth.

Beneath their unassuming appearance lies a destructive force that can wreak havoc on even the healthiest of lawns. Predatory beetles, ground beetles, and parasitic wasps are known to be natural predators of these larvae. Be vigilant all winter. Keeping an eye on your lawn through the dark winter months is important. A professional winter treatment will spot problems before they turn serious. You can then take steps to control their numbers.Ants. Nematode Steinernema will ambush the ants when passing. As the bacteria poisons them, it will weaken the colony, eventually killing off the queen who has too few workers to feed her. It is best used between April to September by drenching the nests. Taking care to keep the feeder in an upright position apply evenly to 100 sqm 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. We reported this issue to the house-builders and initially I asked them that I wanted them to replace the lawn with new turf, but to be honest I am not sure whether this will help after reading this article & Q&A’s. The weather has now turned cold so I do not think the nematodes will be the right immediate treatment (and perhaps not successful anyway due to the sheer amount of crane flies we had over September).

Damage From Larvae: The young crane fly larvae start to feed on the roots of grass, continuing throughout Winter and into Spring. Once you’ve removed all the damaged patches, apply good-quality topsoil to the bare soil, making sure it’s level with the rest of the lawn and re-seed. Choose grass seed that’s suitable for the soil and aspect of the garden. Please note: these are a live product and have an expiry date usually about 2 weeks - this product is non returnable. Please note: The feeder bowl will contain the "clay filler material" and water, even after the nematodes have been applied. Simply wash this out after you have applied the nematodes, as per the instructions below. Nematodes (phylumNematoda) are a very diverse group of animals. There are more than 25,000 described species, and they are found in almost every habitat. Most are microscopic and theyare important components of soil and marine ecosystems. Many nematodes are free living, but more than half of described species are parasitic on plants or animals. A fewspecies such as the potato cyst nematodes ( Globoderaspecies), leaf and bud nematodes ( Aphelenchoidesspecies)and stem and bulb nematodes ( Ditylenchus dispasci) can feed on garden plants.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! Loosen and prepare the top layer of soil. Prepare it to a fine tilthe and remove any debris for best chance of success.

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 20m = 100 sq.m Getting them out of the lawn and a target for birds and other predators is a good thing though. I have added this to my treatment recommendations. Method 5 – Encourage insect-eating birds. They dwell in the soil, where they feed voraciously on the tender grassroots of your turf, gradually growing in size and strength.I would then lay a dark tarpaulin or dark plastic cover over an infected section of the lawn. If it was windy, I would peg it down. First, I would find an area of the lawn that looks damaged, an unusual bare or brown patch, for example. Next, I would do a classic pull test; healthy grass will have strong roots and won’t be easy to pull up. I’ve found that diseased or damaged grass will have weak roots that give way easily. Nematode biological controls are usually either insect or mollusc specific. They therefore have the potential to infect non-target animals and so should be used in a targeted manner

Other steps that I’ve found can help are; reduce your watering regimen during the autumn, mow the lawn frequently, dethatch and collect grass cuttings. However, if the infestation becomes severe or persists despite your best efforts, it may be necessary to explore chemical options for more targeted control. Regular soil testing: Periodic soil testing allows you to assess the nutrient levels and pH balance of your soil accurately. This information helps you make informed decisions regarding fertilization and soil amendment, ensuring your lawn receives the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and resilience. To attract these helpful creatures, provide diverse plantings that offer nectar and pollen sources, such as flowering plants and herbs. Consider integrated pest management (IPM) practices, which combine various control methods to minimize the reliance on chemicals.Additionally, avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides that can harm beneficial insects and disrupt the delicate balance of your ecosystem. Promoting Healthy Soil And Lawn Maintenance Several species and combinations of species can be available including, Steinernema kraussei, S. feltiae, Heterorhabditis megidis and H. bacteriophora. Steinernema species can remain active at soil temperatures down to 5ºC (41ºF) whilst Heterorhabditis require temperatures above 12ºC (54ºF). They arrive in a sachet suspended in a paste. It is best to use them straight away, however, you can store them in the fridge for up to a few weeks (do not freeze). 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.