How to Get Rid of Leatherjackets: Lawn-Damaging Grubs Invading Folkestone Gardens This Summer

As warmer temperatures settle in across the UK, homeowners are facing a new and destructive garden pest: leatherjackets. These lawn-damaging grubs, the larvae of the crane fly, are a type of garden pest also known as leather jackets. They are causing widespread problems for gardeners and property owners. Many in Folkestone and Kent are reporting damaged lawns, patchy grass, and increased bird activity.

If you’ve noticed unusual bald patches or birds pecking obsessively at your lawn, you may be dealing with a leatherjacket infestation. These pests can cause significant damage to lawns and newly laid turf when their populations are high.

In this blog, we’ll explain what leatherjackets are, how they damage lawns, signs of an infestation, and how to get rid of the leatherjacket problem using both DIY and professional pest control methods.

What Are Leatherjackets?

Leatherjackets are the larvae of crane flies, also known as daddy long legs. These grubs are greyish brown in colour with tough, leathery skin, and have no visible head, which is how they got their name.

They hatch in late summer and begin feeding on grass roots throughout autumn, winter, and spring. This is the larval stage of the crane fly's life cycle, which is when most lawn damage occurs. By early summer, they mature into the adult crane flies (also known as daddy longlegs) and start the life cycle again, transitioning from the larval stage to the mature, flying insect.

In 2024 and into 2025, the UK has seen a notable surge in leatherjacket numbers. This is largely due to mild winters and damp spring conditions that help larvae survive. Homeowners across Folkestone, Ashford, Dover, and beyond are seeing the effects.

Why Leatherjackets Are a Problem for Lawns

Leatherjackets feed on grass roots and other organic matter in the soil. They also feed on plant roots, lawn grasses, other plants, and small plants, causing extensive damage.

As they grow, their appetite increases.

When large populations are present, you might notice:

• Patchy, yellowing or dead grass

• Damage caused by leatherjackets can be seen as straw-colored patches or areas where the lawn surface can be easily lifted

• A spongy or uneven lawn texture

• Birds like starlings or magpies pecking and tearing up turf

• Secondary damage from animals digging to reach the larvae

What makes leatherjacket lawn damage so frustrating is how quickly it appears. One week your healthy garden looks lush, the next it’s full of dead patches. As leatherjackets grow, they can cause more damage to lawns, flower beds, vegetable plots and plants.

Signs of a Leatherjacket Infestation

Knowing what to look for can help you catch the problem early.

Common signs of leatherjackets in your lawn include:

• Thin or dying grass, especially in spring or early summer

• Bird activity. If you see birds repeatedly scratching at the same spot, they may be feeding on leatherjackets

• Lifting turf. If the lawn peels away easily or you see greyish larvae underneath, it’s likely an infestation

• Spongy lawn texture. This is caused by root loss and soil disturbance

• Finding leatherjackets on the lawn surface, especially after rain or in damp conditions, as they emerge from the soil

• Empty pupal cases on the lawn, which indicate leatherjackets are emerging or infesting the area

These signs help identify leatherjacket damage and confirm the presence of the adult flies. If you’re in Folkestone or Kent and unsure whether leatherjackets are the issue, a professional inspection from a local pest control expert can confirm the cause.

How to Get Rid of Leatherjacket - DIY Control Tips

Some small-scale infestations can be controlled using DIY methods, particularly in the early stages. Leatherjackets thrive in damp conditions, especially after a wet autumn, which can lead to higher populations. Here are a few techniques:

✅ The Bread Trick

Place a slice of bread on damp lawn overnight. If leatherjackets are present, birds will flock to the spot to feed in the morning.

✅ Black Plastic Sheeting

Cover parts of your lawn with black plastic overnight. The grubs may come to the surface seeking oxygen, allowing you to remove them manually or attract birds.

✅ Aeration and Maintenance

Regularly aerate your lawn with a fork or aerator to disturb larvae and improve soil drainage to discourage leatherjackets. Removing decaying organic matter from the lawn can also help reduce their habitat. Avoid overwatering, as moist soil encourages leatherjacket development.

These methods may help with mild problems. However, they rarely tackle the entire colony, especially if the infestation is deep-rooted.

Nematodes: The Best Natural Control for Leatherjackets

For environmentally friendly and highly effective leatherjacket control, nematodes are often the best solution. These microscopic worms attack the larvae by entering their bodies and releasing bacteria that cause a bacterial disease which kills them.

Nematodes are safe for humans, pets, and wildlife. They work best when:

• Soil is moist and warm (typically between August and October)

• Soil temperature is above 10ºC for optimal nematode activity and seed germination

• Applied evenly with a watering can or hose-end sprayer

• Applied at the optimal time, which is late summer to early autumn, before pests reach damaging levels

• For severe infestations, nematodes can be applied at double strength in spring to enhance effectiveness

• Followed by regular watering to help them penetrate the soil

For best results, many homeowners in Folkestone turn to professional pest control services for correct nematode application and timing. Professional pest control services can also provide the best treatment for severe infestations, ensuring optimal lawn care.

Why Professional Pest Control Is Often Necessary

While DIY methods can offer some relief, a severe leatherjacket problem often needs professional treatment. Here’s why:

• Deep infestations. Leatherjackets can burrow small round holes several inches underground, making them hard to reach

• Timing matters. Treating larvae at the wrong stage won’t be effective

• Recurring infestations. Without destroying the full colony, they’ll return year after year

• Accurate diagnosis. Other lawn pests like chafer grubs may require different treatments

Professionals can assess the number of leatherjackets per square metre to determine if intervention is necessary.

If you’re seeing ongoing damage or ineffective results from DIY efforts, contacting Folkestone Pest Control is the best course of action for severe infestations.

How Folkestone Pest Control Can Help

At Folkestone Pest Control, we specialise in safe and effective garden pest control across Kent. Our team understands the challenges these pesky critters, leatherjackets, pose to UK gardens and uses proven methods to tackle them at the source.

We provide:

• On-site inspections to confirm the pest and infestation level

• Tailored treatment plans using nematodes and other safe solutions

• The best treatment for leatherjackets to ensure effective removal and optimal lawn care

• Advice on lawn recovery and long-term pest prevention

• Discreet, friendly service from trained professionals

Whether you’re dealing with minor lawn damage or a full-scale infestation, we’ll help restore your garden and protect it from future outbreaks.

Final Thoughts

The rise in leatherjackets across the UK is a real concern for homeowners this summer. Acting quickly is key. Keeping your lawn healthy, monitoring for signs, and knowing when to bring in experts will help keep your garden green and thriving.

If you're worried about leatherjackets damaging your lawn in Folkestone or surrounding areas, get in touch with Folkestone Pest Control today for fast, effective help.

📞 Get in Touch Today

Don’t let leatherjackets ruin your garden this summer. Call us now or book a consultation online with Folkestone Pest Control, your local experts in pest and lawn protection.