Crane Fly/Leather Jacket Control

European crane fly (ECF) have one generation per year. Larvae hatch in late summer (Aug-Sept) and feed sparingly during the winter in mild coastal regions before aggressive feeding beginnings in early spring. In colder climates, the larvae stop feeding, overwinter and begin feeding in the spring when the soil thaws. Larvae typically stop feeding in late May before moving downward in the soil. They remain there as they pupate and emerge as Crane Fly beginning in August through September. Adult crane fly mate and lay eggs within 24 hours of emergence. Eggs are laid just under the surface of the soil. These eggs hatch in approximately 2 weeks and leather jacket larvae begin feeding.

Common crane fly (CCF) have 2 generations per year. Overwintering larvae from the previous fall pupate in February-March and emerge as adults in late March-April. Mating takes place and eggs are laid. The second generation of larvae mature from April through September and adults emerge for the second generation at the same time as the one generation EFC from August through September. Estimates suggest approximately 90-95% of crane fly species in BC are that of European crane fly.

Adult crane flies look like giant mosquitoes and typically congregate on sides of buildings and on the turf surface. The body is slender, brownish in colour and about ¾ -1 inch in length with one pair of wings, and very long legs. Adults emerge shortly after sunset and mating occurs on the foliage of the turfgrass. The female lays eggs (200-500) just under the surface of the soil. These eggs hatch in approximately 2 weeks into leather jacket larvae and begin feeding. Eggs require moisture to remain viable and for hatching to occur. Periods of dry conditions during egg laying often reduce survival of eggs and larvae. Wet fall conditions and mild winters can encourage outbreaks in leather jacket populations the following spring especially in coastal regions where these conditions are well suited for crane flies. In regions of the country that experience traditional cold winter weather, leather jacket populations are often subject to winter kill which reduce infestations naturally. Monitoring insect populations during the following spring is recommended before a control decision is necessary.

Beneficial nematodes can be used as a means of managing the crane fly larvae. For optimal control results, nematodes applied shortly after the eggs have hatched and when the larvae are small and actively feeding help eliminate infestations and keep populations within acceptable threshold levels.

Traditional pest control products can also be applied to effectively eliminate leather jacket infestations.

Contact your local Nutri-Lawn to learn more about our insect control service and what products are available in your local area.