Underground pests

Lawn problems aren’t just caused by the elements – pest larvae do serious damage, too.

Chafer grubs, active between now and spring, live underground and eat grass roots.

Leatherjackets, which are the larvae of crane flies (daddy longlegs), are active towards the end of winter and do the same.

Symptoms include yellow patches of dead grass and damage caused by birds digging up the lawn to get at the grubs.

Both pests can be controlled using nematodes. Alternatively, lay carpet on the troubled area of lawn; the grubs will come to the surface and you can pick them off and dispose of them after lifting the carpet.

Birds, such as starlings, will dig up lawns as they forage for grubs

Chafer grubs eat grass roots