Leatherjackets, larvae of the European Crane Fly, have been in North America for many years. However, only recently has leatherjacket damage been noticed in our region. Moving from the GTA and going north thru locations like Brampton, Markham, and Richmond Hill, hoards of leatherjackets were noticed in Barrie in the spring of 2007.

What are Leatherjackets??

European Crane Fly adults look like a large male mosquito. While they do not bite, or sting, they do cause problems because of their larvae, called “leatherjackets”. The larva get their name because they have a leather-like epidermal layer.

The adult crane flies emerge from soil in late August thru September when they mate and lay eggs to repeat their life cycle. The larvae begin to hatch a couple weeks later and look like a grayish brown tiny worm. Even at this early life –cycle stage the leatherjackets will start to feed on grass roots, similar to what white grub do. Leatherjackets will winter below the frost line and start to feed again in the spring. An infestation of leatherjackets will cause significant damage to a lawn if nothing is done.

Control measures for leatherjackets are best done in the fall – usually October in our region.
However, if you miss the fall application, and damage is noticed in early spring, control can be done then as well.