Adult crane flies are harmless and do not feed on blood.Leatherjackets can cause damage to the lawn.If you want to take preventative measures you can kill the flies with an insecticidal agent.Natural predator birds will help you get rid of pests.
Step 1: Pick a pyrethroid or imidacloprid.
Both pyrethroid and imidacloprid work by causing paralysis in insects, eventually leading to their death.The products can be purchased online or in liquid forms at many gardening stores.Use care when handling pesticides.Even though the toxicity level for humans is not as high as it is for insects, it can still cause irritation or sickness.
Step 2: In the late summer or early fall, apply the insecticide.
The most effective way to kill adults and leatherjackets will be when the crane fly eggs hatch.Pyrethroids and imidacloprid help control grub problems.When temperatures rise in the spring, you can apply pesticides again.
Step 3: You can use a garden sprayer on the lawn.
If you are using a liquid form of the insecticide, it is a good idea to suck the solution with water, or about 10 mL of concentrate per 5L of water.You can use a spreader to spread the granules.If you want to protect yourself from inhaling chemicals, wear an earloop mask.
Step 4: Immediately after application, cover the lawn with 2 inch of water.
You can water your yard once you've finished spraying.The pesticides are brought down into the soil to prevent accidental exposure to pets or other members of the family.Use a rain gauge to measure how fast your sprinkler waters a lawn.The water can take anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes.
Step 5: The insecticide should be set for 30 minutes.
Pets should not be allowed outside for the next half hour.Animals and humans are at risk of being exposed to the insecticides while the lawn is wet.It is safe for family members and pets to return outside once the lawn is dry.
Step 6: Purchase a solution for the worms.
Leatherjackets are natural prey for certain species of nematodes.You can buy nematodes online or through big box lawn care stores.Nematode solutions can be found at various retailers.
Step 7: Nematos should be applied in the fall.
The larva can stay in your lawn through the winter and emerge in the spring to lay again.You should apply the nematodes in the fall to prepare for the spring.When you apply the nematodes, the air temperature should be between 55 and 13 C.
Step 8: You can spray at dawn or dusk.
Nematodes are damaged by the sun.The best outcome from the nematodes can be ensured by applying in the early morning or late evening.It would be effective to spray on an overcast day.
Step 9: The lawn should be water for 20 minutes.
The Nematodes travel better when the ground is wet.Before you apply the solution, make sure the ground is moist.You don't have to water the ground if it's still wet from the recent rain.
Step 10: To spread the solution, use a garden sprayer.
Start from one end of the lawn and move towards the other using long strokes.You shouldn't walk over areas you've already sprayed.Some areas of your lawn may be damaged by grubs.
Step 11: After application, wet your lawn with 4 inch (0.64 cm) of water.
Water your lawn if it is warm and dry.The lawn needs to be watered within 2 hours in wet climates.The crane fly larva will be killed by the nematodes once they are absorbed into the soil.
Step 12: You can put bird feeders in your yard.
The goal of the birds is to eat flies and grubs, but they have a lot of other things in common.You can attract a variety of birds by putting bird feeders in your yard.jays, finches, and sparrows are attracted to black-oil sunflower seed.The birds will leave if the feeders are not filled with seed.
Step 13: Birdhouses and other shelters can be offered.
If you want to cater to the different types of birds in your yard, have a variety of birdhouse sizes.It's a good idea to clean the birdhouses once a year.Make sure the shelters are at least 20 feet away from the feeders.
Step 14: Take common materials out of your yard.
Birds and other local species often use twigs and dead leaves in their habitats.Leaving the materials in your yard helps birds build their nest and encourages them to stay in the area.grubs and bugs can be attracted to dead wood and leaves as a feeding ground.
Step 15: Clean water is a must in a bird bath.
A bird bath gives birds a place to clean themselves and fresh drinking water.Purchase a bath with a pump and replace the water every two days to maintain clean water for birds.The excess water will make it difficult for the bird to fly if the bath is filled more than 2 inches deep.The water should be changed frequently to prevent mosquitoes and other insects from laying their eggs.