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Chafer nightmare!

Last post 16-10-2009 2:19 PM by badchipper. 2 replies.

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  • 14/10/2009 08:07 PM
    • Bill Carr
    • 14 Oct 2009
    • 1
    Not Ranked
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    Hello All, I Wondered if anyone had had a worse problem than me?! 2 treatments of pesticide, and they are still going strong, although not in a bigger number. I'd like to avoid Nemetodes as they are going to be Very expensive with the area I have to treat. Add some overnight crows, and this is what we wake up to every morning!! Any suggestions welcome of how I can treat or get my lawn back!! Thank you Bill http://gallery.me.com/trumpet.mac/100022/IMG_0596/web.jpg?ver=12555467870001

  • 15/10/2009 07:50 AM
    In reply to
    • Pesty
    • 24 Nov 2005
    • 94
    Top 50 Contributor
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    Hi Bill

     

    Large numbers of chafers in lawns are always bad news, and one of the reasons (along with ants) that lawns are probably the most pest ridden plant in the UK  – not least because by the time you usually notice chafers its getting a bit late to take control (ideally control in late summer is best – but its not until mid- late Sept that the birds/foxes/badgers find them and the problem is noticed).

     

    Your best bet now is probably to make repairs/re-turf in spring, when the grubs have finished feeding or have all been eaten by the crows. High numbers of chafer grubs in lawns is very unpredictable and not usually a problem every year – but if you wish to try and catch them earlier then lift some sections of turf to check for them in August.

     

    RHS advice here -

     

    http://apps.rhs.org.uk/advicesearch/Profile.aspx?pid=487

     

    'Trying is the first step to failure' H.J.Simpson
  • 16/10/2009 02:19 PM
    In reply to
    • badchipper
    • Edinburgh
    • 03 Oct 2009
    • 6
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    Hello, Bill. I had a horrendous problem with Leatherjackets from September 2008 until Spring 2009. Tried treating with Provado Lawn Grub Killer twice but to no appreciable effect. Lawn recovered over this year's Summer while the nasty little beasts pupated, but then the yellowing began again late Summer. Aaagh! This time I applied Nematodes on 25 August. Definitely did the trick, grass is looking great again. My advice to you would be to bite the bullet and send in the microscopic army to search and destroy! You say you have a big area: £20 of Nematodes allegedy treats 100 sq metres. I bunged all £20 's worth on my 60 sq metres lawn - it worked a treat and was well worth it. Now is a good time for sure to attack leatherjackets, but I read that May/June is the best time to treat for chafer grubs. Hope this helps.