Chafer Grubs and Leatherjackets: Hidden Pests That Can Damage Your Lawn
If patches of your lawn are turning yellow, thinning out, or lifting away from the soil, the cause may not be drought, moss, or poor nutrition. Hidden beneath the surface, chafer grubs and leatherjackets can cause significant damage by feeding on grass roots and attracting birds and other wildlife that tear up lawns searching for food.
In this guide, we’ll explain what chafer grubs and leatherjackets are, how to identify the signs of an infestation, and what you can do to protect your lawn.
What Are Chafer Grubs?
Chafer grubs are the larvae of several species of chafer beetle.
These creamy-white grubs live beneath the surface of the lawn where they feed on grass roots.
Signs of Chafer Grub Damage
✅ Yellow or brown patches of grass
✅ Dead or thinning areas
✅ Grass that lifts easily like a carpet
✅ Increased bird activity
✅ Badgers or foxes digging up the lawn
Chafer grubs are usually most active from late summer through autumn.
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What Are Leatherjackets?
Leatherjackets are the larvae of crane flies, commonly known as daddy longlegs.
Unlike chafer grubs, leatherjackets are:
- Grey-brown in colour
- Cylindrical in shape
- Tough-skinned
- Legless
They feed on grass roots and stems beneath the soil surface.
Signs of Leatherjacket Damage
✅ Weak grass growth
✅ Yellow patches
✅ Thinning turf
✅ Areas of dead grass
✅ Increased bird feeding activity
✅ Patchy lawn appearance
Leatherjackets are most often noticed during autumn and spring.
Why Birds Often Make the Problem Worse
Many homeowners first notice damage from:
- Starlings
- Crows
- Magpies
- Blackbirds
These birds are not causing the original problem.
Instead, they are feeding on the grubs beneath the surface.
Similarly:
- Foxes
- Badgers
may dig up large areas of lawn searching for larvae.
By this stage, the infestation is often well established.
What Does Chafer Grub Damage Look Like?
Typical Lawn Symptoms
- Irregular yellow patches
- Dead grass areas
- Soft turf that lifts easily
- Rapid deterioration during late summer
What Does Leatherjacket Damage Look Like?
Leatherjacket infestations often cause:
- Thin grass cover
- Patchy growth
- Poor colour
- Areas of weakened turf
Damage can resemble:
- Nutrient deficiency
- Drought stress
- Moss problems
How to Check for Grubs in Your Lawn
If you suspect an infestation:
- Lift a small section of turf.
- Inspect the soil beneath.
- Look for:
- White “C” shaped chafer grubs
- Grey-brown leatherjackets
- Count the number present.
Large concentrations can indicate an active infestation.
How to Help Your Lawn Recover
Once the problem has been identified, the focus shifts to restoring lawn health.
A recovery programme may include:
🌱 Lawn Treatments
Regular feeding encourages new root and leaf growth.
✂️ Scarification
Removes weak material and improves lawn health.
💧 Aeration
Relieves compaction and promotes stronger roots.
🌱 Overseeding
Repairs damaged and thinned areas.
🌿 Ongoing Lawn Care
Maintaining a healthy lawn helps improve recovery and resilience.
Why Choose Avant Garde Lawns?
At Avant Garde Lawns, we help homeowners identify lawn problems and create tailored treatment programmes designed to restore healthy grass growth.
What Makes Us Different?
✅ Family-run business
✅ Over 20 years of experience
✅ City & Guilds NPTC qualified staff
✅ Friendly and reliable service
✅ Professional lawn care products
✅ Cost-effective lawn treatment programmes
Whether your lawn has been affected by grubs, moss, weeds, compaction, or poor growth, our experienced team can help.
Areas We Cover
We provide professional lawn care services throughout:
- Stockport
- Bramhall
- Cheadle
- Hazel Grove
- Marple
- Romiley
- Wilmslow
- Poynton
- Sale
- Altrincham
- Hale
- Didsbury
- Tytherington
and surrounding areas across Greater Manchester and Cheshire.
Concerned About Lawn Damage?
If your lawn is developing yellow patches, thinning grass, or areas that lift easily from the soil, it may be worth arranging a professional assessment.