Dead patches of grass have appeared on the lawn

Q. Dead patches of grass have appeared in the lawn, even though I have aerated and scarified, and treated the grass, what could be causing this?

A. At this time of year, even if you have followed the best advice on lawncare, it’s possible that the larvae of crane fly – leatherjackets – that become daddy-long-legs, are feeding below the surface on the grass roots. If you see starlings pecking at the lawn that’s a good indicator that leatherjackets are present. You can treat the lawn with a leatherjacket killer such as Nemasys, which is harmless to other wildlife, pets and children. You can also use the lawn straight after treatment.