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Something is eating my lawn

Jeni FJeni F Posts: 4
in Problem solving

I have large sparse areas of dead lawn after first cut of season and have found caterpillars in the dead thatch. They are not chafer grubs or leatherjackets. They are ranging in colour from acid green to brown they are plain and not striped. I have looked up cut worms and they seem similar but only find info in relation to them eating veg crops. That isn't the case. I've read they can infest lawns in the US or Australia. I'm guessing they need the warmth it's not like that here. The damage is quite extreme and don't know what I should use on the lawn that will deal with it and be safe for animals and children.

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,123

    Hi Jeni - are they anything like the ones shown here?

    http://www.pitchcare.com/magazine/cutworms.html


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Jeni FJeni F Posts: 4

    Brilliant yes! Will read the article more thoroughly only scan read just now. It doesn't look too positive an outcome. I recognise the moth picture too, I've seen them around the garden and had them trapped in doors. The mild weather may have allowed them to over winter.  No solutions suggested in article that I can see. But I think that is the right beast anyway! Thanks for the link.

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,123

    Glad we've identified the beasts at least image  

    I think your best course of action will be to encourage wildlife to keep them under control, birds and frogs and of course, hedgehogs will love those caterpillars, and of course bats will predate nocturnal moths.  

    So gardening in a wildlife friendly way and good lawn maintenance - raking out that thatch and regular mowing - should help - and hopefully a good sharp frost or two next winter will sort them out - good luck image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • Jeni FJeni F Posts: 4

    Thanks. I hope their days will be numbered, lots of birds around in the garden at the moment and we have a good bat population. I think I'll give my chickens a treat and let them have a run on an area they're normally kept away from. A better lawn maintenance routine may help on my part too!

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,123

    Oooh, yes - chickens will love them - you have your answer image


    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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