[s2sap]

This our first year with a polytunnel and we noticed about half a dozen daddy long legs in it last week. We got rid of them but noticed young cabbages were dying from the root and on examination have now found many leatherjacket larvae in the raised vegetable beds.

Firstly - should there be daddy long legs at this time of year ?

Secondly I thought the larvae became active later than this.

Are both of these because of the warm damp conditions in the polytunnel ?

What should we do ?

Reading about Nemasys Leatherjacket Killer it states

" The prolific lawn pest is hunted down and killed by the nematode steinernema feltiae contained in Nemasys Leatherjacket Killer but there is a small window of opportunity to prevent this. Nemasys Leatherjacket Killer applications should be made 1 - 2 weeks after the first craneflies have been spotted from late August onwards. An earlier treatment of Nemasys Leatherjacket Killer can be made in spring as long as soil temperatures are in excess of 10ºC but this application, although occasionally successful, is not as productive as the typical autumn dose. "

Do we assume that we are ahead of the seasons inside the polytunnel and use this even though it states for use from August on.

Any help as usual gratefully received

Simon

[sirpsycho]

I've noticed DLLs around very early this year too in my little cold frame which is warm and humid. These conditions probably trick them into appearing sooner than they normally do outside.

The DLLs lay their eggs within 24hrs of hatching and the eggs take 5 weeks or so to hatch. You won't be able to see these for a long time.

I'm guessing the best solution is to dig around and try and remove as many (of the larvae) as possible by hand. I removed a good few of them in my allotment yesterday, nice pickings for the birds

[notenoughspace]

I've had lots of DDLs in my polytunnel too, with the last 4 weeks it's been like a DDL brothel. Are they harmful? They don't seem to be damaging anything.

[sirpsycho]

Harmless enough, apart from their eggs in lawns...

When I was a nipper I used to pick their wings out and let them walk around the patio. The cats had a taste for DLLs and they would hover them up!

[s2sap]

[Cdog]

Does Anybody know how long it takes for the Nematodes to start working on the little critters?? I watered mine in two days ago and my seedlings are still dropping like flies!

Perhaps Im looking for too much too quickly??

[s2sap]