Lawns to be targeted by Leatherjackets

It's been a summer to savour – for Daddy Long Legs, that is.

Now homeowners have been warned to brace for an invasion of more than 200billion of the amorous insects.

Experts say the warm but wet weather has provided perfect growing conditions for crane fly larvae, or 'leatherjackets', in their underground tunnels.

And the 'sex-crazed' creatures are now hatching – with hordes expected to swarm into homes searching for a mate.

Daddy long legs – which have just a few days to breed before they die – are attracted to lights and often find themselves trapped indoors.

Lawn treatment specialist Mike Seaton of The Lawn Company said the hungry larvae had been leaving bare patches on customers' grass in Hampshire, Surrey and West Sussex.

Help is at hand from The Green Gardener