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Crane fly infestation last 2 weeks, lawn covered with them #725743

Asked September 21, 2020, 12:12 PM EDT

Earlier this summer I had significant dead lawn spots in my wet lawn last year, which are completely recovering. However, I now am getting thousands of crane flies on my lawn. I read this article here: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/european_crane_flies_observed_around_lawns_and_homes_in_southern_michigan Based on this article, I'm now believing I had a crane fly larve infestation 2020 Spring, which was the cause of my dead areas which are now recovering. I've never seen this many crane flies in one area. There are thousands in the grass when you walk right now (September) there is a small cloud of crane fly activity around you. I'm noticing the flies are all mating and the grass which is growing back has many many adult flies crawling around in it. The article says: Timing is critical because these are same products that are used for grub control and, if timed properly, one application will protect against both European crane fly and white grubs (Japanese beetle and European chafer). However, if your grub control insecticide is applied too early (in April, May, or June) it may not work for European crane fly in the fall. What should I do RIGHT NOW? (apply some product?) if Anything. My address is in Hudsonville Michigan. Or should I do nothing now, and wait until next Sprint applying Sevin? Rhe "timing is critical" confuses me since it isn't clear if applying Sevin next spring will kill the grubs next spring and if so exactly when? Please help, I look forward and thank you in advance for your prompt response!

Ottawa County Michigan

Expert Response

Thanks for the question. I understand your confusion. Neonicotinoids (Imidacloprid, clothianidin, thiamethoxam)  grub control products are normally applied in the July/August timeframe and can still be effective into later fall to get the crane flies. This is the timing to which they were referring. What you can do in October is apply Sevin and kill off the leatherjackets as they start feeding. The following link has a little more info.
I hope this helps,
An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 21, 2020, 7:41 PM EDT
I came back to thank you for your fast and helpful response!  I have bought and applied Sevin at 20LBS / 5000 Sq Feet.  I know you said October... that's only a week away so I just applied it now :)
The Question Asker Replied September 27, 2020, 11:29 PM EDT
I hope it solves your problem! Thanks for using eXtension.
An Ask Extension Expert Replied September 28, 2020, 9:05 AM EDT

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