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HOW TO IDENTIFY
European crane flies, or, Tipula paludosa, are insects that are not native to the United States but became invasive in the late 1900’s. They are often mistaken for large mosquitos but they cannot bite or sting. These insects are a threat to turf because the larvae, known as leatherjackets, feed on grass shoots during the evening and the roots during the heat of the day. The European crane fly’s larval stage is the longest life cycle of this pest, lasting approximately 10 months, which means an infestation can greatly affect lawn turf. The larvae (Leatherjackets) have thick, grayish colored skin and a head capsule. They hatch in late summer where they continue to feed on grass roots throughout the winter and into the following spring until they reach full maturity (Leatherjackets can grow to exceed 1 inch in size). Come May-June, the leatherjackets create cocoons and become pupae and will remain in this stage until the months July-August where the pupae emerge as an adult European crane fly. Within 24 hours after growing into adulthood, these pests swarm, breed, and die after laying anywhere between 200-500 eggs in grass.
- NOTE: A similar insect, the Native crane fly does not cause damage to turf grass like the European crane fly does. It is not easy to determine the difference between the crane fly species so be sure to check with your county cooperative extension agent in order to establish if European crane flies have been detected in the area.
PREFERRED ENVIRONMENT
European crane flies are found in larger numbers in turf that has been poorly established and maintained, especially lawns with excessive thatch buildup since larvae prefer to stay in the turf’s “crown” layer of thatch. European crane flies prefer moist soil and require mild, winter temperatures and cool summers with an average rainfall of at least 24 inches.
INFESTATION SEASON
Although European crane flies have a life cycle of about a year, the main infestation occurs once larva hatches, starting in mid-summer through the winter and then into the following spring.
DAMAGE CAUSED
Damage is really caused by the leatherjackets (European crane fly’s larvae), as they feed on grass shoots and roots. This eventually will turn your lawn yellow or brown and can cause bare spots. The highest observed damage time is in late spring, right before leatherjackets become pupae. If left untreated, turf may eventually die.
ARE EUROPEAN CRANE FLIES THE PROBLEM?
To determine if the number of European crane flies have become invasive, in late March to early April, use a cup cutter or something similar (remove both ends of a one-gallon tin can, like a coffee container) or a sharp spade to dig up roughly 6x6 inch squares that are roughly 1 to 2 inches deep. Repeat this step in 4 to 5 other locations that are scattered throughout the lawn. Place each of these samples into a bucket of mild, soapy water. This will cause leatherjackets to float to the top. Count the number of larvae floating on the surface and multiply it by 4 to give the number of larvae per square foot. If you have a number greater than 25 larvae per square feet, European crane flies are beginning to infest a lawn and some damage can be seen; a control method is recommended. At 45 or more crane fly larvae per square foot, damage to turf can be noticed because the lawn has been fully infested and essential measures need to be taken in order to control the larvae population and restore a lawn.
HOW TO MANAGE
Conventional insecticides can suppress the European crane fly larvae throughout its lifecycle; check the product’s label to ensure this pest is controlled. The best time to treat your lawn with a control product for this pest is during the spring, usually mid-April when the European crane fly larvae are most active. Sample the area to determine the scope of the infestation. Review all label instructions of the insecticide purchased before applying.
List of
professional insecticides
known to control the European crane fly larvae:
- Allectus® (Imidacloprid and Bifenthrin)
- Imi-Lambda® (Imidacloprid and Lambda-cyhalothrin)
- ACELEPRYN® (Chlorantraniliprole)
- Merit® (Imidacloprid)
If you don’t currently have a European crane fly larvae problem, try preventative measures with best management practices including, encouraging a healthy lawn by monitoring and maintaining a neutral soil pH, adopting a continuous lawn care program of fertilization
and soil amendments, proper irrigation, aeration
and thatch management, as well as mowing turf
to healthy lengths.
For professional fertilizers, humic and AMP-XC™ enriched products available, please visit TurfCare’s online Product Catalog.
For green industry professionals or others interested in ordering Turfcare products, please contact our Customer Service
to find a distributor near you.
References:
https://www.fws.gov/alaska/fisheries/contaminants/pdf/cranefly300.PDF
https://blog.nutrilawn.com/getting-rid-of-the-worst-lawn-pests
http://www.northeastipm.org/bmps-for-school-ipm/pests/european-crane-fly/
http://www.lawnfertilizingservice.com/european-crane-fly/
http://www.nyis.info/index.php?action=invasive_detail&id=50
Turf Care Supply - TurfReport Blog
Platte River Equity Portfolio Company Turf Care Supply, LLC Acquires Agri-Nutrients, Inc. Brunswick, OH , October 9, 2024 – Platte River Equity (“Platte River”) portfolio company Turf Care Supply, LLC (“Turf Care”) is pleased to announce its acquisition of Agri-Nutrients, Inc. (“Agri-Nutrients”), a manufacturer and blender of custom granular fertilizers for the turf & ornamental (“T&O”) industry. This strategic acquisition provides Turf Care with an established presence in the south-central United States, an enhanced product portfolio and additional manufacturing capacity. “This acquisition represents much more than a business transaction; it is a strategic step forward in expanding our reach and enhancing our customers’ growth. By bringing Agri-Nutrients into the Turf Care family, we are broadening our product portfolio, expanding our market presence and further positioning ourselves as a leader in providing innovative solutions for our customers,” said Mark Mangan, President of Turf Care. “We are excited about joining the Turf Care team,” said Jim Montgomery, President of Agri-Nutrients. “At Agri-Nutrients, our core values center around customer service and product innovation, and we are confident that this combination will allow us to better serve the needs of our customers.” “Platte River welcomes the Agri-Nutrients team to Turf Care. This transaction underscores our long-term commitment to fostering growth through both organic and inorganic initiatives across the Turf Care platform,” said Tarun Kanthety, Vice President of Platte River. “The partnership with Agri-Nutrients strengthens Turf Care’s value-added offering, creating additional growth opportunities across the combined customer base.” B&A Corporate Advisors served as the exclusive financial advisor to Agri-Nutrients. About Agri-Nutrients Founded in 1992 and based in Catoosa, OK, Agri-Nutrients is a manufacturer and blender of custom granular fertilizers for the T&O industry, predominantly selling into the lawn care, sports turf and golf course end markets. About Turf Care Supply Established in 1974, Turf Care Supply is one of the largest formulators and blenders of urea products to the T&O market. Turf Care has a comprehensive product portfolio of fertilizers, combination products (herbicide/insecticide), soil amendments and enhanced efficiency fertilizer ingredients. Turf Care's products are sold to distributors and blenders serving the commercial, residential and golf end markets. Turf Care operates four manufacturing facilities strategically located throughout the eastern U.S. About Platte River Equity Founded in 2006 and based in Denver, CO, Platte River Equity is a private equity firm focused on investments in established lower middle market operating companies within targeted industrial sectors where it has substantial operating and investing experience. Platte River utilizes prudent capital structures in order to invest in future growth opportunities and withstand changing economic environments. The firm also provides significant ongoing support to its portfolio companies through dedicated resources across functional areas. The firm has raised funds with committed capital in excess of $1.6 billion and is currently investing out of its fifth fund. The Platte River team is the largest collective investor across its funds, deeply aligning the firm with its investors and portfolio company management teams.
Dear Valued Industry Partners and Customers, We are pleased to announce that Turf Care Supply, LLC has acquired Agri-Nutrients, Inc. (October 1, 2024) a respected manufacturer in the turf and ornamental fertilizer industry. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in our commitment to providing you with an expanded range of innovative products, services, and industry expertise, all designed to support your business’s continued growth and success. As a valued partner or customer, you will benefit from enhanced service capabilities and an extended geographic reach, thanks to Agri-Nutrients, Inc.’s strategic facility located in the Port of Catoosa, Oklahoma. With this established presence in the Southwest and Western markets, Turf Care Supply, LLC’s expanded operational footprint will allow us to serve a broader region with greater efficiency, delivering even stronger support to help drive your business forward. We are dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining the high standards of service you expect. If you have any questions or would like to explore how this new location can enhance your operations, please feel free to contact your account manager or our customer service team. Thank you for your continued trust in Turf Care Supply, LLC. We look forward to partnering with you as we grow together and continue supporting your success. Sincerely, Mark Mangan President Turf Care Supply, LLC
With a focus on providing sustainable manufacturing and reducing carbon emissions, Turf Care Supply has embraced the electric power market with the latest mobile equipment upgrades. Completed in June 2023, TCS received all deliveries of electric forklifts to all three manufacturing facilities, including Hatfield, MA, Martins Ferry, OH and Sebring, FL.