
Description
When ordering you will receive 2 x 500 m2 packs
Capsanem Leatherjacket Killer is a leatherjacket treatment containing Steinernema carpocapsae; a species of native entomopathogenic nematode (microscopic worms) which controls infestations of crane fly larvae safely and effectively.
There are two application windows in the pests life cycle suitable for applying a leatherjacket treatment. The first window is during the late summer/autumn, from early August to the end of October, with the second window the following spring during March and April.
For best results apply Capsanem leatherjacket treatment to moist turf areas from early August to late October as this targets the pest early in its life cycle when it is more susceptible to control.

Applications must occur when the larvae are at a young and susceptible life stage and the soil temperature is between 14ºC and 33°C, which is the optimum point the nematodes are at their most active in the soil. Early in the year the larvae will have grown to a stage where effective control is significantly reduced. Therefore, it is important to note that control is less effective in the spring compared to late summer/early autumn window.
A pro-active preventative approach to controlling leatherjackets in turf is required. By treating with Capsanem Leatherjacket Killer within the August to the end of October application window, direct damage from the grubs and indirect damage from predators hunting for them in the following spring and summer is avoided. After application, the nematodes actively search for their prey and penetrate them. The nematodes then feed on the contents of the prey, excreting specific bacteria from their digestive tracts as they do so. These bacteria convert the host tissue into products that the nematodes can easily ingest. The larvae die within a few days.
OPTIMAL CONTROL Window 1 - August, September, October: 1 pack per 500 square metres.
REDUCED CONTROL Window 2 - March and April: 1 pack per 250 square metres.
Capsanem Leatherjacket Killer must be used within 3-4 weeks of being received, keep refrigerated until used.
Each pack of Capsanem Leatherjacket Killer contains 250,000,000 nematodes and treats up to 500m2.
We do not sell this product during the period when the larvae are not susceptible to control using nematodes. Nematodes are live organisms and need to be kept refrigerated until they are used. We take great care to ensure that they are handled in a manner which ensures they arrive in the appropriate condition:
For further information on Capsanem Leatherjack Killer, please contact a member of our technical sales team on 01952 897917.
Capsanem Leatherjacket Killer is a leatherjacket treatment containing Steinernema carpocapsae; a species of native entomopathogenic nematode (microscopic worms) which controls infestations of crane fly larvae safely and effectively.
There are two application windows in the pests life cycle suitable for applying a leatherjacket treatment. The first window is during the late summer/autumn, from early August to the end of October, with the second window the following spring during March and April.
For best results apply Capsanem leatherjacket treatment to moist turf areas from early August to late October as this targets the pest early in its life cycle when it is more susceptible to control.
Leatherjacket Life Cycle

Applications must occur when the larvae are at a young and susceptible life stage and the soil temperature is between 14ºC and 33°C, which is the optimum point the nematodes are at their most active in the soil. Early in the year the larvae will have grown to a stage where effective control is significantly reduced. Therefore, it is important to note that control is less effective in the spring compared to late summer/early autumn window.

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How to Apply Capsanem Leatherjacket Killer
Application RatesEach pack of Capsanem Leatherjacket Killer contains 250,000,000 nematodes and treats up to 500m2.
Preparing to Apply Nematodes | ||
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Order Order nematodes to arrive 1-2 weeks prior to forecast application period* to facilitate application in optimum circumstances. *Aim to apply nematodes 4-5 weeks after peak adult flight time. |
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Store Store in a refrigerator at a temperature between 2-6°C. |
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Monitor
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Irrigate
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Aerate Use a sarel roller to aerate the soil, facilitating faster movement of the nematodes through the soil profile.* * It is important that the nematodes come into contact with the soil as quickly as possible; excessive thatch will inhibit this process. |
Applying Nematodes | ||
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Equipment
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Nematodes
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Application
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Post Application
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We do not sell this product during the period when the larvae are not susceptible to control using nematodes. Nematodes are live organisms and need to be kept refrigerated until they are used. We take great care to ensure that they are handled in a manner which ensures they arrive in the appropriate condition:
- If Capsanem is ordered by 15.00 hours on a Friday, they are guaranteed delivered to you the following week.
- If Capsanem is ordered by 17.00 hours on a Thursday, they are guaranteed delivery to you on Tuesday of the subsequent week.
For further information on Capsanem Leatherjack Killer, please contact a member of our technical sales team on 01952 897917.