Ask Gerry

Mowed lawn yesterday today there are some holes about 2" diameter and 4" deep with grass pulled up and left on side. A neighbour has had the same problem already with alot of damage. What might it be and how to stop it please.

Hundreds of dark grey insect eggs (<1mm) laid neatly on grass stems have appeared in patches on my lawn. I did not wish to assume they are pests without checking - but can't find definitive info. Seems early for crane flies. I do have a pond..........Any ideas?

My lawn is sort of yellow in patches could you tell me what its from? how could i stop it from spreading?

I am looking for a grass seed or product for the grass that will somewhat avoid the damage our dog does on our small grass patch. Would you have any suggestions?

I've recently lost my half acre lawn for the second time due to a leatherjacket infestation. What is the best treatment for these larvae or should I be treating the adult daddy longlegs? I've attached a photograph giving you some idea of the problem.

Straw coloured patches on new lawn since it started to rain a few days ago. I also found some larva like grubs,which appear in the late evening. What can I do to solve this problem?

I have been away for a long weekend and on return find dozens of holes that you can see in the photos all over my lawn! I can see what appear to be Bees or Wasps coming out of them. I have never heard of or seen this before and Google doesnt have any info on it happening in Ireland, except something called ground digger wasps (Cicada Killer) which thankfully seems to be native to North America or have they arrived in Dublin? Can your experts advise as my wife is freaking out.

I have a variety of dead patches in my lawn. Irregular in shape, from about 20'x20' down. The crows are digging in these patches. The patches have been there for a year or two but are far worse after the past winter. Why is this? What, if anything, should I do? Thank you. Pat.

My dog is causing bald patches on my lawn by urinating in the same patch. Not feesable for me to keep him off the grass as my garden is not very big. I was wondering is there such a thing as grass seed that is resistant to damage caused by urine or even a particularily tough/hardy grass seed.

I have a house in a rural area which I visit for long weekends and holidays. Badgers visit regularly and leave their faeces in rows on the footpath from the road to the front door. I have fears about cleaning this and doing the lawn etc. Is there an effective deterent please?

I have very small black flies ( black body white wings approx 3mil long ) living in my lawn, sod layed 2 years back. Have you any suggestions as to how I can get rid of them??.

My dog chooses the same area to use as a toilet and so the lawn has been damaged. I clean off every day but the poor grass hasn't a chance to repair itself. Any ideas?

Hi Gerry I have a really bad problem with woodlice coming off my lawns onto my gable and front walls.At night it is very bad as people can clearly see them and it is not a nice sight. Also they make their way into my house and can appear out of anywhere. I have tried various things which just kills loads of them , then I have to clean them up. All I really want to know is there something that can keep them in their own space deep in the lawns. Tks Timmy

My lawn has yellow patches and when cutting patches are coming up, have looked at the soil and think we have chafer grubs. What can we do?Mary