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Brown patches, loose turf you can lift like a carpet, and fresh holes from birds or raccoons often mean something is feeding on grass roots. In the Puget Sound region, crane fly larvae are a frequent cause, especially on lawns that stay wet through winter. They are not the same as white grubs, but the damage can look similar from the kitchen window.
What crane flies do to your lawn
Adult crane flies are the awkward, long legged insects you see bouncing off patio doors in fall. They lay eggs in turf. The larvae, sometimes called leatherjackets, feed on roots and crowns through late winter and spring. By the time you notice dead patches, feeding may have been underway for months. Secondary damage happens when skunks, crows, or raccoons dig for larvae. That tearing can destroy more grass than the insects alone.
How this differs from other lawn pests
Crane fly larvae are long and gray without the curled C shape of a white grub. Sampling a few square feet of soil in suspect areas helps tell the story. Treatments and timing differ from grub control aimed at beetle grubs, which is why guessing from a store shelf often wastes time and product.
Building a lawn plan that fits Western Washington
Healthy turf handles stress better. Lawn fertilization on a sensible schedule, aeration where soil is compacted, and fixing drainage in low spots all support recovery after insect pressure. Our lawn insect control service targets what is actually present on your property rather than blanket spraying every year. If damage is already visible, read our post on repairing grub damaged lawns for a calm recovery sequence. Many of the same steps apply when crane flies or other root feeders have been at work.
When to involve a professional
Call when patches spread, when animals dig repeatedly, or when you are unsure whether the problem is crane flies, grubs, disease, or drought stress. A technician can sample soil, review irrigation and shade, and recommend treatment only when counts justify it.
Sunrise Pest and Turf Management serves Seattle, Tacoma, Gig Harbor, and communities across the region. We combine turf care with pest expertise so your lawn plan matches local weather and local pests. Call (888) 376-9109 or use contact to set up a lawn inspection.