What are these grubs?

[Curver]

Can anyone identify these caterpillar type things please? Are they the dreaded leather jackets? I’ve found them in the lawn, as well as in the soil.

Can't see the pic yet but are they kind of greyish and like very short very fat worms? If so may be leather jackets.

Seen the pic.....leather jackets.

You need nemotodes for leather jackets

Definitely Leatherjackets. They will destroy any grass if you don’t treat with nematodes. You will probably need two applications at this time of year.
I managed to get rid of them from flowerbeds by constantly digging over and removing them.

Thank you. Is treatment quite easy ?

Yes, as Letheriveranswer said, you need to get some nematodes which can be bought online and you water them onto the lawn. You will probably need to repeat the process in the autumn. * *

Yes. Encourage a flock of starlings into your garden and set them to work.
😂

I leave them be and watch the birds getting them to feed their babies. They also aerate it at the same time so win/win. I guess it depends if you have a smart and weed free lawn for croquet or a bog standard kids lawn on which method you choose to do. Do many birds visit?

For those that have used nematodes, do they work? I have had the same problem as OP and read about nematodes but also read quite a bit about how they don't work!
My grass is covered in huge brown/yellow patches this year. I've just put down loads of grass seed but no idea if it will take!

Please let us know how you get on, OP!

I wish. My large cat makes sure they don’t stay long 😥

I have bought some treatment, not yet used but will report back. Looks easy enough, pour into a watering can and administer with a course rose. Says 2-4 weeks for improvement and then a repeat is necessary.