Frit Fly

A small insect (about 2mm in length and black in colour) which can cause damage to agricultural, occasionally to some amenity swards which have low maintenance inputs or newly sown sports turf surfaces. The likelihood of an attack is very low for a sports turf situation. Its scientific name is Oscinella frit.

There are three generations of fly a year, often emerging in May / June, then sometime in late July, and finally in September or October. The larvae grubs are white in colour, being about 3-5mm in length, with the pupa having a reddish-brown protective coating. The larvae cause damage by burrowing into the plant’s central shoot killing it.

Control methods can include having a drier surface through switching or drag brushing, controlled irrigation, as well as having a well-groomed surface by verticutting and scarification, which encourages a ‘well-ventilated’ and healthier sward. Overseed at times when germination will be rapid, ensuring adequate fertiliser has been applied to enable the quick development and establishment of a durable sward. Boxing off clippings may also help.