swarms of tiny flies in new turf

[DavidA1982]

Hi all

I put down a new lawn about a month ago. Despite the complete lack of rain I have managed to keep it alive. We were away for 2 weeks so got back and gave it a cut last night. I have two concerns:

1) Even on my highest stetting, I was probably cutting 50% of the length off the grass. However the grass is stil really long. I understand that if I've scalped it, I need to water it deeply. But...



2) When I was cutting it, swarms of tiny white flies or knats were coming out of the lawn. Pic of one attached. They were everywhere! it was a real pain - hundreds would fly up just from walking on the turf. The Internet tells me that over-watering the lawn can attract them.




So I don't know whether to stick or twist really - do I water or let it dry out for a few days? Any advice would be welcome.

 

[conny]

I would keep trimming it. Don't know what the flies are but that looks like a fairly expensive job you have had done and letting it get parched will not do it any favours.
No idea what the flies are or what to do about them.

 

[nuzuki]

mud mites maybe... I get swarmed by them when digging deep holes