What Is A Crane Fly?
A crane fly is a black, red, or yellow flying insect in Atlanta. It is often confused for a mosquito, but this pest is much larger and has incredibly long legs. If you look closely at the face of this insect, you'll notice that it's very long. These insects are usually transparent in color but can also be brown, grayish-black, or brownish-yellow.
Although female crane flies have an appendage that resembles a stinger, they are incapable of stinging humans. Their "stinger" is a reproductive organ used for egg formation and laying. It's a common misconception that crane flies are mosquito killers because they don't kill mosquitoes. The adults feed on nectar and the larvae eat decaying wood and vegetation.
It's worth mentioning that Europeans refer to crane flies as daddy-longlegs. But don't confuse these creatures for the arachnids. Crane flies don't have eight legs and they can fly. Despite their somewhat creepy appearance, crane flies aren’t anything you need to worry about when it comes to biting and stinging.
Should You Avoid Crane Flies?
Even though crane flies don't sting or bite, they aren't necessarily good to have around. When you have crane fly larvae in your grass, they can create brown patches. This might not seem like much but it can significantly impact the curb appeal of your home.
There's no advantage to having crane flies around. For this reason, you may want to take measures to keep them away from your property. Like many other pests in Atlanta, crane flies can cause damage.
If you don't want to have crane flies in your home, you need to be proactive. You can start by educating yourself about crane flies. But then, you need to take certain measures to protect your property.
How To Keep Crane Flies Away
Before you try to keep crane flies away, you should understand why they might be in your yard. When these local pests try to reproduce, they look for moist grass. They are more common after heavy rainfall and are often found in lawns near forests or open fields.
Because the adults feed on nectar, they're attracted to yards with flowers. They also seek out yards with decaying wood and vegetation. Although most crane flies only live long enough to reproduce, they can take over a yard in what seems like no time.
To start off, you can address moisture issues. You can also encourage birds to come onto your property because birds eat crane flies. However, birds come with their own issues.
You can't do much about keeping crane flies away. After all, you can't control the amount of moisture in the air or your vicinity to mossy fields. Unless you plan on working with a professional, you won’t be able to keep them away.
Working With Us
For the most effective method of crane fly prevention, you need professional assistance. Here at Tuxedo Mosquito Control, we understand how difficult it is to keep crane fly and other pests away. Therefore, we make sure our pest control technicians have the training and resources needed to keep them away.
If you notice patches on your lawn or suspect you have crane flies, it's time to give us a call. Our experts are always ready to help you. To learn more, reach out to us today.