Crane flies are a pest species that you’ve probably seen many times around your Atlanta property, but you might not know what they are called or much about them. These flying insects are known by many different names such as the mosquito hawk, mosquito killer, and even daddy long legs in some parts of Europe.
However, many of these names can be misleading, and there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding these pests in Atlanta, Georgia. For one thing, they aren’t mosquitoes at all, and they also don’t kill or eat mosquitoes. And, while their European name might make sense there, in the United States daddy long legs usually is a name that refers to an arachnid with skinny, long legs.
While crane flies might not actually be mosquitoes, they are often mistaken for them. However, crane flies are much larger than mosquitoes, and you can identify crane flies by their elongated faces and extremely long legs. They range in color from yellow to red to black, and their wings are usually transparent or brownish-yellow.
Are Crane Flies Dangerous?
Despite looking like large, menacing mosquitoes, the good thing about crane flies is that they aren’t dangerous. In fact, they don't harm people at all. Unlike mosquitoes, they only feed on nectar, not on blood. So, while they might be strange and creepy to look at, you don’t have to worry about them biting you. This means that they also aren’t known to spread any diseases to humans, which means they don’t pose any direct health risks.
The main issue with crane flies is that their larvae can often damage the grass on your lawn. This can cause brown patches to appear across your property and make for an unsightly appearance. The females of the species lay their eggs in the grass If an infestation makes its way into your lawn, you might end up dealing with damage to your landscaping.
What Factors Attract Crane Flies?
As mentioned above, this species lays its eggs in the grass, but they are more likely to do so after rainfall or under other damp conditions. They are most prevalent in the spring and fall months, but they are also around at certain times in the summer. Properties that are near fields or wooded areas are more likely to deal with crane flies.
Just like many other flying insects, the crane fly is attracted to light. Outdoor lighting can bring them around, and once inside, they can be annoying as they fly around walls and ceilings and try to get close to light fixtures. Overall, reducing outdoor lighting at night, during spring and fall months, can help keep crane flies away.
What’s The Best Way To Remove Crane Flies?
Crane flies can be a difficult pest to completely prevent and control on your own. The best way to keep them at bay is to protect your property before they start to hatch. A proactive approach is the best way to go.
The experts at Tuxedo Mosquito Control provide ongoing residential misting services and commercial mosquito control options that will keep crane flies, as well as other flying insects, away from your home or business. We will work with you and customize a plan to meet your pest control needs. Just give us a call or send us a message online today to get started!