If you’ve ever seen a large, spindly-legged insect hovering around your porch light, you might have called it a “mosquito eater” or even assumed it was a giant mosquito.
But these flying insects, known as crane flies, are often misunderstood. While their appearance may be alarming, they don’t pose the same risks as mosquitoes.
In this article, you’ll learn the real differences between crane flies and mosquitoes, what crane fly larvae (also called leatherjackets) do to your lawn, and when pest control makes sense in the Big Horn Basin and Billings.
Key Takeaways
- Crane flies and mosquitoes look similar, but behave very differently.
- Adult crane flies do not bite or feed on blood.
- Crane fly larvae can damage lawns by feeding on roots and organic material.
- Pest control may be necessary when larval populations become excessive.
Crane Flies vs Mosquitoes: The Big Misunderstanding
Mosquito or crane fly? On file
Both fly on long legs and look almost identical at the porch light. Only one pierces skin and spreads disease.
Mosquito
Skeeter
Crane Fly
Mosquito hawk
The confusion starts with appearance. Both are flying insects with long legs and wings, and many species of crane flies can be just as big, or bigger than, a mosquito.
Some folks even call them mosquito hawks, skeeter eaters, or giant mosquitoes. But here’s the truth: crane flies are in the Tipulidae family, and they don’t suck blood or spread disease.
Meanwhile, female mosquitoes use their proboscis, a specialized set of mouthparts, to pierce the skin and feed on blood, which helps them lay eggs. That’s how mosquitoes transmit diseases like malaria, dengue, and Zika.
Crane flies? They don’t even feed as adults. Most have a short lifespan and no functioning mouthparts. They don’t bite, sting, or eat mosquitoes, despite the rumors.
Do Crane Flies Eat Mosquitoes?
This is one of the biggest myths out there. While they’re nicknamed mosquito eaters, adult crane flies don’t eat anything at all, not even mosquitoes. It’s easy to assume they help with mosquito control, but they don’t contribute in that way.
If you’re looking for real mosquito predators, think dragonflies, bats, or even frogs. Crane flies aren’t part of that circle.
What Do Crane Fly Larvae Eat?
While adults are harmless, crane fly larvae, commonly known as leatherjackets, can pose a more significant problem. These larvae feed on organic material, such as decaying plant matter and grass roots, especially during the larval stage of their life cycle.
In Wyoming and Montana, they tend to show up in damp soil, especially in lawns with poor drainage or heavy standing water. If you notice brown patches in your yard during the cooler months, crane fly larvae could be the cause. They can chew up grass from below, making it difficult to spot until it becomes widespread.
Can Crane Flies Bite?
No. Despite their size and scary appearance, crane flies don’t bite. They don’t have the necessary proboscis, and they don’t even try. So, if one flies into your house, it’s more likely to be confused than dangerous.
The fear likely stems from how much they resemble mosquitoes and how they sometimes bounce off walls as if on a mission.
Why Are They Called Daddy Longlegs?
That name adds to the confusion. “Daddy longlegs” is a common name that’s also used for spiders (harvestmen) and cellar spiders. It’s a catch-all label that doesn’t facilitate proper identification.
In our area, crane flies are characterized by their long, delicate legs and large, fragile wingspan. They’re most noticeable during their adult flight period, especially in early spring or fall.
When to Get Rid of Crane Flies
If you’re only seeing a few adult crane flies fluttering around the porch light, there’s no need for action. They’ll be gone soon. But if you’re seeing infestation-level numbers or your lawn’s looking worse for wear, it might be time to dig deeper and need commercial pest control services.
Keep an eye out for these signs:
- Patchy grass that pulls up easily
- Birds pecking at your lawn consistently
- Larvae are visible in the soil or under the thatch
In cases like these, it helps to call in pest control professionals familiar with local conditions.
Pest Control for Crane Flies in Wyoming and Montana
At Kodiak Pest Control, we understand how these pests behave here in the Big Horn Basin and Billings. We can help determine whether your problem stems from crane fly larvae, mosquito larvae, or something else entirely.
Unlike other companies, we treat not just the foundation of your home, but the entire yard and landscape to reduce breeding and harborage areas. Just give us a call, and we will build layers of protection from the lawn to the foundation, hitting the areas where larvae feed and thrive in organic matter.
If needed, we’ll apply larvicides that target the larvae directly, especially in standing water or overly moist soil. And we’ll help you prevent future issues by improving drainage, adjusting watering habits, and monitoring new egg-laying cycles.
Conclusion
Crane flies may look like giant mosquitoes, but they’re more awkward than aggressive.
Understanding the differences between crane flies and mosquitoes helps you decide when to act and when to leave them be. If you’re seeing turf damage from leatherjackets or are worried about the number of larvae on your property, give us a call. We’ll help you handle it, without overreacting.
FAQs
Do crane flies eat mosquitoes?
No. Despite being called “mosquito hawks” or “mosquito eaters,” adult crane flies do not eat at all, let alone feed on mosquitoes.
Are crane flies dangerous to humans or pets?
Not at all. Crane flies do not bite or sting. The adult insects are harmless, although their larvae can harm lawns if their populations become large.
How can I get rid of crane flies naturally?
Start by removing excess moisture from your lawn. Improve drainage, avoid overwatering, and aerate compacted soil to promote healthy growth. For large infestations, professional pest control might be needed.
