The Difference Between Crane Flies and Mosquitoes
Pests are pests, and one flying critter is about as annoying as the next. However, knowing the differences between similar-looking bugs can help you and your family stay safe. For instance, mosquitoes bite and can transmit blood-borne diseases. A similar insect, the crane fly, does not bite humans and therefore doesn’t pose as much of a health hazard. Instead, they are just annoying. Here are several ways you can tell the difference between a mosquito and a crane fly.
What is a mosquito?
A mosquito is a small insect whose males feed on nectar and whose females feed on the blood of humans and animals. They puncture small holes in the skin and then suck the blood out, leaving behind an itchy and sometimes painful red bump. Mosquitoes are especially ruthless in warm, humid environments and can cover your unprotected skin with bites in a matter of minutes.
What is a crane fly?
Crane flies also called “leatherjackets” and “mosquito eaters,” resemble oversized mosquitoes. Depending on the species, they can be black, brown, gray, or red, and grow 1-2 inches long. Even though crane flies look intimidating, they are virtually harmless to humans. What makes crane flies pests is the fact that, as larvae, they feed on grass and plants, specifically the plants in your garden. So, even though they won’t bite you, these insects can virtually destroy your garden or lawn.
How can you get rid of them?
Crane flies, like many bugs, are drawn to moist environments. They are most common in the spring and in the fall, with the damage they cause being more apparent in the spring. Pest-control methods can be either preventative or active, which means you can stop the larvae from hatching or kill them after they do. Certain DIY treatments, such as Sevin® Insect Killer, can stop a few crane flies. However, if your lawn has already been overrun with crane flies, it is always best to call in a pest control specialist before the damage is irreversible.
Why call a professional?
Home treatments are mostly preventative. They work as long as you can stay ahead of the insects. The problem arises when you get behind. Insects multiply very quickly, especially outdoors. Sometimes, a pest invasion is small enough for you to handle at home. Other times, however, it is necessary to call in a professional. Mosquitoes are annoying, and crane flies can cause a lot of long-term damage. It is far better to nip the problem in the bud and get your home and yard professionally treated. If you notice a problem with crane flies or mosquitoes, call Accurate Termite and Pest Control. We offer environmentally-friendly pest control options for all types of infestations.
We do more than send a crew to cover and fumigate the buildings.
From the beginning, an HOA fumigation project manager is assigned to you. No other company has in-house staff whose sole full-time job is to manage and successfully execute HOA fumigations.
Your assigned project manager will provide a template with the necessary verbiage to properly notice residents of the upcoming fumigation and will advise your board of directors and community manager of the timeline in which the notice should be distributed to remain Davis-Stirling compliant.
Pests are pests, and one flying critter is about as annoying as the next. However, knowing the differences between similar-looking bugs can help you and your family stay safe. For instance, mosquitoes bite and can transmit blood-borne diseases. A similar insect, the crane fly, does not bite humans and therefore doesn’t pose as much of a health hazard. Instead, they are just annoying. Here are several ways you can tell the difference between a mosquito and a crane fly.
What is a mosquito?
A mosquito is a small insect whose males feed on nectar and whose females feed on the blood of humans and animals. They puncture small holes in the skin and then suck the blood out, leaving behind an itchy and sometimes painful red bump. Mosquitoes are especially ruthless in warm, humid environments and can cover your unprotected skin with bites in a matter of minutes.
What is a crane fly?
Crane flies also called “leatherjackets” and “mosquito eaters,” resemble oversized mosquitoes. Depending on the species, they can be black, brown, gray, or red, and grow 1-2 inches long. Even though crane flies look intimidating, they are virtually harmless to humans. What makes crane flies pests is the fact that, as larvae, they feed on grass and plants, specifically the plants in your garden. So, even though they won’t bite you, these insects can virtually destroy your garden or lawn.
How can you get rid of them?
Crane flies, like many bugs, are drawn to moist environments. They are most common in the spring and in the fall, with the damage they cause being more apparent in the spring. Pest-control methods can be either preventative or active, which means you can stop the larvae from hatching or kill them after they do. Certain DIY treatments, such as Sevin® Insect Killer, can stop a few crane flies. However, if your lawn has already been overrun with crane flies, it is always best to call in a pest control specialist before the damage is irreversible.
Why call a professional?
Home treatments are mostly preventative. They work as long as you can stay ahead of the insects. The problem arises when you get behind. Insects multiply very quickly, especially outdoors. Sometimes, a pest invasion is small enough for you to handle at home. Other times, however, it is necessary to call in a professional. Mosquitoes are annoying, and crane flies can cause a lot of long-term damage. It is far better to nip the problem in the bud and get your home and yard professionally treated. If you notice a problem with crane flies or mosquitoes, call Accurate Termite and Pest Control. We offer environmentally-friendly pest control options for all types of infestations.
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