I’ve been getting a lot of questions this spring about these mega-mosquitoes which are crane flies. I’ve heard them called may flies, mosquito hawks, skeeter eaters, and my favorite, mosquito on steroids!
Everyone can rest easy, these aren’t some dangerously huge mosquitoes that have descended on North Texas.
These inch-long, gangly-legged insects that are sneaking into your home and bouncing off the walls and ceilings are crane flies, and despite rumors to the contrary, they are neither predators of mosquitoes nor a colossal mosquito. And they are harmless (even though you may see reports on the internet that they can bite or sting.)
In fact, adult crane flies eat very little, if at all according to the experts. Some of them can sponge up liquids, such as dew and honey water. Sometimes they’ll visit flowers to take up nectar.
The reason they don’t eat a lot is because adult crane flies typically only live a few days. Crane flies spend most of their time as larvae living underwater in streams, the edges of ponds, within wet logs, or in other damp places, and then emerge as adults for a quick mating spree before dying.
In our area, we typically see crane flies in spring, but as I’ve written in my previous quick tip, spring has come early this year. Rest assured most of these crane flies will be gone soon (if not already.) The not so good news though is actual mosquitoes who do and will bite will be active in our area before we know it. And with our mild weather, I fear it will be a banner year for them.
Village Green does offer a safe yet effective Mosquito Assassin Program that will get rid of your mosquito problem. I’d love to give you a free quote and earn your business. Give us call at 972.495.6990 or [email protected]. We are always happy to answer your questions.