Identification
Crane flies are large, slender insects that measure between 1 to 1.5 inches in length. They have long, delicate legs and narrow bodies, often mistaken for oversized mosquitoes. Their wings are transparent or brownish, and they have small, feathery antennae. Unlike mosquitoes, crane flies do not bite or feed on blood.
Lifecycle & Reproduction
Crane flies undergo complete metamorphosis, progressing through egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages. Females lay eggs in damp soil or water. Larvae, known as leatherjackets, develop underground, feeding on decaying plant matter and grass roots. The pupal stage lasts several weeks, and adults emerge in late summer or early fall. Adults live only a few days, just long enough to mate and reproduce.
Habits, Diet & Behavior
Adult crane flies do not feed, while larvae consume decomposing vegetation, organic material, and plant roots. They are most active at night and are attracted to light sources. Crane flies are often mistaken for giant mosquitoes but are harmless.
Where You’ll Find Them / Typical Locations
Crane flies prefer moist environments and are commonly found:
- Near ponds, marshes, and wetland areas
- In grassy fields and lawns
- Around gardens and compost piles
- Near outdoor lights and windows
- In damp basements or garages during humid weather
Threats & Danger
Crane flies are harmless to humans and pets, as they do not bite or spread diseases. However, their larvae, known as leatherjackets, can damage lawns by feeding on grass roots, leading to brown patches and weakened turf.
Prevention
- Maintain proper lawn care by aerating and dethatching to reduce larval habitat
- Avoid overwatering lawns to minimize damp soil conditions
- Use outdoor lighting with yellow bulbs to reduce attraction
- Keep doors and windows screened to prevent crane flies from entering
- Remove standing water near homes to reduce breeding grounds
Signs of Infestation
- Presence of large, long-legged insects hovering around lights
- Brown or thinning patches in lawns caused by leatherjacket feeding
- High crane fly activity in moist areas after rain
- Larvae visible in the soil or under grass roots
- Increased bird activity feeding on larvae in turfgrass
How to Get Rid of It
- Apply beneficial nematodes to the soil to control larvae
- Use insecticidal treatments in heavily infested turf areas
- Maintain proper lawn drainage to prevent excessive moisture
- Remove adult crane flies indoors using gentle traps or swatters
- Consult a pest control professional for severe lawn infestations