Crane flies are known by many names, but this pest resembles a giant mosquito with legs like stilts. While crane flies won’t harm you, they feed on the roots of turfgrass, slowly killing the visible plant and leading to brown patches.
How can you get rid of crane flies, aka European crane flies, mosquito hawks, daddy longlegs, and leatherjackets? Whatever you call them, a handful of these big pests won’t cause issues, but a heavy crane fly infestation needs to be remediated.
The good news is there are several ways to get rid of crane flies, including natural and chemical methods. Note, too, that crane flies are a temporary problem while their biological clocks are ticking.
Natural Methods to Get Rid of Crane Flies
One of the simplest methods to get rid of crane flies is to encourage birds to hang around your yard. Robins and starlings are just a few of the birds that enjoy feasting on laral crane flies.
How to invite birds to your yard:
- Hang bird feeders throughout your yard
- Provide nesting sites, including houses
- Install a bird bath, but change the water frequently to prevent mosquitoes
Your first defense against a crane fly invasion is a good offense, and the best preventative method is to maintain a healthy lawn.
How to keep your lawn lush, green, and free of crane flies:
- Mow grass to the proper height, usually between 3 and 4 inches
- Water less frequently to deter larvae
- Remove lawn thatch as needed
- Aeration and proper drainage will prevent conditions for laying eggs
Another DIY method to get rid of crane flies is to introduce natural predators, such as nematodes. Sometimes referred to as roundworms, these guys love to feed on crane fly larvae and grubs.
How to introduce nematodes to your yard:
- Choose a spray, mix, or ready-to-use nematodes from the home supply store
- Read and follow directions
- Consider beneficial nematodes such as S. feltiae, which will help support healthy a lawn
Chemical Methods to Get Rid of Crane Flies
Pesticides are usually a quick fix to your crane fly problem. Just apply pesticides in the late summer or early fall. Pesticides will target both the eggs as they hatch, and the adult crane flies.
How to apply a crane fly pesticide:
- Look for a product containing pyrethroid or imidacloprid, and select a liquid or granular form that you feel most comfortable working with.
- Consider what kind of spreader you’ll need or use, and calculate the approximate square foot area of your yard.
- Read and follow the package directions carefully (as with any pesticide).
Other Ways to Get Rid of Crane Flies
For temporary relief, bug zappers, citronella, and traditional bug repellents are all effective on crane flies. Some sprays are organic and all-natural, making them a safe option for your yard.
What to Know About the Crane Fly
Crane flies vary in color from gray or brown to yellow, and their wings are either striped or marbled. Most remarkable, however, is the wingspan which often exceeds 2 inches.
Adult crane flies emerge from pupae in late summer, and mate immediately, dying in about two weeks. Within one day of emergence, females lay eggs that hatch into larvae called leatherjackets. These worm-like creatures stay under the soil, feeding on roots, until they emerge as adults.
Crane flies live outdoors, with a preference for damp vegetation. Crane flies are usually found low to the ground feeding on grass roots and other organic matter. This feeding habit means that crane flies can become turfgrass pests as they feed during adulthood.
Prevalent in the Northwest and Northeast, crane flies feed on the roots of turfgrass. Feeding during the larval stage may worsen this issue. This can be especially damaging to new grasses, but we’ve already detailed the many options to get rid of crane flies.
Just a reminder: Crane flies are harmless. Their entire goal is simply to reproduce. Instead of swatting at these bugs, the next time one gets close, slow down and take a look.
When to Call a Pest Control Pro
If you would rather not slow down to take a look and would prefer to have these pests gone fast, call a professional pest control company to get your crane fly problem under control. And if the crane flies did a lot of damage to your yard, LawnStarter’s local lawn care pros can help get your lawn healthy again.
Main Photo Credit: crabchick | Flickr | CC BY 2.0
