Crane Fly Vs. Mosquito
Though crane flies and mosquitoes can both be found in yards, they do not feed on the same things, and thus crane flies pose no threat of insect infestation to a mosquito population, nor are crane flies caught up in mosquito-driven ecosystems. Unfortunately, many people are under the impression that the crane flies will ingest the local mosquitos, but that is just a wives tale.
Commonalities
The most apparent similar fact between them is that they are flying insects. They do bear a resemblance to each other and can often be mistaken for each other. While they have invaded homes around the globe, they thrive in wet climates, and their larval stage requires water in the environment. Although they look interchangeable, they have qualities and dangers that cannot be mistaken for their counterpart.
Differences
A commonly known fact is that mosquitos ‘bite’ and cause itchiness and irritation to humans. What is happening is that they are injecting their straw-like mouthpiece called the proboscis through the skin and probing around until they find a vein. They do this to take their blood meal, which the females need to take in lipids and protein to reproduce. Before they get to this famous stage in life, the larvae will eat algae, and adults will eat the nectar from whatever plants habituate the environment around them.
The mosquito can carry West Nile virus, malaria, zika, and dengue fever from their original host to someone new, infecting whoever they decide to feed on. Mosquitos can also transmit diseases to other species, such as equine encephalitis to horses and heartworms to our dogs and cats.
Our crane fly does not carry any diseases, nor can they cause damage to our homes or yards. They are only at the bottom of the food chain when it comes to pest control. Therefore, the crane fly larvae eat decaying organic matter in water and on land are not nearly as harmful as their probing counterpart.
Once a crane fly reaches an adult – the deadly life stage of the mosquito – they do not live long and do not require anything to eat. However, in their larval stage, crane flies will eat plant material and grass, so they never see humans or our furry friends as a meal.
Mosquitos and crane flies will often be seen outside, but they differ in their habits of coming into your home. Crane flies will fly around and try to find a way out, and they will succeed or die. Mosquitos will take this opportunity to thrive and feast on whoever resides there.
How To Identify and Fix Your Pest Problem
Mosquitos are hard to miss and easy to know if there is a problem. They have an unmistakable whizzing sound when they fly around, you can feel them landing on your skin, and you get the painful and highly itchy bump that reminds you that they were there. Their larva may be seen in areas of the home or yard with soil and pooled water. After a rainstorm, you may be able to identify some in the puddles of your yard, planters, or holes in the ground where water may collect.
Remember, crane flies are harmless to humans.
What can you do? Make sure there isn’t any standing water on or around your property. Second, discarding any wet soil debris, such as piles of weeds or dead leaves, since they flourish when appropriately fed. Finally, fixing any drainage issues in the yard and preventing any similar concerns from arising in the house will help prevent breeding sites.
Where do we come in?
University Termite & Pest Control offers many pest control packages. Proudly serving our communities for many years, our expertise allows us to come and inspect your home to make a tailored plan that is right for you and your residence. You can reach us at (520) 886-4146 from anywhere in Arizona or visit our website to request a free inspection.
