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Crane flies look like large mosquitos. They can have a wingspan of 2.5 inches and are often yellow, brown, red, or gray. Crane flies have long antennae and the female has a spiky ovipositor that she uses to lay eggs in the lawn. A snail, sometimes called a snail, can look threatening, but it doesn’t bite or spread disease. Adult flies are harmless, but it is their larvae that can cause serious damage to lawns and gardens.
A gnat infestation shows up as unhealthy yellow grass, patches of dead brown grass, or bare areas of dirt. Extensive larval areas will attract maggot-hunting predators such as birds and skunks, and they will dig in the lawn to get at the larvae. If you have a problem with the snail, you may be wondering how to get rid of mosquitos. Here are some methods to get rid of this problem. However, if the problem persists, don’t hesitate to contact a professional: an expert has the tools and knowledge to resolve the situation in the most efficient way possible.
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Required time: A few hours
Difficulty: Beginner
Estimated costs: $ 20 to $ 300
Tools & materials
Before you start…
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What do beak flies eat? Crane fly larvae feed beneath the surface and eat roots, blades of grass, and other garden plants. Crane fly larvae, sometimes called leather jackets, can be green, white, or brown and live underground for up to a year. They use everything they can until they emerge from the ground like adult cranes. A fully grown crane fly, also known as a mosquito hawk or mosquito eater, does not eat – it takes in everything it can in the larval stage and lives only a few days.
Crane flies vs. mosquitoes
- Crane flies are larger than mosquitos and can grow to be 2.5 inches long.
- Mosquitoes have shorter bodies, wings that are almost the same size as their bodies, and legs that bend more and are closer together. Crane flies have long, thin bodies with long legs that don’t bend as much.
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Tips on how to get rid of crane flies
- Encourage natural enemies.
- Stick to a lawn care plan and don’t over water it.
- Apply insecticides if necessary.
Security aspects
- If you decide to use insecticides, be careful. Insecticides can cause irritation and disease. Be sure to wear a mask and gloves when using commercial insecticides. Read the instructions carefully and follow all application guidelines.
- Some essential oils can be harmful to pets and weed.
STEP 1: Identify flies and their larvae.
If you notice yellow or brown patches of grass on your lawn, inspect the soil for signs of fly larvae. Cut a square foot section of the lawn and examine it for leather jackets. They look like little worms and can be green, white, or brown. They are most active in spring and fall and prefer moist areas. When crane larvae eat your lawn, act quickly to avoid permanent damage.
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STEP 2: Draw natural enemies into your yard.
Birds eat both adult crane flies and the larvae. Attract birds to your yard by installing bird feeders, birdhouses, and bird baths. When the birds come into your yard they instinctively look for bugs to eat. When the birds have a safe and comfortable place to live and nest, they will stay and eat as many flies as possible.
STEP 3: Try natural options like neem oil, garlic, or essential oils.
Neem oil is a natural pesticide made from the seeds of the Azadirachta indica tree. It is used to treat and control pests by disrupting the insect’s ability to lay and eat eggs. It has low toxicity to humans and pets, and works well with dish soap or insecticidal soap. It can be sprayed on plants or affected areas. Garlic is another natural insect repellent. It can be crushed, mixed with water, and sprayed on the lawn with a garden sprayer. Garlic can also be sprinkled on infested lawns. Essential oils can prevent adult crane flies from laying eggs in the lawn. Peppermint or lavender oils can be mixed with water and sprayed onto the lawn with a garden sprayer. However, keep in mind that some essential oils can be harmful to pets and weed.
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STEP 4: Spray an insecticide like imidacloprid or pyrethroid.
Commercial insecticides such as imidacloprid or pyrethroid are effective against flies. These insecticides can be in liquid or granular form. They cause paralysis and kill the larvae in the lawn. It is recommended to apply insecticides in early to mid-April right after the eggs hatch. Always read the instructions and follow the application guidelines. Wear protective clothing, a mask, and gloves to avoid inhalation or skin contact.
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STEP 5: Maintain Your Lawn.
Maintain your lawn by following a watering schedule of less than 1 to 1.5 inches per week, fertilizing, mowing, removing straw, and aerating. Once your lawn is mowed and manicured, flies are less attracted to it as they have no damp spots to call home.
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STEP 6: Avoid wet spots on the lawn.
Crane fly larvae thrive on wet lawns. Avoid overwatering the lawn and make sure your lawn has adequate drainage. This will keep adult crane flies from laying their eggs there and having a comfortable home.
STEP 7: Hire a professional.
If your problem with the snail alone is too big, or if you don’t have the time or inclination to deal with insecticides, seek advice from a professional. Pest control professionals have the experience and know the right techniques to control crane fly infestation. They come to your home, assess the problem and develop a plan for your individual situation.
By following these steps you should be able to clean up a crane fly infestation and, with proper lawn care and ventilation, prevent it from coming back. Remember the differences between mosquitoes and flies, always use caution when using natural or commercial insecticides, and if the problem is too big for you to try yourself, contact a professional.
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