Are Crane Flies Attracted to Light? Debunking Common Myths

Crane flies, often mistaken for gigantic mosquitoes, are members of the fly family Tipulidae.

These slender, long-legged insects are typically found around water and have a short adult lifespan of about one to two weeks.

While they may seem like a nuisance, crane flies are actually harmless creatures.

Crane Fly Characteristics

Crane flies are large, tan-colored insects with long legs belonging to the Tipulidae insect family.

Key features include:

• Slender mosquito-like body
• Extremely long legs
• Wingspan ranges up to 2 inches

Crane flies and mosquitoes differ in various ways:

Life Cycle of Crane Flies

The life cycle of a crane fly comprises of:

1. Egg stage
2. Larval stage
3. Pupal stage
4. Adult stage

Egg: Crane fly females deposit eggs in moist environments, which hatch into larvae, marking the initial phase of the life cycle.

Larvae: The larvae stage is the most prolonged phase, during which they consume organic matter and sometimes damage grass roots.

Pupa: During the pupal stage, transformation occurs within the soil or nearby areas, where larvae metamorphose into adult crane flies, completing their development.

Adults: Crane flies live for approximately one to two weeks as adults, during which they mate and scatter eggs.

Crane Fly Habitats

Crane flies are commonly found in North America and Europe, including the common crane fly and the European crane fly.

They usually inhabit wet areas and are often found near water.

Crane Flies and Light

Crane flies are attracted to light like some other insects, such as moths. They are often seen near light sources at night, like exterior lights or windows.

For example, crane flies might be seen near:

• Doors with exterior lights
• Window screens
• Indoor lights visible from outside

Colors and Wavelengths

Crane flies might not be as particular about the colors or wavelengths of light as some other insects.

However, some research suggests that insects are generally less attracted to red or orange lights compared to brighter colors like white or blue.

A comparison of lights and their attraction levels to insects might look like this:

To minimize the chance of crane flies and other insects being attracted to your home or outdoor area, you can consider using red or orange exterior lights.

These colors might be less likely to draw in insects, creating a more comfortable environment.

Benefits and Dangers

Crane flies are large, gangly insects with a slender mosquito-like body and long legs. They are often found around water and are attracted to light.

They can be both beneficial and detrimental to lawns. Their adult presence is harmless, while their larvae can cause damage to grass and its roots.

Leatherjacket Larvae

Leatherjackets are crane fly larvae, which are worm-like and live in the soil. They feed on the roots and crown material of turfgrass, causing brown patches and even killing off grass in certain areas.

These larvae typically hatch in the fall and cause the most damage during spring and winter.

Lawn Care and Prevention

Mowing and Watering

• Regular mowing: Maintain your lawn by mowing it at the correct height regularly, which helps to promote a healthy root system and resist infestations.
• Proper watering: Provide adequate water for your lawn, as dry or stressed grass is more susceptible to leatherjacket larvae damage. Be careful not to overwater, as leatherjackets thrive in damp conditions.

Monitoring and Maintenance

Inspect your grass regularly for signs of leatherjacket larvae, particularly in the fall or winter months. Keeping a healthy lawn will aid in preventing infestations in the first place.

If signs of leatherjacket larvae are present, such as brown patches, try to remove as many larvae as possible by hand. In more severe cases, professional help may be necessary.

Infestations and Management

Chemical treatments can be used to eliminate leatherjacket larvae infestations. However, consider the following pros and cons before resorting to chemicals:

Pros:

• Effective in eliminating existing infestation
• Provides immediate relief to lawns

Cons:

• May harm beneficial organisms in the soil
• Possible negative impact on the environment

An alternative to chemical treatments is biological control, which involves using beneficial organisms like nematodes to manage pest species.

This pesticide-free method helps suppress fly larvae and is considered more environmentally friendly.

Natural Predators and Control Methods

Birds and Bats

• Birds: Several bird species such as robins and swallows feed on crane flies.
• Bats: Bats consume crane flies during night flights.

These predators help control crane fly populations by eating them in their larvae and adult stages.

Insectivorous Animals

• Skunks: They dig up crane fly larvae (worms) from soil.
• Worms: Earthworms consume organic matter, outcompeting crane fly larvae.
• Nematodes: A biological control method, a specific parasite targets crane fly larvae.

Insectivorous animals are useful for curbing crane fly infestations in lawns and gardens.

Chemical Control Methods

In addition to chemical control methods, using repellents like garlic and essential oils can help deter crane flies without causing harm.

Remember to always follow proper guidelines when using chemical controls and opt for eco-friendly solutions when possible.

Crane Flies and Human Interaction

Crane flies are often misunderstood due to their appearance and behavior. Some common misconceptions include:

• Giant mosquitoes: Crane flies, also known as mosquito hawks or mosquito eaters, do not bite humans or feed on blood.
• Mosquito predators: Despite their nickname, crane flies do not eat mosquitoes.
• Harmful: These insects are actually harmless and do not transmit diseases.

Do Crane Flies Bite?

Crane flies are not known to bite humans or animals. Though they have a proboscis, they use it for feeding on decayed organic matter, not for biting.

Minimizing the Presence of Crane Fly Indoors

To minimize the presence of crane flies indoors, it is essential to consider some preventive measures:

• Seal entry points: Check for cracks around windows and doors and make sure to seal them.
• Install window screens: Installing window screens helps in preventing the entry of crane flies and other insects.
• Proper lighting: As crane flies are attracted to light, using yellow or sodium-vapor outdoor lights can help reduce their presence near buildings.

By understanding crane fly characteristics and taking preventive measures, one can minimize the crane fly’s presence indoors.

Conclusion

Crane flies have a distinct inclination towards light sources, a behavior shared by some other insects like moths. Their natural behavior makes them gather around sources of light, such as doors with exterior lights and indoor lamps that are visible from outside.

By adopting measures such as using red or orange exterior lights and sealing entry points, you can effectively manage the presence of crane flies indoors.