How to Get Rid of Crane Flies: Identification, Prevention, and Control

Crane flies, often mistaken for giant mosquitoes, become a seasonal nuisance for homeowners—especially those concerned about their lawns and gardens. While adult crane flies are harmless to people and pets, their larvae, also known as leatherjackets, can cause significant damage to turfgrass by feeding on the roots. This article covers everything you need to know about identifying, preventing, and controlling crane flies in and around your home.

What Are Crane Flies?

Crane flies belong to the superfamily Tipuloidea and are sometimes called “mosquito hawks,” though they do not prey on mosquitoes. Adult crane flies have long, delicate legs and slender bodies, with wingspans that can reach up to 2.5 inches. Despite their alarming appearance, they do not bite or sting humans or animals, nor do they feed in their adult form. The major concern is their larvae, which reside in moist soil and feed on roots and decaying organic matter, sometimes causing lawn damage.
Quick Facts:

• Scientific name: Superfamily Tipuloidea
• Other common names: Mosquito Hawk, Gollywhopper, Daddy Long Legs (regional)
• Where found: Common across North America, especially in moist, temperate regions
• Seasonality: Most active in spring and fall when adults emerge

Why Are Crane Flies a Problem?

Adult crane flies are mostly harmless and short-lived. The real concern arises from their larvae, known as leatherjackets, which can:

• Feed on the roots of grassroots, causing brown patches and thinning turf
• Attract secondary pests such as birds and skunks, who dig up turf searching for larvae
• Thrive in moisture-rich soils, particularly in over-irrigated or poorly drained lawns

Identifying the presence and extent of a crane fly infestation early is crucial to managing damage and restoring lawn health.

How to Identify Crane Flies and Their Damage

Proper identification is the first step. Here’s how to distinguish crane flies and spot larval damage:

Adult Crane Flies

• Long, fragile legs and elongated bodies; some species up to 2.5 inches wide
• Frequently seen flying near lawns and illuminated outdoor spaces at dusk
• Do not bite, sting, or feed on blood

Larvae (Leatherjackets)

• Brownish, tube-like bodies, 0.5 to 1.5 inches in length
• Found in moist soil beneath grass, particularly in shaded, wet areas
• Feeding results in yellowing or dying patches of lawn, especially in spring
• Dead or thinning turf often peels away easily, revealing larvae underneath

If you notice birds or small mammals repeatedly digging up sections of your lawn, they may be hunting for crane fly larvae.

Prevention: How to Keep Crane Flies Away

Prevention is the most sustainable way to manage crane fly populations and safeguard your lawn. Best practices include:

• Monitor Moisture: Reduce irrigation, particularly around Labor Day and through fall, as crane flies seek wet soils to lay eggs in early autumn. Water lawns deeply but infrequently to discourage larvae.
• Improve Drainage: Aerate lawns and address compacted soil to allow water to drain efficiently. Consider installing French drains or amending soil composition for persistent wet spots.
• Healthy Turf Maintenance: Mow grass to the ideal height for your turf type. Fertilize appropriately to keep grass dense and competitive, making it harder for larvae to establish.
• Remove Thatch: Excess thatch provides shelter for larvae. Power rake or dethatch annually, especially in high-risk areas.
• Sanitation: Remove all sod and organic debris after lawn renovations or harvest. Plow fields between sod crops and avoid disking under old fragments.
• Manage Outdoor Lighting: Use yellow “bug lights” or reduce outdoor illumination during peak crane fly activity since lights attract adults.

Vigilant lawn care, especially late summer and early fall, is key to discouraging crane flies from laying eggs on your property.

Life Cycle of Crane Flies

Understanding the life cycle of crane flies can help time prevention and control methods for maximum effectiveness:

How to Get Rid of Crane Flies: Effective Control Methods

If prevention fails and you notice signs of infestation, swift action is necessary to control crane fly populations and repair lawn damage. Follow these steps for an integrated pest management (IPM) approach:

1. Monitor and Scout Regularly

• Scout for adult crane flies in late summer and early fall (peak egg-laying)
• Look for adult activity near dusk and in early morning hours
• Inspect turf for signs of larvae (brown patches, loose sod, visible leatherjackets)
• If infestation is suspected, sample several square-foot sections of turf and count larvae; action threshold is typically >25 larvae per square foot

2. Physical Removal and Cultural Practices

• Power rake or dethatch to expose larvae and disrupt their habitat
• Aerate or till soil to bury eggs and disturb larval development
• Remove debris, plant matter, and excess thatch regularly
• Let lawns dry out between watering cycles during peak egg-laying

3. Biological Controls

• Encourage natural predators such as birds, predatory beetles, and nematodes
• Apply beneficial nematodes (Steinernema spp.) to the soil, which parasitize crane fly larvae
• Maintain biodiversity in your yard to support predator populations

4. Chemical Controls: When and What to Use

Carefully targeted insecticides may be required if larvae populations exceed economic thresholds. Always combine chemical controls with cultural preventative practices for best results.

• Apply insecticides in late fall or winter, targeting newly hatched larvae before serious turf damage occurs
• Spring applications offer only limited curative benefit, since most damage is already done
• Use products registered for crane fly control, strictly according to label directions (examples include meridian, Acelepryn Xtra, Provaunt WDG)
  Note: Not all products are available in every state or for every turf species. Always consult local extension or pest management agencies for recommendations.
• Do not apply insecticides when bees or pollinators are active or when nearby flowers are in bloom to reduce non-target exposure
• Monitor lawn after treatment and repeat if necessary in subsequent seasons

Home Protection: Keeping Crane Flies Out

While crane fly larvae target lawns, adult flies often find their way indoors. Here’s how to deter them from entering your home:

• Install fine-mesh screens on windows and doors
• Seal any cracks or entry points in the building envelope
• Reduce outdoor lighting, or switch to less-attractive yellow bulbs to minimize attraction
• Maintain a bug barrier (residual perimeter spray) around windows, doors, and foundations, using products labeled for crane fly control

Environmentally Responsible Pest Solutions

For those seeking chemical-free alternatives, consider integrated pest management techniques:

• Focus on cultural practices: proper mowing, watering, and fertilization
• Encourage beneficial insects and birds
• Use pro-grade eco-friendly solutions from reputable pest companies that market safe alternatives for humans, pets, and pollinators

Many modern products and techniques eliminate or minimize the use of harsh chemicals around your family and pets, providing both peace of mind and effective control.

Repairing Lawn Damage After an Infestation

If your lawn has suffered from crane fly larval feeding, implement these recovery steps:

• Rake out dead or damaged turf to expose soil and remove larvae
• Apply topsoil, compost, or seed to affected areas to encourage regrowth
• Keep new seedlings moist, but do not overwater
• Fertilize as recommended for your grass type to promote healthy recovery
• Monitor for recurring signs of infestation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are crane flies the same as mosquitoes?

No, crane flies are often mistaken for large mosquitoes, but they do not bite, sting, or transmit diseases. They belong to the Tipuloidea superfamily and do not prey on mosquitoes.

Will crane flies harm my pets or family?

No, neither adult crane flies nor their larvae harm humans or pets directly. The primary issue is cosmetic and turf damage caused by larvae feeding on grassroots.

When should I apply insecticides if needed?

Apply insecticides in late fall or winter when young larvae are most vulnerable. Spring treatments have limited effect, as most larvae will have already caused damage or pupated.

What is the best cultural practice to prevent crane fly infestations?

Reduce overwatering and improve lawn drainage to make your yard less attractive to female crane flies seeking a place to lay eggs. Proper mowing and annual dethatching also help considerably.

Are there natural ways to control crane fly larvae?

Yes, encourage natural predators and consider introducing beneficial nematodes to your soil. Healthy, well-managed turf is also more resistant to crane fly damage.

Key Takeaways

• Crane flies themselves are harmless, but their larvae can damage lawns by feeding on roots.
• Proper identification, lawn maintenance, and moisture management are your first defenses.
• Severe infestations may require biological or chemical control, but always apply according to best practices for safety and effectiveness.
• Restoring turf after damage focuses on reseeding, improving soil health, and monitoring for recurrence.

With consistency and attention, you can keep crane flies from turning your beautiful lawn into an unsightly patchwork—and preserve a safe, pest-free environment for your whole household.