Bugs or Insects that Look Like Mosquitoes in Marion Oaks, FL but Aren’t? Giant Crane Flies!
Often a Crane Fly gets confused with a Mosquito due to their similar appearances. Crane flies are often referred to as Mosquito Hawks which further confuses many people. Crane flies often fly into homes at night since they are drawn to light. Due to their size and suspicious appearance, many people panic thinking giant mosquitoes have invaded their home. However, when you stop and look, there are a number of differences between a crane fly and a mosquito. Today Pest 911 will explain the differences.
Mosquito Borne Diseases
Crane flies are considered an occasional invader even though they frequently fly into homes and buildings. Since they don’t infest homes like cockroaches or rodents do, they don’t actually pose a problem to humans. In fact, crane flies don’t pose a problem to humans at all. They don’t bite or carry any known diseases. Unlike mosquitoes who are known to bite and feed on any mammals and of course, humans are included, they can and do leave behind viruses and diseases. Some of them are fatal. Some of the known diseases that can pass to humans are West Nile Virus, Malaria, and Encephalitis, which have killed millions of humans worldwide. Since crane flies are harmless, you will want to know when you have a crane fly or mosquito in your home.
Differences of Crane Flies & Mosquitoes
Telling the two insects apart is actually quite easy. The size gives it away. Crane flies are much bigger than mosquitoes. Most species of mosquitoes are very small. The largest species gets up to ½ inch in size while Crane Flies can get as big as 1 to 1 ½ inches in size. The largest Crane Flies ever seen were 3 inches in size.
However, size is not the only difference. Crane flies have a slender V-shaped abdomen along with overly long legs. Crane flies look clumsy while in flight. They also wobble from side to side. Mosquitoes fly much more gracefully than the Crane Flies do and they can take off into flight very quickly. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnate water while crane flies lay their eggs in the ground where the larva can feed on roots and vegetation. As adults, crane flies feed on nectar. Once crane flies reach adulthood, they will mate and die. Mosquitoes feed on the blood of humans and other animals and when they pierce into the skin to suck the blood out they can and often leave behind disease and viruses.
Mosquito Control
If you get a crane fly in your home don’t panic. You can ether suck them up with a vacuum cleaner if they bother you, or you can just leave them be until they find their way out. Crane flies are drawn to light. If you want to prevent them from wandering into your home, keep the porch lights off until they are needed. Mosquitoes are drawn to damp places and stagnant water. To help prevent mosquitoes, keep your yard dry and free of stagnant water. If you have a major mosquito problem, you can contact a professional pest control company. Pest 911 can help protect your home from all pests. For all your pest control needs, contact Pest 911 today.
