Crane flies are very similar to mosquitoes but much larger. They belong to the Tipulidae family and have two wings like the other species of flies of the Diptera order.
They are also known as European crane flies. They have a suture in the thorax that is V-shaped, making it easy to distinguish from other flies. Crane flies have a very restricted diet; they don’t eat at all or eat nectar.
They have a look that can usually alarm people who should know that these flies are harmless. These flies’ lifespan is short; they only last between 2 to 15 days, depending on environmental factors.
Where Do Crane Flies Come From?
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Crane flies are very similar to giant mosquitoes; adult flies of this species do not bite humans. The larvae look like little worms and are the ones that pose a threat to your lawn.
These giant insects are found all over the planet, there are currently 14,000 species, and you find them in green areas, ponds, and near streams. The abundant litter and compost attract these crane flies. You can see them in all coastal regions of the United States, and they are a problem for farms and lawns.
Cities like Florida, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Nevada, Indiana, Colorado, Utah, California, Iowa, Michigan, and Massachusetts have them. Hot, humid areas like Las Vegas and San Diego are mined for these flies. There are two types of crane flies which are:
- Common crane flies
- The flies of the European crane
What Causes A Crane Fly Infestation?
The goal of the crane flies is to find a lawn to infest. You can find them all over the world but especially in areas with tropical or temperate climates.
These pests will look for suitable areas to feed and reproduce. If you have a lawn on your property, it will be an attractive place for these pests. If the foliage is dense or has a water source, it will attract crane flies.
These giant insects do not feed on other insects, they do not eat plants, and they are not a danger; their purpose is to reproduce and lay their eggs. Its larvae are the ones that can wreak havoc and are very destructive to their plants, grass, and other foliage.
When looking to get rid of crane flies, you must target the larvae. The larvae can be 1 inch long and are gray to brown.
There are many home remedies that you can do with essential oils to eliminate them.
If you want to check for an infestation of crane fly larvae, you should use a digger and dig 2 to 3 inches. You should check during the spring and fall for the best results.
How To Use Essential Oils To Eliminate Crane Flies
First, you must use home remedies with essential oils to prevent adult crane flies. It will also prevent them from laying their eggs in your garden or lawn.
There are many essential oils that you can use to make your treatment, the most common being lavender, and peppermint oil. Other oils you can also use with garlic, basil, onion, and lemongrass. Do you want to know about how to get rid of crane flies with essential oils? You must follow the following steps:
- Add a drop of essential oil of your choice in a cup of water
- Put the mixture in a spray bottle and use it on your lawn
- Spray near doors and windows; it will prevent crane flies from entering your home
Use a spray diffuser.
You can use these gadgets that stick to the hoses and add essential oil with water. You can also mix the essential oil in a bucket of water to make it more concentrated.
