Crane flies are one of those bugs that often get a bad rap, or at least, a very confused one. Some folks mistake them for giant mosquitoes and go into full panic mode. Others think they’re doing nature’s dirty work and hunting down mosquitoes like tiny flying superheroes.

But here’s the truth: crane flies aren’t bloodsuckers or mosquito slayers. They’re totally harmless, and in this post, we’ll clear up the myths, explain their real role in nature, and show you what to watch out for if you spot them around your home or yard.

Do Crane Flies Eat Mosquitoes?

Let’s get this out of the way: No, crane flies don’t eat mosquitoes. In fact, most adult crane flies don’t eat much of anything. If they do feed at all, it’s usually just a light sip of nectar.

The myth likely stems from their uncanny resemblance to oversized mosquitoes. While it would be nice to have a bug that hunts mosquitoes for us, that’s not what crane flies are up to. They’re here to mate, lay eggs, and call it a life. So, if you spot one, it’s not looking for blood or bugs…it’s probably just hanging around before heading off to the next phase of its (very short) life.

Mosquito Hawks vs. Crane Flies: Are They the Same?

Ever heard someone call them “mosquito hawks”? It’s a popular nickname, but also a confusing one. Some folks use “mosquito hawk” to refer to crane flies, while others use it for dragonflies. Here’s the difference:

• Dragonflies are actual mosquito hunters.
• Crane flies just look like they might be.

So, while the name sounds fierce, crane flies are anything but.

What Do Crane Flies Eat?

Adult crane flies don’t have much of an appetite. Their main goal is reproduction, not feeding. At most, they might drink a little nectar. It’s the larvae, often called leatherjackets, that do the real eating.

Depending on the species, crane fly larvae can live:

• In water (ponds, swamps, and even saltwater)
• In moist soil, especially in well-watered lawns

These larvae feed on decaying organic matter, roots, and grass crowns. In high numbers, they can damage turfgrass and even wipe out entire lawn patches.

Do Crane Flies Bite or Sting?

Nope. Crane flies might look intimidating, with their long legs and mosquito-ish vibe, but they’re totally harmless. They don’t bite, sting, or spread disease. In fact, they don’t even have the mouthparts needed to break human skin.

That said, their larvae can indirectly cause trouble by attracting predators like:

• Birds
• Rodents
• Raccoons

These critters dig up lawns in search of a snack, leaving behind a bigger mess than the crane flies themselves.

Crane Fly Life Cycle: How Long Do They Live?

Crane flies spend most of their life as larvae, hidden underground or in water. The adult phase? Just a blip…usually a few days to a week. In Phoenix, they emerge mainly in springtime, mate, lay eggs, and disappear just as quickly.

So, while it might feel like they come out of nowhere, those bugs you see buzzing around your porch light have actually been around for months… just out of sight.

What Do Crane Fly Larvae Look Like?

Crane fly larvae, aka leatherjackets, are:

• Brown or gray
• Soft-bodied and cylindrical
• 1 to 2 inches long
• Legless, with no clear head

They prefer moist environments, feeding quietly in soil or aquatic habitats.

When Are Crane Flies Most Active and Why Does It Matter

Crane flies are most visible when adults emerge to mate, typically in springtime in the Phoenix area. This is when you’ll see them fluttering around lights, doorways, and gardens.

But what you don’t always see is the damage from larvae that may follow. If you notice:

• Patchy or thinning grass
• Birds digging at your lawn
• Increased rodent activity

…you could be dealing with more than just a crane fly sighting. It’s a good idea to investigate and take action before things escalate.

How to Get Rid of Crane Flies (and Their Larvae)

While we don’t offer service to treat for crane flies, controlling them is mostly about managing their larvae and creating a lawn environment that doesn’t attract them. Here are some proven steps:

• Aerate the Soil – Improve drainage and break up compacted soil to discourage larvae.
• Water Less Frequently – Keep soil on the drier side to make it less appealing for egg-laying.
• Apply Beneficial Nematodes – These microscopic predators attack and kill crane fly larvae naturally.
• Encourage Natural Predators – Frogs, birds, and beneficial insects can help keep populations in check.
• Remove Lawn Debris – Clear out dead leaves and decaying vegetation to reduce food sources for larvae.

Crane Fly Conclusion: Misunderstood but Manageable

Crane flies may look a little spooky, but they’re not dangerous. The adults don’t bite, and the biggest problem they cause usually comes from their larvae chewing up lawns. Still, with the right lawn care strategy, you can keep crane fly issues under control.

Need a hand with other common pest problems in the Phoenix or Tucson area? At Blue Sky Pest Control, we can build a custom treatment plan to handle what’s bugging you, with precision pest control, backed by science. We serve the entire Phoenix and Tucson areas from our offices in Gilbert, Phoenix, and Tucson, including Scottsdale, Mesa, Avondale, and more. Contact us for a free estimate!