The crane fly is a type of fly that looks like a mosquito. This winged insect has an extremely long pointed proboscis, or snout, which allows it to feed on the sap found in plants and trees. Though not dangerous to humans, crane flies can be irritating and annoying pests. If you’ve discovered these creepy crawlers lurking around your home or property, this article will help you get rid of them. Read on to learn more about crane flies and how to get rid of them fast!
How To Get Rid Of Crane Flies?
Exclusion
If you get rid of all the crane flies in your outdoor space, you won’t have to worry about remedies to get rid of them. Exclusion is the best way to get rid of crane flies, no matter how many you have. Your best bet is to seal up any entry points you see in or around your property. Some typical entry points include cracks in siding, gaps in window and door frames, openings in roof tiles, and other similar places where pests are likely to get in. You may have to do some repairs around your home to close up these entry points, but it’s worth the effort. If you get rid of the pests from the inside of your home but leave the ones on the outside, you’ll just have to do the process all over again. Exclusion is the best way to get rid of crane flies for good.
Diy Traps
Crane flies aren’t very smart, but they aren’t completely idiotic, either. One way you can get rid of crane flies is to build a trap, like a butter dish fly trap. All you need to do is place butter or margarine in the bottom of a dish, cover the dish with a piece of cardboard, and then place it on the ground near your plants. The crane flies will see the butter and descend upon it, only to get stuck on the cardboard as they try to consume the butter. Another trap you can make to get rid of crane flies is a simple bottle trap. Start by filling a bottle with water and placing it on your lawn or other outdoor space. You want the bottle to be as close to the ground as possible without actually touching the ground. Then, tie a piece of string to the bottle, and tie the other end of the string to a stick. Place the stick next to the bottle so that the string is taut but not too tight. Once the crane flies have found their way into the bottle, they won’t be able to get out. You can then dispose of the bottle and get rid of these pests for good.
Using Commercial Pesticides
If you don’t want to DIY it when it comes to getting rid of crane flies, you can use commercial pesticides on these pests. Make sure you choose a pesticide that’s labeled for crane flies specifically, though, as many pesticides are meant for different types of pests. You can also use bait stations that are specifically for crane flies. Bait stations are small, wooden boxes that have small holes in them and a space for a commercial pesticide. You put the pesticide inside the box, put the box near your house, and the pests will come inside the box to eat it. Once they’ve ingested the pesticide, they’ll die shortly thereafter. Keep in mind, though, that the pests may die outside of your home, causing a stinky mess on your lawn or other outdoor space.
Rotating Sprays
Another way you can get rid of crane flies is by using rotating sprays. These sprays kill crane flies by piercing their bodies and releasing toxins that kill the pests. You may need to spray multiple times over the course of a few weeks to get rid of all the crane flies in your property, but once you do, you won’t need to worry about them ever again.
Get Professional Help
If you’ve tried the above methods but still can’t get rid of the crane flies, you may need to call in the pros. Professional pest control companies can help you get rid of crane flies in your outdoor space, as well as other pests that may be a problem for you. Talk to a few different companies to find out what they can do for you and which company you’re most comfortable working with. Be sure to discover what their service plans entail and what they can do for you. There are many options out there when it comes to pest control companies, so you should be able to find one that fits your needs.
How To Identify A Crane Fly?
- Long, Thin Body: Crane flies have long, thin bodies that are mostly clear or brown in color. They have two tails at the end of their bodies, one of which is the anus.
- Two Wings: Crane flies have two large wings on their backs, and these are what help them fly. Most flies (and other insects) only have one pair of wings.
- Long, Pointed Snout: Crane flies have a long, pointed snout which they use to feed on sap from plants and trees. This is one of the only features that crane flies share in common with mosquitoes.
- Feeds on Plant Sap: Crane flies are known for feeding on the sap of plants and trees. They can be found on many different types of plants and trees, including grapes and grapes vines, certain types of trees, and more.
Why Are There So Many Crane Flies?
Crane Flies Live In Many Environments
Crane flies are found in many different habitats, and they are well-adapted to survive in all kinds of weather. Some species survive in very hot, dry areas, whereas others live in wet or mild environments. Crane flies can be found in forests, grasslands, deserts, and other places where there are plenty of insects to eat. Some species may be found in near-desert conditions while others are common in tropical regions. Crane flies can be found in many different areas, but they aren’t usually very common in any one location. This is because each species has its own conditions for survival, which means there are few places that suit them all.
They Lay Eggs In A Variety Of Places
Adult crane flies can mate and lay eggs almost immediately after emerging from the larval stage. This means that one adult can lay eggs in multiple locations over the course of a few days, with each batch hatching at a different time. When an adult emerges from its pupal stage, it has an urge to mate and lay eggs immediately. That is why some crane fly species lay their eggs on wooden fences, building walls, or other structures close to where they emerged. Crane fly eggs are round and whitish in color when they are first laid, so they tend to blend in with the surface where they are attached. Some species lay their eggs in the ground, which ensures that they will hatch when it is warm enough outside. Crane fly eggs are often laid on wood, which provides a stable home that can last for years.
Their Eggs Can Hatch At Any Time Of Year
Each species of crane fly has its own conditions for hatching eggs, but many of them do not depend on a specific season. This means that crane flies can flourish in many areas since they don’t rely on a particular time of year to lay eggs. Many crane fly species hatch their eggs in the spring, and this timing is actually very helpful to other insects in the area. When spring arrives and the temperatures are warm enough, these insects crawl out of their eggs and begin to eat other insects. They help to reduce the number of pests in the area, which is good for people living nearby. Crane flies that hatch their eggs in the fall can continue to thrive even when there is a cold snap in the area. This is because the insects emerge from their eggs underground and go into a state of hibernation. They will wait for the weather to warm up again before emerging as adults.
3 Effective Ways To Get Rid Of Crane Flies
- Spray Insecticide: Spraying an insecticide is one of the best ways to get rid of crane flies. Spraying insecticides is an effective, safe way to kill off the flying pests without harming people or other animals, and insecticides are easily available for purchase.
- Trap the Insects: Trapping crane flies is a good way to get rid of them if you have an outdoor home that has a lot of vegetation.
- Remove Plant Sap: Since crane flies are often seen feeding on the sap of plants, you can use a couple of methods to remove the sap from the plants.
Conclusion
Crane flies are among the largest insects on the planet, and they can be extremely annoying when they decide to show up in large numbers. Crane flies feed on the sap of plants and trees, and they are often attracted to areas with lots of vegetation. While crane flies are not harmful to humans, they can be extremely annoying. Spraying an insecticide is the best way to get rid of these pests.
