Crane Fly vs. Mosquito: What's the Difference?
Mosquitoes are not pleasant creatures. Not only do they bite humans, but their bites leave bumps that are relentlessly itchy, and they carry viruses that are dangerous for humans and animals. What might be even worse is there are imposters of these flying insects that are just as annoying. Here's what you need to know about a mosquito and its partner-in-biting-crime the crane fly.
The Crane Fly
You've likely had a bug that looks like a big mosquito sneak into your house at some point. You always know when one has come in because they tend to bang around on your ceilings and walls or land on your television during the worst moment. These insects may appear intimidating or clumsy, and while many people believe they are giant mosquitoes, they're actually crane flies. There are some similarities between crane flies and mosquitoes, but for the most part, the two flying insects are different.
With 5,000 species of crane flies and over 3,000 types of mosquitoes, the chances are good you have seen some of each hanging around your residential or commercial property, though you may have a difficult time telling them apart unless you know how to spot the differences.
Appearance and Habitat
The biggest similarity between a crane fly and a mosquito is its appearance. They have similar shapes, but the crane fly is much larger. Crane flies have extremely long legs compared to the size of their body, and they have a wider wingspan than mosquitoes, though, at first glance, crane flies are giant mosquito-looking bugs.
However, if you don't have a mosquito right next to the crane fly, it might be difficult to tell which one it is. The position of the insect's body can help in this instance. A crane fly has a straight body and will rest with its wings out, while a mosquito is usually humped in form, thanks to its bent thorax, and keeps its wings folded.
Mosquitoes and crane flies are also similar in their habitats. Both species lay their eggs in moist areas and live in water during the larval stage, which explains why you often find them near bodies of water.
Indoors
If you find a crane fly inside your home, it likely ended up there by accident. These insects are attracted to light, which draws them inside. If you see one in your home, it most likely is lost and looking for a way back out.
When they're wobbling against walls, doors and ceilings, it's because they're trying to get out and back to their breeding grounds. However, mosquitoes can willingly live indoors, especially if there's water. You can find them near any potted plants you have inside. If there is water nearby, mosquitoes can stay for a long time and happily dine on your blood when you are asleep or unaware of their presence.
Lifespan and Activity
A crane fly can live on average 10 to 15 days, while a mosquito's lifespan is shorter. Male mosquitoes usually only live about a week, while female mosquitoes can hang in there longer than two weeks.
Crane flies and mosquitoes also have different times when they are most active. Crane flies are nocturnal, and because they are attracted to light, you tend to see them weaving around outdoor lights. On the other hand, mosquitoes are crepuscular, so they get busy at dawn and dusk when sunlight is not as intense.
Blood Meals
One of the most significant differences between a mosquito and a crane fly is that a crane fly does not bite or sting you. They are completely harmless to humans and don't even have mouths. Crane flies only eat during the larval stage and feed on plants, not blood. Because they do not bite or have mouth parts that allow them to bite, crane flies do not carry viruses and transfer them to humans and livestock like mosquitos do.
The Crane Fly's Purpose
If a crane fly doesn't bite humans, aren't the best at flying and generally don't do anything, what is their purpose? Crane flies have an ecological importance, and their larvae bring value when it comes to semiaquatic and aquatic environments when organic material is broken down.
And as it goes with everything, there is the whole circle of life situation. Crane flies become an integral part of the food chain for other animals. Bats, frogs, swallows, armadillos, lizards, robins, starlings and others like to have a crane fly for a feast.
The Female Mosquito
Female mosquitoes will feed on your blood using a needle-like mouth called a proboscis to puncture your skin, which is how they can transmit serious diseases like malaria, Zika, West Nile and dengue fever. Only female mosquitoes feed on humans and animals because they need blood proteins to develop eggs. Male mosquitoes stick to plants and usually feed on nectar and other plant-derived snacks.
Biting mosquitoes carry viruses that can infect you and your family. If you notice a number of mosquitoes on your property or mosquito bites on you or your family, it is a good idea to get protection for your outdoor spaces. Eradicating flying, biting insects like mosquitoes will lessen your risk of being infected with mosquito-borne diseases.
How to Deal With Either Flying Insect
Because both mosquitoes and crane flies like water situations, one of the best ways to keep them-and other pests-away from your yard or business is to look for standing water, dump it and make sure things are as dry as possible. From outdoor furniture to pet bowls to even the smallest pot or cup left out is capable of collecting enough water to become a breeding ground for insects and an ideal place for bugs to lay their eggs. After every rainfall or storm, get out and walk around to find anywhere water could have pooled.
Another easy way to keep the bugs looking for another home is to keep all outdoor spaces clean and trimmed. Don't leave food and drinks out and regularly take care of any green spaces. This means trees, bushes, shrubbery, grass and any other outside area that has green to it.
If you still have problems and you've been checking for water and keeping things tidy, it may be time to call in a helping hand.
Mosquito and Flying Insect Control Services from MosquitoNix®
Mosquitoes can harm humans and pets by spreading disease, and other flying insects like crane flies are a nuisance hanging around your property.
The experts here at MosquitoNix are here to help protect your property from unwanted pests. We offer a variety of mosquito control services to match your unique needs. We offer automatic and on-demand misting systems for long-term mosquito control around your home or business.
Our fogging treatments are a great solution for hosting events, and both our misting and fogging services are also available in an eco-friendly alternative. To rid your home or property of mosquitoes, flies, ticks and more, contact us for a free quote today.
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