Crane Flies

You know the big flying insects that most folks call mosquito hawks?  Well, despite their resemblance to a large mosquito, they are actually crane flies.  As larvae, they are predators in damp soil so there is a chance they could encounter and eat a mosquito larvae in a puddle if they were lucky.  But really crane fly larvae would not be a significant cause of death for mosquito larvae.   Adult crane flies may feed on nectar, but they generally do not feed at all.  In some areas of the United States, the larvae actually cause turf damage and are considered pests, but they will certainly not help reduce the mosquito population around your home.

They're very large but people sometimes mistake them for mosquitoes. They're also called mosquito hawks and most people think they eat mosquitoes. They actually don't feed as adults. The larvae are predatory but live in the soil. Please note that flying insects aren't included in the basic pest control treatment other than wasps on the house. They suggest that you close your doors and windows so they won't be able to get inside the house.