What Are Mosquito Hawks? (Hint: They’re Not What You Think)
We’ve all seen them those giant, wobbly, mosquito-looking insects flying around our yards or clinging to the side of the house. A lot of people call them “Mosquito Hawks,” assuming they prey on mosquitoes.
But here’s the truth:
They’re not mosquitoes. They’re not hawks. They’re Crane Flies.
Crane Flies vs. Mosquitoes
Crane flies may look intimidating, but they’re completely harmless to humans. They don’t bite, don’t sting, and don’t carry diseases. In fact, most adult crane flies don’t even have working mouthparts. Once they emerge, their only job is to mate and lay eggs then they die.
What Are They Doing on Your Lawn?
If you see crane flies hovering low over your grass, they’re likely laying eggs. After mating, females begin scattering eggs across your lawn’s surface. Those eggs hatch into larvae commonly called “leatherjackets”—which live in the soil and feed on organic matter.
The Real Problem: The Larvae
While the adults are harmless, the larvae can cause serious damage to turf when populations get high. They feed on grassroots and decaying vegetation, and in large numbers, they can thin out your lawn, causing brown patches and soft spots in the soil.
What You Can Do
If you suspect crane fly larvae are damaging your turf, don’t wait. Any general insecticide labeled for lawn pests can effectively eliminate a crane fly infestation. Timing is key treating early, when larvae are small and close to the surface, gives the best results.
Final Word
Mosquito Hawks might look creepy, but they’re not a threat to your family or pets. The real concern lies underground, where their larvae can turn a healthy lawn into a patchy mess. If you’re seeing signs of turf damage or large numbers of crane flies, we can help.
Need a lawn check-up or treatment? Contact us today and let our experts take care of it no guesswork, no damage, no problem.
