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Crane Flies have a slender body similar to a mosquito with long legs and large wings.Crane flies are usually found with moist vegetative habitats. These insects in their adult stage don’t damage the lawn, but their larvae however do. Crane fly larvae or known as Leather Jacket Bugs can be found in moist soil eating decomposing vegetation and various plant roots. Some species may be found in streams feeding on small aquatic bugs, invertebrates, and any decaying plant life found near the surface. They survive best in mild winters and cool summers, with adults emerging in late spring from lawns and pastures.
Leather Jacket Bugs can damage your lawn since a source of food for them is grass roots and plants. They usually cause patchy brown spots in the Spring or thin grass areas which can cause weeds. You’ll usually find Leather Jacket bugs and crane flies in moist areas as that is where they lay their eggs, which hatch into the leather jacket bugs. These larvae also attract larger animals such as skunks, birds and racoons so those animals may damage your lawn as they are digging for these little bugs.
Crane Flies are often mistaken for mosquitoes as they look similar. The crane flies are much bigger than mosquitoes and also do not bite people. Crane flies also have a straight body and the rest is wings while mosquitoes are smaller and are hunched. The best way to prevent Leather Jacket Bugs and Crane flies is to maintain a healthy lawn, improving drainage issues and having your lawn aerated.
If you have questions about Crane Flies or Leather Jacket bugs and are looking for surface insect services please call or text Lawn Buddies at 732-475-5500