There is a common misconception about the insects that we call “mosquito hawks.” The picture above captures a long-legged fly that is all too often mistaken as a mosquito killer—the adult crane fly. As opposed what could be considered “true” mosquito hawks—like a dragonfly—the crane fly has been caught in a case of mistaken identity.

It is ironic that the crane fly (eponymously named after the long-legged and slow flying crane) has been misconceived as a mosquito hunter when the insect itself doesn’t eat much of anything. Crane flies are anatomically incapable of killing or eating mosquitoes. These large, spindly creatures bounce off walls and ceilings while just going about their way.

Crane flies, much like moths, are attracted to light. They oftentimes hover near porch lights and windows, unintentionally invading homes as they maneuver their way towards lights. Though they do appear as enormous mosquitoes, crane flies are not blood suckers either. Rather, they feed on the roots of grasses.

So, what is the big deal then? Why do crane flies matter in the grand scheme of things? Though they might not be getting rid of the buzzing nuisance that the Mosquito Enemy team is here to help you with, crane flies do play an important role in the environment. The larvae of the crane fly decompose organic waste lying around on the bottom of streams and forest floors—they thus help enrich soil and enhance the habitats of other creatures. Crane flies are also make a quick meal for animals like birds, reptiles, amphibians, other insects, and fish.

Though they might not be the mosquito eaters we’ve built them up to be, the crane fly plays an interesting part in the myths surrounding mosquitoes!

Though its hardly an issue, it is a pet peeve of many pest control technicians; so lets get this straight once and for all: mosquitoes do not bite, they sting, much like a bee would.

There, that being said, the important issue here is the effect of those stings. Mosquitoes carry a high number of diseases that include malaria, dengue fever, and west nile virus that have collectively killed more people on earth than any other living creature. While 2,900 people are killed by hippos every year, a million more die from malaria spread by mosquitoes in any given year. It should go without saying that preventing mosquitoes from stinging you should be a priority and not just to avoid the inconvenience of uncomfortable itching.

Obviously to avoid being stung the first step would be to try to rid your outdoor areas of mosquitoes. As a top-rated local® choice formosquito control in Andover, Mosquito Enemy can rid the area of ticks and mosquitoes with professional products and techniques. But you can reduce the numbers of pests also by removing any areas of standing water where mosquitoes love to breed.

Mosquitoes are particularly irritated by citronella. Try burning citronella candles while enjoying outdoor activities. Apply either chemical-based repellents that contain DEET or more natural options that show some effect against pests like tea tree oil or vitamin B. Wear loose, long-sleeved shirts and long pants leaving less open skin for mosquitoes to feed upon. Make sure to wear light-colored clothes as dark colors absorb more heat and body heat attracts more pests. Stay away from flooded areas with standing water. Try to avoid being outdoors during peak mosquito times which are early morning and the twilight hours.

Eliminating mosquitoes from your outdoor areas can be accomplished with regular mosquito control treatments and goes far in protecting your family from their nasty stings.