Do crane flies bite?

I keep seeing these giant mosquito-looking bugs in my house. Are they likely to bite me?

What you’re seeing are probably crane flies. The good news is that these insects are not dangerous to humans or pets. Despite their intimidating appearance and nickname "mosquito hawks", these gangly insects are completely harmless. Crane flies don't bite, sting, or carry diseases. They lack the mouthparts needed to bite, so even if one lands on you, there's no risk of being bitten.

Do crane flies eat mosquitoes?

This is a common misconception. Adult crane flies don't actually hunt or eat mosquitoes, or much of anything for that matter. Most adult crane flies don't feed at all during their short lifespan, which typically lasts only a few days. Their sole purpose is to mate and lay eggs. The larvae, which live in soil or water, feed on decaying plant matter and roots, but they're not predators of mosquitoes either.

So, what do crane flies do?

Essentially, they're just trying to reproduce. You'll often see them clumsily flying around lights or resting on walls, especially in late summer and fall. While they might startle you with their size (some have wingspans up to two inches), they pose no threat. The worst they can do is be a minor nuisance if they gather in large numbers around your home.

If you're dealing with other flies or want to identify pests in your home, our experts can help. For actual biting insects like mosquitoes, we offer targeted treatments to help keep your family comfortable outdoors.