Crane Flies in Your Lawn: What They Are and How to Get Rid of Them

Do you have crane flies in your lawn? These pests can be a real nuisance, and it can be difficult to get rid of them. In this blog post, we will describe what crane flies are, their origin, lifecycle and how to get rid of them. We will also discuss how to maintain a healthy lawn so that these pests don't come back!

Crane flies are members of the Tipulidae family and are sometimes called “daddy long legs”. They can range in size from 1/8 inch to 2 inches, with thin bodies and long legs. Crane flies are found all over the world in various habitats, including lawns.

The larvae of crane flies, known as leatherjackets, feed on organic matter at the base of grass plants and can cause damage to your lawn by eating away at roots and blades. Adult crane flies feed primarily on nectar, but they do not cause much damage to vegetation. Instead, the damage is caused by their larvae which hatch from eggs that were laid on the soil surface near turfgrass roots.

The lifecycle of crane flies is fairly short. Female crane flies lay up to 1000 eggs in the soil near grass roots, and the larvae hatch within a few weeks. The larvae then feed on organic matter around the grass roots for several months before pupating in late fall or early winter. After pupation, adult crane flies emerge from the soil in spring and live for about a month before dying off.

Getting rid of crane fly infestations can be difficult but there are some steps you can take to reduce their population and help keep your lawn healthy:

• Regularly mow your lawn – Mowing frequently will remove eggs and larvae before they have a chance to cause damage.

• Apply beneficial nematodes – Beneficial nematodes are microscopic worms that feed on crane fly larvae, so applying them to your lawn can help reduce the population.

• Apply an insecticide – Insecticides can be applied to kill crane flies and their larvae. However, this should be used as a last resort since it may also kill beneficial insects in your garden.

In addition to these steps, maintaining a healthy lawn is important for keeping crane flies away. Aerating and fertilizing your lawn regularly will help promote strong grass growth, which will make it less attractive to crane flies looking for places to lay their eggs. You should also avoid overwatering or over-fertilizing your lawn, as this can create an ideal environment for crane flies and other pests.

By following these steps, you should be able to reduce the population of crane flies in your lawn and prevent them from causing any lasting damage. With a little diligence and regular maintenance, you can keep your lawn looking its best without having to worry about crane flies!