As temperatures drop and days grow shorter, many people may notice a new influx of long-legged visitors in their homes—daddy long legs. Officially known as crane flies, these harmless but often unwelcome guests are drawn indoors by the warmth and light. While they don’t bite, sting, or cause property damage, their appearance can still be unsettling for many.
Sophie Thorogood, a pest prevention specialist at Pest-Stop, offers guidance on why crane flies are more common indoors during colder months and shares effective tips to keep them at bay.
Why Crane Flies Invade Homes in Colder Months
During the fall, crane flies become a familiar sight in many households. These insects are particularly common at this time of year because of a seasonal increase in their population. As their larvae, known as leatherjackets, hatch en masse in damp environments, they mature into adult crane flies that seek warmer areas.
“The colder, darker days make crane flies more likely to enter homes,” explains Sophie Thorogood. “They are drawn to sources of light, which naturally lead them indoors as they follow the glow from windows and open doors.”
While crane flies pose no danger, keeping them outside is a priority for many homeowners. Thorogood provides several practical steps to help prevent these insects from making themselves at home.
Step 1: Keep Lights Low
Crane flies are strongly attracted to light, which means that as the sun sets earlier, they’re more likely to notice the lights inside homes. According to Thorogood, dimming or limiting lighting can help reduce their attraction to indoor spaces.
“Keeping doors and windows closed in the evenings, or reducing light near entry points, can prevent crane flies from finding their way inside,” she says. “Simple measures like these can be effective at keeping them out, as it’s often the light that draws them in.”
By lowering outdoor and indoor lighting, particularly around windows and doors, you reduce the likelihood of attracting crane flies to your home.
Step 2: Seal Entry Points
Winter months see a peak in crane fly activity indoors due to the large numbers of adults emerging from moist environments. Many crane flies enter homes through small gaps or cracks around windows and doors, making it essential to secure these entry points.
“Crane flies can slip through surprisingly small gaps,” Thorogood warns. “It’s important to check for any openings around windows, doors, and even air vents.”
A quick home inspection to seal up cracks and gaps can go a long way in keeping crane flies out. Weather-stripping, door sweeps, and sealant are practical solutions that can help block these access points, creating a more pest-proof barrier.
Step 3: Control Indoor Moisture
Like many insects, crane flies thrive in humid environments, so managing indoor moisture levels can make your home less appealing to them. Reducing humidity in damp areas, such as basements, bathrooms, and attics, is an effective strategy for deterring crane flies and other insects.
“Crane flies are attracted to moisture,” Thorogood explains. “Using a dehumidifier in damp areas, ensuring proper ventilation, and promptly fixing any leaks can make your home less appealing to pests.”
Additionally, wiping down windowsills and keeping areas like the basement dry can prevent moisture buildup that attracts these insects. Small steps like these not only deter crane flies but also help reduce indoor humidity, which can improve overall air quality.
Step 4: Maintain Your Garden to Control Larvae
Outside, crane flies lay their eggs in moist soil and decaying organic material, such as leaves and grass clippings. Their larvae, called leatherjackets, feed on the roots of grass and plants, potentially damaging lawns and gardens. Regular garden maintenance can help control the larvae population and, by extension, reduce the number of adult crane flies around your home.
“Keeping your garden tidy is one of the most effective ways to prevent crane flies from breeding near your home,” says Thorogood. “Rake up fallen leaves, remove piles of grass clippings, and keep compost bins away from the house.”
For severe infestations, nematodes—tiny parasitic worms that target leatherjackets—can be introduced into the soil as a natural control method. By focusing on reducing the number of crane fly larvae, you’ll see fewer adults emerging in the fall.
Step 5: Use Gentle Removal Methods for Indoor Intruders
If a crane fly does manage to find its way indoors, there’s no need for alarm. These insects don’t bite or sting, and their presence is more of a nuisance than a threat. If you’d prefer to remove them, Thorogood suggests using gentle, humane methods.
“If a crane fly is causing a nuisance, catching and releasing it outside is the best approach,” she advises. “A simple glass and a piece of paper work well for trapping them, or you can use a spider vacuum if you’re not comfortable handling them directly.”
Since crane flies are harmless, taking a gentle approach to removal can help reduce fear and anxiety about these insects. Avoid using chemical sprays or harsh pest control methods, as they’re unnecessary for such a benign intruder.
Understanding Crane Fly Life Cycle and Behavior
Crane flies have a short lifespan as adults, typically living only a few days after emerging. During this time, they focus on mating and laying eggs, which explains why their population peaks in the fall. The adults are poor fliers and often appear clumsy as they navigate through homes, contributing to the unease some people feel when they encounter them indoors.
Despite their intimidating appearance, crane flies serve an essential role in the ecosystem. The larvae help break down organic material in the soil, contributing to soil health. For those who enjoy gardening, keeping these insects outside is not only beneficial for comfort but also for preserving the natural balance in the yard.
Simple Steps to Prevent Crane Flies
Implementing these preventive measures can help ensure that your home remains free from crane flies this winter. By reducing lighting, sealing entry points, managing moisture, tidying up the garden, and using gentle removal methods, you can minimize encounters with these insects and keep your home environment more comfortable.
As the colder months set in, crane flies become more visible, but with a few easy adjustments, you can keep your space free of unwanted insect guests. Thorogood’s advice highlights that effective pest prevention doesn’t always require harsh chemicals or complex solutions. With these practical steps, you can create a more pest-resistant home and enjoy a more peaceful winter season.
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