Mosquito hawks (also called crane flies) look like giant mosquitoes, so it’s normal to worry about bites. The good news: they’re harmless to people and pets. Adult crane flies don’t bite, don’t sting, and don’t suck blood, they simply don’t have the mouthparts mosquitoes use for that.
What they can do is startle you, bump into walls at night, and show up in numbers around lights. And if you have a lawn, their immature stage (the larvae) can sometimes be a turf issue in damp conditions.
What Are Mosquito Hawks?
“Mosquito hawk” is a nickname. The insect is actually a crane fly (family Tipulidae). They have a slender body and very long legs, and many species are poor, slow fliers.
Quick ID tip: crane flies resemble mosquitoes, but they’re larger-bodied and clumsier in flight. They’re often active in shady areas or at night, and you’ll commonly notice them around doors, patios, and porch lights.
Do Mosquito Hawks Bite Humans?
No. Crane flies do not bite humans or animals and do not feed on blood.
Most adult crane flies don’t feed at all, though some species may sip nectar. Their job as adults is basically to mate and lay eggs, and then they’re done.
Why Mosquito Hawks Can’t Bite You
Mosquitoes bite because they have specialized mouthparts designed to pierce skin and feed on blood.
Mosquito hawks don’t have that equipment.
Most adult crane flies:
- Sip nectar occasionally, or
- Don’t eat much at all during their short adult life
So if you’re worried about getting bitten, mosquito hawks aren’t the culprit.
What People Mistake for a “Mosquito Hawk Bite”
This is the part that trips most people up: mosquito hawks often appear at the same time as biting insects, especially in warm, humid weather. So they get blamed.
If you’re getting bites, it’s far more likely to be one of these:
Mosquitoes
Bites are common after dusk and often show up on exposed skin (arms, legs, neck). If you’re outside at night, mosquitoes are usually the #1 suspect.
No-see-ums / biting midges
These can cause intense itching from very small bites, often around ankles and lower legs. People frequently say, “I didn’t see anything biting me.”
Fleas
Bites often cluster around ankles/lower legs, especially if you have pets or wildlife activity nearby.
Bed bugs
Bites often appear after sleeping and can show in clusters or lines. The timing (waking up with bites) is a major clue.
Other causes that feel like bites
Dry skin, contact irritation, and allergic reactions can also create itching that gets blamed on “bug bites,” especially when insects are present.
If you want the simplest rule: seeing mosquito hawks doesn’t explain bites. They’re just the most visible insect in the room.
The Real Mosquito Hawk Life Cycle (And Why They Show Up)
Crane flies go through complete metamorphosis: egg → larva → pupa → adult.
Eggs
Females typically lay eggs in damp areas or grass. Wetter weather can increase populations.
Larvae (Leatherjackets)
The larvae are often called leatherjackets because of their tougher-looking skin. This is the only stage that can cause any potential damage, because larvae may feed on decaying plant tissue and sometimes roots of grasses, which can leave brown patches in lawns, especially where drainage is poor.
Adults
Adults commonly appear in late winter/early spring in many regions (timing varies by climate). They’re attracted to lights, which is why they end up indoors and become a nuisance. Adults often live only days to about two weeks, long enough to reproduce.
Common Misconceptions (Cleared Up)
“Mosquito hawks eat mosquitoes.”
No, they’re not mosquito predators. Adults don’t hunt mosquitoes.
“If I see mosquito hawks, I must have a mosquito infestation.”
Not necessarily. Crane flies and mosquitoes may like some of the same general environments, but seeing crane flies mostly tells you about lights and sometimes damp turf/soil, not mosquito levels.
Are Mosquito Hawks Beneficial?
Often, yes. Many crane fly larvae are beneficial decomposers in soil, helping break down organic matter. Adults are also food for various predators. The main time they become a “problem” is when adults swarm around lights or when larvae numbers are high enough to stress turf in damp spots.
Why Are Crane Flies In My House?
Most of the time it comes down to two things:
- Outdoor lights pulling them toward doors/windows
- Entry gaps (door sweeps, window screens, small openings)
Crane flies don’t infest homes like roaches or ants, they wander in, get stuck, and die.
What To Do If You’re Seeing A Lot Of Mosquito Hawks
Reduce attraction at night
- Turn off unnecessary exterior lights.
- Swap to less-attractive outdoor bulbs where practical.
- Keep doors closed and repair torn screens.
Dry up “breeding-friendly” areas
- Fix overwatering and drainage issues in the lawn.
- Address consistently soggy areas near downspouts or irrigation.
If your lawn is showing damage
If you’re seeing unexplained thinning/brown patches and lots of crane flies, larvae may be involved, especially in persistently damp turf.
A professional inspection can confirm what’s actually going on (crane fly larvae vs. other common lawn pests or disease).
When To Call A Pest Pro
Consider professional help if:
- You’re seeing recurring swarms indoors despite lighting/screen fixes
- You suspect turf damage tied to larvae (especially in wet, poorly drained areas)
- You want a clear ID (crane flies vs. mosquitoes vs. other gnats)
If you’re in South Florida and want help identifying what you’re seeing, and the best way to reduce it without over-treating, On Demand Pest Control can inspect, confirm the source, and recommend a targeted plan.