Craneflies, known to many as "garden midges," often appear in lawns, gardens, and vegetable plots, raising concerns about the damage they can cause to grass and other plants. For those seeking a healthy lawn, knowing how to identify, prevent y delete The protection of crane flies is essential to prevent serious damage and maintain a green and aesthetic environment throughout the year.
What are crane flies and how to identify them?
Craneflies are insects belonging to the Tipulidae family, often confused with large mosquitoes due to their slender appearance and long legs. Despite this resemblance, craneflies do not bite nor are they dangerous to humans, but their Grubs can become a serious threat to your lawn and other plants. These grayish or brown larvae usually live underground and feed mainly on the roots and base of stems of plants such as grass, causing yellowing, weakening and even the death of large areas of grass when the infestation spreads.
The life cycle of the crane fly consists of several stages:
- Adults usually appear in spring and autumn.
- The female lays her eggs in moist soil, an essential condition for the pest's survival.
- The larvae emerge and begin to feed on organic matter and, later, on young roots and stems.
- Under optimal conditions, there can be two generations of crane flies per year.
Identifying the pest in time is crucialEarly signs include yellow or dry patches in the lawn, sparse or weakened areas, and the presence of birds pecking intensively at the ground, attracted by the grubs. To confirm an infestation, it's helpful to inspect it after watering by covering the lawn with black plastic overnight; if there are crane flies, you'll find grubs on the plastic at dawn.
What damage do crane flies cause to grass?
The main problem with crane flies is not the adults, which only live 10 to 15 days and do not cause direct damage, but their underground larvaeThese organisms feed primarily on the roots and base of the stems, compromising the lawn's ability to absorb water and nutrients. Their most obvious effects include:
- Chlorosis or yellowing in scattered areas of the lawn.
- Patches of dry grass that, over time, can be replaced by more resistant weeds.
- Reduction in turf density and vigor, making affected areas more sensitive to water stress and competition from other plants.
- In severe infestations, complete death of the turf over large areas.
Craneflies can affect not only lawns but also other crops, especially grasses and various vegetables. During the day, the larvae feed underground, while on warm, humid nights they can ascend and eat leaves and stems, intensifying the damage.
Life cycle of the crane fly: factors that favor its appearance
Understanding the life cycle of the typhus helps plan the most effective control and prevention measures. Adults typically emerge in spring and fall, taking advantage of humid environments and well-watered soils where they lay their eggs. These eggs develop underground and give rise to larvae that feed intensively in the early stages of their life cycle.
In favorable climates, two annual generations may overlap: one appearing in spring and the other in autumn. The larvae of the second generation usually spend the winter underground, then pupate with the arrival of milder temperatures. Humidity is a key factor for the survival and proliferation of the pest, so gardens with overwatering or poor drainage are especially vulnerable.
Symptoms and signs to detect the presence of crane flies
To effectively combat the crane fly, it's important to know how to detect its early signs. The most common symptoms are:
- Yellow, dry or sparse spots on the grass.
- Wilted appearance and lack of vigor in the grass.
- Presence of birds or small mammals pecking intensively at the ground.
- Grayish larvae in the grass profile after watering or under black plastic placed overnight.
- Easy detachment of the plants when pulled, a sign that the roots have been consumed.
In gardens under constant surveillance, these signs are usually detected early, allowing action to be taken before the damage becomes irreparable.
Prevention methods: how to avoid the appearance of crane flies
The best defense against the plague is to maintain good practices. lawn prevention and care to minimize the possibility of infestation. Some key tips include:
- Aerate the lawn regularly: Use aeration tools to improve soil drainage and reduce excessive moisture, especially in areas prone to waterlogging, as crane flies prefer humid environments to lay their eggs.
- Avoid overwatering: Adjust the frequency and quantity of water to avoid constantly wet soils.
- Removal of plant debris: Keep your lawn clean of leaves, twigs, and plant debris to eliminate potential harborage and food sources for grubs.
- Use of balanced fertilizers: A well-nourished lawn recovers better from attacks and is less susceptible to extensive damage.
- Follow a preventive calendar: Carry out preventive treatments at key times, such as early spring and late summer, when new generations usually appear.
These measures not only prevent the appearance of pests, but also strengthen the overall health of the lawn, making it more resistant to other problems.
Biological and natural control techniques against crane flies
Using natural or biological methods to control pests is an ecologically responsible option, especially in gardens where the goal is to preserve biodiversity and not harm auxiliary fauna. The following methods are notable:
- Introduction of beneficial nematodes (of the genus Steinernema or Heterorhabditis), which specifically parasitize and eliminate larvae without causing harm to plants or other beneficial insects.
- Application of biological extracts , the Bacillus thuringiensis, effective against various insect larvae and safe for the environment.
- Improve natural predator habitat: Encourage the presence of birds, hedgehogs, and moles, which feed on larvae, although in the case of moles, this can be a double-edged sword due to the damage caused by the burrows.
- Use of natural repellents, such as infusions of garlic, wormwood or tobacco, to scare away adult females during laying season.
In addition, it is advisable to carry out cultivation tasks such as digging and superficially turning the soil in late winter or early spring, exposing the larvae and eggs to predators and adverse weather conditions.
Chemical methods to eliminate cockroaches from lawns
When infestations are severe or preventative and biological methods have not been effective, it may be necessary to resort to chemical treatmentsIt's important to use them responsibly and according to the manufacturer's or a professional's recommendations. The most commonly used products are:
- Granular insecticides: Applied directly to the soil, they penetrate the root zone, acting specifically against crane fly larvae and other soil-borne insects such as white grubs or nematodes.
- Systemic insecticides: Such as chlorantraniliprole, which is frequently used on lawns, as it is selective and less toxic to auxiliary fauna.
- Other contact insecticides: Among the active ingredients used historically, although some are less recommended due to environmental toxicity, are chlorpyrifos, diazinon, carbaryl, trichlorfon, lindane and fenitrothion.
Application should preferably be done at dusk, when the larvae rise to the surface. It is advisable to water beforehand to force them to rise, thus increasing the product's effectiveness. After treatment, avoid heavy watering, which could excessively leach the product, and follow all safety recommendations indicated on the packaging.
Cultural practices to reduce the presence of crane flies
In addition to the treatments mentioned above, cultural practices are fundamental both for pest control and prevention:
- Regular removal of topsoil by scarification or aeration, exposing eggs and larvae to extreme temperatures and natural predators.
- Maintaining a proper lawn cut: Avoid cutting too low, which weakens the grass and makes it more susceptible to damage and pest infestation.
- Rotation and diversification of grass and plant species in the garden, to hinder the life cycle of the typical plant.
- Control excessive traffic on the lawn, as compaction encourages moisture buildup and hinders natural aeration.
These strategies help reduce pest pressure and sustainably improve the overall condition of the turf.
If the pest has caused damage, it is key support turf recovery through proper fertilization, balanced irrigation, and reseeding of the most affected areas. The following steps are recommended:
- Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizers to stimulate root and stem growth and regeneration.
- Reseed unpopulated areas once the pest has been eliminated.
- Closely monitor the development of your lawn over the next few weeks to identify possible re-infestations.
Prompt response and follow-up after eliminating the crane flies will be crucial to restoring the health and uniformity of the turf.
Frequently asked questions about crane fly in lawns
- Are crane flies dangerous for people or pets? No, only the larvae cause damage to plants; the adults do not bite or transmit diseases.
- What time of year do they usually appear? Mainly in spring and autumn, coinciding with humid conditions and mild temperatures.
- Is it advisable to use natural methods? Yes, as long as the infestation allows, to protect biodiversity and avoid chemical residues.