What is the prairie crane fly?
Prairie crane flies are large nocturnal insects of the Tipulidae family that can measure 20 to 25 mm. Adults have an appearance similar to a very large mosquito. However, they are completely harmless because they do not sting. However, prairie crane fly larvae can damage lawns by feeding on turf roots.
How does the prairie crane fly damage your lawn?
It is the larvae of the prairie crane fly that are considered pests in lawns because they feed on grass roots and can cause significant damage. By feeding on grass roots, they weaken the plants’ ability to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Weakened roots can in turn cause the grass to yellow and wilt, which can lead to brown or bare patches appearing in your lawn. A lawn weakened by prairie crane fly larvae is also more likely to succumb to disease and damage caused by adverse environmental conditions, such as drought.
How to get rid of prairie crane fly?
There are several methods you can use to effectively control prairie crane fly and protect your lawn from this pest. Managing soil moisture is certainly the most important. In fact, prairie crane fly larvae thrive in moist soils. So make sure you don’t overwater your lawn, avoid watering in the evening, and make sure you maintain good drainage to avoid the buildup of standing water. Likewise, regular soil aeration can help reduce humidity and disrupt habitats for prairie crane fly larvae. Finally, in the case of a severe infestation, specific insecticides can be used to control prairie crane fly larvae. If you are unsure of the best approach to take, consult Monsieur Gazon’s professional technicians for personalized advice.
