UK residents dread the arrival of daddy longs ever each autumn and once again they are set to invade our homes across the country as crane fly mating season peaks
If you’re not keen on spiders and creepy crawlies then you probably won’t be delighted to learn we’re now in peak mating season for the feared daddy long legs. Also known as the crane fly, these six-legged winged creatures will shortly be infiltrating homes throughout the UK – though fortunately there’s a foolproof method to keep them at bay.
Crane flies spend most of their existence out of sight. After eggs are laid in grass or soil, the larvae (commonly called leatherjackets) stay buried underground for months.
Then, when circumstances are right – usually after late-summer heat followed by damp conditions – adult crane flies surface in droves.
You may well have spotted more daddy long legs in recent weeks. This is because their emergence typically reaches its peak in early autumn, and throughout much of Britain this is when people tend to encounter them most frequently indoors.
One Brit recently posted a “friendly reminder” that the season has arrived once more, sharing TikTok clips from her bedroom where a daddy long legs had settled in.
Amalie Robyn said: “I don’t mind them until they tickle my face at night… that really freaks me out.”
Fortunately, crane flies don’t sting or bite, and their adult lifespan lasts no longer than three weeks, focused chiefly on one goal – mating and laying eggs so the next generation can flourish.
It’s a widespread myth that daddy long legs possess the most lethal venom of any insect, but are unable to deliver it because their teeth are too tiny.
However, this is completely false – crane flies contain no venom whatsoever.
While some comparable insects do carry some venom, it’s far too feeble to impact humans.
Despite this, many of us would rather not have them lurking in our homes. Thankfully, there are numerous techniques to help get rid of them.
How to keep crane flies out of your home
- Close windows at dusk (particularly in rooms with lights on). Ventilate earlier in the day, then shut windows when darkness begins to fall.
- Fit insect screens on frequently-opened windows. A straightforward mesh screen can prevent most of them from getting in.
- Avoid leaving doors propped open in the evening. If you are bringing shopping in, close the door between trips.
- Reduce bright lighting near open windows and doors. If a window is open, keep the nearest light low or off where feasible.
- Switch to warmer-toned bulbs. Warm or soft lighting is generally less appealing to insects than bright white or blue-toned bulbs.
- Switch off outdoor lights when they’re not required. Or install motion sensors so lights aren’t attracting insects towards entrances throughout the night.
- Draw curtains or blinds to reduce the “beacon” effect. Closing curtains can limit the amount of light that spills outside and draws insects in.
- Fit or replace door draught excluders. Door sweeps and seals help to close off the low-level gaps through which insects can squeeze.
- Inspect window seals and frames for any gaps. Older frames, sash windows and worn seals are amongst the most common weak points.
- Fit appropriate mesh covers over vents. Avoid blocking essential ventilation, but use proper vent covers wherever suitable.
- Deal swiftly with any insects that do manage to get inside. Use the glass-and-card technique or a bug catcher, and release them outdoors, preventing them from accumulating inside.
- Keep the area surrounding windows and doors free of clutter. Less clutter makes it far easier to spot them early and stops them concealing themselves behind furniture or curtains.