Giant Mosquito

Giant mosquitoes have a reputation that precedes them by virtue of looking like the annoying smaller mosquito and her bite. But apart from looking like a typical mosquito on steroids these flies also known as crane flies are generally harmless to humans and beast. Large and small mosquitoes need stagnating water in order to lay eggs and continue their life cycle. So when there are very wet winters you can expect an influx of mosquitoes.

But there are two types of giant mosquitoes: the crane fly and the galliniper mosquito

Characteristics of the crane fly

Also known as mosquito hawks or in other places as the mosquito eaters, the giant mosquito emerges in spring time to mate and then two weeks later they die off. Although their name suggests that they prey on mosquitos they actually don’t feed on mosquitoes and they also do not bite you. They are pretty much benign in nature.

Unfortunately, their larvae can be destructive causing turf damage by chomping through the grass to leave dry, brown and leathery patches on your lawn. The larvae look like cutworms without legs.  Their damage is not very extensive but it is noticeable. So if you want to mitigate their damage you need to call a pest control expert.

Characteristics of the galliniper mosquito

Also known as the shaggy legged galliniper this is the largest mosquito species in the world. Apart from its impressive size it is also extremely aggressive and can bite you even through clothing. It is scientifically known as the PsorophoraCiliata and it can be 6-20 times the size of a regular mosquito. The bite of the galliniper mosquito is said to be so aggressive the victim would feel like they are being stabbed. Considering the fact that the female will bite you during the day and night, it is a menace that needs to be eradicated the minute it is identified.

It has darker scales on its legs which have become identifying markers for this ferocious mosquito. The galliniper mosquito is native to the Eastern parts of the United States. Fortunately, it is not known to be a disease vector like the regular mosquito but it is still a pest and a nuisance. However, this species of mosquitoes is so aggressive that even in their larvae stage they will eat tadpoles.

These mosquitoes surge in numbers over the rainy season because like regular mosquito they need stagnant water to breed. To prevent them drain your fountains and bird pools or keep the water circulating and refreshed.