More recent entomology questions and answers

Entomology answers

Gnat and fly bites

Do fungus gnats, phorid flies or moth flies bite? Are the bites toxic? If toxic, what kind of symptoms are manifested from the bite?

None of these flies are reported to bite humans.

Richard Houseman
Assistant Professor of Entomology
State Urban Entomology Extension Specialist

Skeeter eater prefers gunk

I'm trying to determine the name of a common insect in our area. They look like giant mosquitoes. I've heard them referred to as Mayflies. I'm trying to settle a wager. My friend says these varmints eat mosquitoes; I say they don't. Who is right?

Based on the description, this insect sounds like a crane fly (Insecta: Diptera: Tipulidae). They are large, with long legs, and are very common during this time of the year. If it is a crane fly, you win the bet. Crane flies don't eat mosquitoes -- although one of their common names is 'skeeter eater'. This is just an old wives' tale and 'skeeter eater' does not accurately describe their feeding habits. A more accurate description would be 'gunk eater', since they feed on moist decaying organic matter.

Richard Houseman
Assistant Professor of Entomology
State Urban Entomology Extension Specialist

Stink bug life expectancy

What is the life expectancy of a stink bug?

A stink bug's life expectancy is highly variable. Weather, predation, parasitism, and food availability and quality all play an important role in how long a stink bug may live. This figure may represent days, weeks, and even months. For example, green stink bugs like other stink bugs overwinter in the adult stage, and overwintering adults may live as long as seven to nine months.

Michael L. Boyd
Assistant Professor of Entomology
State Extension Entomology Specialist

Cricket identification

I've seen brown crickets in my yard and basement. Their thin long legs make them look a bit like spiders. They are larger than black crickets. Any ideas about what they are? Do they bite? How do I get rid of them?

From your description, it sounds like a camel cricket. I have included a photo of a camel cricket for you to look at. The photo may not be the same species that you have in your house, so the color pattern may be different, but the overall body shape is characteristic of this insect. If this is the kind of insect you are asking about, they are harmless. They do not infest foodstuffs, bite, sting, carry disease, or damage the structural integrity of the home. They are accidental invaders.

Richard Houseman
Assistant Professor of Entomology
State Urban Entomology Extension Specialist

Swarming midges

This is our second year of living on a lake. In July and August, we get an infestation of some kind of pest. They are small like gnats, but do not bite. They swarm around for a week or two and then go away. Is there a way to prevent the swarming?

It sounds like you are having problems with midges. Midges are small, aquatic flies. They prefer damp areas, where they mate and lay eggs. The larvae that hatch from the eggs live in the water.

Since you can't treat the water where the midges are located to kill them, you can try to discourage midges from being so abundant around your home. Light traps outdoors will draw them toward your house, so resist the temptation to buy one of those bug zappers and place it outside like a beacon to attract them. In fact, keep the outside lights of your house off for as long as possible each night. The first hour after sunset is usually when these insects are most active. After that, the lights won't attract as many. When using outdoor lighting, use yellow lights as much as possible. Sodium vapor lights are also less attractive than white lights.

Long grass near water is also conducive to midge activity. Keeping grass mowed in areas where mowing is possible will also help to keep populations at a lower level.

Richard Houseman
Assistant Professor of Entomology
State Urban Entomology Extension Specialist