European Craneflies: Harmless Adults, Larvae Rarely Damage Georgia Lawns

Large, mosquito-like craneflies swarming lights are adults—they don't bite or sting. Their larvae (leatherjackets) can damage lawns in high numbers, but Georgia's summer heat and dry soils usually keep populations low. No insecticides are labeled for adults. Sticky traps near lights reduce nuisance.

They're a seasonal annoyance, not a lawn threat in the Southeast.