Flying Bugs That Look Like Mosquitoes but Aren’t

Knowing that mosquitoes are abundant, with an estimated 110 trillion in the world, it’s easy to assume that most buzzing insects with long legs and thin wings are mosquitoes. However, not all bugs that look like mosquitoes are dangerous bloodsuckers. Many bugs resemble mosquitoes but are harmless – or, at least, less harmful and annoying. Get to know some common mosquito look-alikes, how to tell them apart, and if they pose a threat.

Common Insects That Look Like Mosquitoes

While many types of flies and other insects look like mosquitoes, here are the most common pests that are misidentified as mosquitoes.

Crane Flies

Crane flies are often mistaken for giant mosquitoes due to their very long legs and wings and thin features. Their shape is very similar to a mosquito but on a much larger scale. Unlike mosquitoes, crane flies have wings that do not fold over their bodies when they rest. Instead, their wings remain pointing outward. These bugs that look like giant mosquitoes can grow up to four inches long; in contrast, the average mosquito is only 0.15 to 0.4 inches long. They also don’t have a proboscis, the mouthpart that mosquitoes use to feed on blood.

Are crane flies dangerous? Despite their similar look to mosquitoes, crane flies don’t bite or feed on blood, and they aren’t considered dangerous. This big mosquito-like bug feeds on nectar from plants.

Midges

Midges are small and delicate with long legs, much like mosquitoes. To tell them apart, look for the midges’ shorter wings and smoother body (no scaley appearance). Midges are also shorter and rounder than mosquitoes.

Are midges dangerous? While most midges are harmless, some species, like biting midges or no-see-ums, bite to feed on blood just like mosquitoes! Biting midges are capable of transmitting diseases. In tropical and subtropical areas, some species of biting midges spread Oropouche fever, a viral disease that can cause fever, headaches, and joint pain in humans. They are also vectors for bluetongue virus among livestock like sheep and cattle, and African horse sickness, a disease that is deadly to horses. Their role in disease transmission is limited compared to mosquitoes, but biting midges still pose a threat.

Mayflies

Mayflies have delicate bodies and transparent wings that might resemble those of a mosquito. Their key distinguishing features are their long, upturned tails and upward-slanting wings.

Are mayflies dangerous? No, mayflies are not dangerous at all. They don’t bite or sting, and their sole purpose as adults is to reproduce. Adult mayflies do not eat and do not have a mouth or digestive tract.

Related Blog: The Difference Between Mayflies and Mosquitoes

Fungus Gnats

Fungus gnats are small, slender insects with thin wings much like a mosquito. However, this mosquito-like fly doesn’t have a proboscis and is much smaller and rounder than the typical mosquito. Fungus gnats also tend to stay around plants and damp soil rather than buzzing around people and animals in search of blood.

Are fungus gnats dangerous? No, fungus gnats are not considered dangerous to people or animals. Fungus gnats don’t bite humans. Gnats are only a nuisance due to their habit of flying around homes and breeding in potted plant soil, which can harm plant health.

Manage Mosquitoes and More!

Knowing the difference between mosquitoes and similar insects can help you properly target the pests on your property and effectively deter them. While most bugs similar to mosquitoes are non-threatening, all flying insects can carry germs as they travel from one unclean surface to another.

If mosquitoes or other flying insects are buzzing around your property, Mosquito Squad^® can help! We have an ideal service for you, whether it’s a mosquito barrier treatment that targets places where mosquitoes breed and thrive outside, or our Squad Fly Control pest package meant for annoying and germ-carrying flying pests!

Contact the specialists at your local Squad^® today at (877) 332-2239 or request a quote online.