I've heard it rumored that every Spring a specific insect will overpopulate for some reason, and an abnormal number of that one certain pest will start bugging around. Maybe my Tech friends remember the ladybug infestation in the dorms one year, then the stenchy cricket explosion the next? You couldn't walk across Centennial Plaza without getting cricket guts on your shoes and nausea from the smell. Well, this year it has to be the Mosquito Hawk. Maybe it's just me, but I host at least 20 of these visitors every day in my home. And apparently my little house guests keep sending word to their friends about the wonderful amenities at the My Last Name Hotel.The things are getting on my nerves! They're big, dumb, and invading my space. To make matters worse, Elle is petrified of them. "Mama! I don't like those mosquita hops flying all around this house!" And that's what they do: flit all around this house, only to lay to rest (I'm sure it's all the hurried breeding they've done that's killed them) on my window sills, the overrun cemeteries that sit under my windows.
The good thing is they pose little challenge to their predators. They're super slow and kinda nervous. If they weren't so easy to catch and flush down the potty (or if I'm feeling merciful, throw outside) I'd surely be a bit intimidated.
I kid you not, there is one so close to me now, I can hear its stupid little wings flapping against the wall. Aaaaaaargh!!!!!But! I'd always heard these clumsy things eat mosquitoes! Right! Haven't you? So, in hopes of assuring myself of this redemptive quality, which is a huge one if true!, I googled the mosquito hawk. Here's what I found over and over again:
What people often call "Mosquito-hawks" or "Mosquito-eaters" are actually Crane Flies. Crane flies are large tan-colored fragile flies with long legs. Contrary to popular myth, Crane flies do NOT prey on mosquitoes.
DANG! Now I just hate them!
..... I remember when I didn't mind the ol' crane fly. Seems like yesterday. I mean, they don't bite. They don't swarm around your head. And, back then, their *duh* quality was kind of endearing. And, of course, I thought they hawked mosquitoes. So, compared to all the other pests coming and going out my front door, I kinda liked the little boogers. Not no more.
If you're disappointed like I am, that not only is the mosquito hawk annoying but completely worthless, take heart: I have found satisfaction in a new sport you might also enjoy. It's called "sneak up on the mosquito hawk with your Dust Buster, turn it on, and watch the number of 'em in your house decrease by one." The bigger ones are fighters and sometimes escape the suction, but I'm getting good and they'd do better to just stay out of my way and outta my house!!!
