‘Daddy long legs’ are invading UK homes for mating season but there’s way to keep them out

Unfortunately for people who don’t like insects, the wetter weather brought by the onset of autumn means it’s now prime mating season for crane flies – or daddy long legs

If you’re not a fan of spiders and creepy crawlies then you will likely be anxious to know that now is prime mating season for the dreaded daddy long legs. Also known as the crane fly, the six-legged winged beasts will soon be invading homes across the UK – but thankfully there’s a surefire way of keeping them out.

Crane flies spend the majority of their lives out of view. Once eggs are deposited in grass or soil, the larvae (commonly known as leatherjackets) remain underground for months.

Then, when the conditions are favourable – typically following late-summer warmth followed by wet weather – adult crane flies emerge en masse.

Indeed, you may noticed an increase in daddy long legs in recent weeks. This is because their emergence often peaks in early autumn, and across many areas of Britain that is when people tend to notice them most indoors.

One Brit recently shared a “friendly reminder” that the season is upon us again, posting TikTok footage from her bedroom where a daddy long legs had made itself at home.

Amalie Robyn said: “I don’t mind them until they tickle my face at night… that really freaks me out.”

Thankfully, crane flies do not sting or bite, and their adult lifespan is no more than three weeks and is centred primarily on one objective – mating and depositing eggs so the subsequent generation can develop.

It is a common myth that daddy long legs have the most deadly venom of any insect, but cannot administer it as their teeth are too small. This is not true – crane flies have no venom.

While some similar insects do have some venom, it is far too weak to affect humans.

Nevertheless, many of us would prefer not to have them in our homes. Fortunately, there are several methods to help eliminate them.

How to keep crane flies out of your home

• Close windows at dusk (particularly in rooms with lights on). Ventilate earlier in the day, then shut windows when darkness begins to fall.
• Fit insect screens on frequently-opened windows. A straightforward mesh screen can prevent most of them from getting in.
• Avoid leaving doors propped open in the evening. If you are bringing shopping in, close the door between trips.
• Reduce bright lighting near open windows and doors. If a window is open, keep the nearest light low or off where feasible.
• Switch to warmer-toned bulbs. Warm or soft lighting is generally less appealing to insects than bright white or blue-toned bulbs.
• Switch off outdoor lights when they’re not required. Or install motion sensors so lights aren’t attracting insects towards entrances throughout the night.
• Draw curtains or blinds to reduce the “beacon” effect. Closing curtains can limit the amount of light that spills outside and draws insects in.
• Fit or replace door draught excluders. Door sweeps and seals help to close off the low-level gaps through which insects can squeeze.
• Inspect window seals and frames for any gaps. Older frames, sash windows and worn seals are amongst the most common weak points.
• Fit appropriate mesh covers over vents. Avoid blocking essential ventilation, but use proper vent covers wherever suitable.
• Deal swiftly with any insects that do manage to get inside. Use the glass-and-card technique or a bug catcher, and release them outdoors, preventing them from accumulating inside.
• Keep the area surrounding windows and doors free of clutter. Less clutter makes it far easier to spot them early and stops them concealing themselves behind furniture or curtains.

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