Mistaken Identities:

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Homeowners frequently call the District to report mosquito problems. In many instances what appears to be a mosquito is actually another type of insect. The below insects are the insects most commonly mistaken to be mosquitoes. None of these insects bite or carry diseases in Valley County, but many can still be annoying. Many of these hatch in very large numbers and are attracted to lights around the home.

are the most wide spread and numerous insects resembling mosquitoes. Adult Midges are commonly observed flying in swarms or "clouds", or are seen resting on fences, walls, under eaves and in protected areas such as porches and entryways. Individual adults will live about seven days depending upon the species and weather conditions. The larvae develop in sources having extensive areas of standing water 

are common around moist areas where vegetation is abundant and may be seen swarming at dusk along the edges of streams and lakes. The adults are short lived, usually being active less than a week. The larvae are found in slow moving water, at the surface, and swim in a characteristic "U" shape.
 

larvae are found in or near decaying vegetation, fermenting sap, animal manure, tree trunks, mud and sometimes sewage. Adults are found on foliage in or near damp places, some are found around flowing sap. They are sometimes seen in small swarms. 

are quite abundant in Valley County near creeks, streams, irrigation canals, and other water sources. Their larvae are found in most aquatic habitats and can live in moving water.
 

are delicate insects varying in size from 1/4 inch to as large as 1 1/2 inches in length. The largest crane flies are sometimes called "daddy-long-legs", "gully nippers", or "mosquito hawks". They do not bite people and they do not eat mosquitoes. Some species of crane flies emerge from aquatic sources and others from terrestrial or decaying vegetation sources.