How to Get Rid of Dobsonfly

Insects that swarm towards the light can be bothersome, which is a common occurrence in homes near bodies of water. There are many different kinds of insects that do this, and one of them is the eastern dobsonfly. 

Dobsonflies are aquatic insects characterized by their large wings and curved, sickle-shaped jaws to protect against predators. Dobsonfly larvae, also known as hellgrammites, are the top invertebrate predator

Learn more about these pests below and how to get rid of them.

Dobsonflies: Getting to Know Them

These insects have a long cylindrical body with short legs. The most notable characteristic of male dobsonflies is their well-developed mandibles. While it may look intimidating, they are harmless. On the other hand, the females have smaller and sharper pincers that can pierce through the skin. 

There are nine different genera of dobsonflies. The dobsonflies of the variety Corydalus are among the most prominent non-lepidopteran insects. They have membranous bodies that span about 1.9 to 2.4 inches. Their large wings can completely cover the entire length of their body, often spanning 3.9 to 5.5 inches. They have long, segmented antennae. 

They begin their life as dobsonfly eggs. After hatching, they develop underwater and live up to three years while living in between rocks at the river bed. They often feed on small insects, immature mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies, and chironomid midges.

Dobsonfly larvae have pale-looking gill filaments and gill clusters at the lateral side of their abdomens. Mature dobsonfly larvae move from their freshwater home to areas with more moisture, like moss or wet soil, to enter their pupal stage, after which they come out as an adult. 

Since small fish feed on dobsonflies, they are commonly sold as fish baits. They are also an important indicator of the environmental health of the streams they occur in since they have a high tolerance to water pollution.

Inspect for Dobsonflies

Dobsonflies are often in high concentration in areas near bodies of water. But eastern dobsonfly adults can also be present in areas where there is standing water. When there’s an infestation, the first place to inspect is outdoors. 

When checking, a key way to detect where they could be is to think about what attracts adult dobsonflies: light and water. They would breed in water, and they would swarm to light. So check your porch, garage, backyard, patios, and driveways for any standing water or areas with excess moisture. Since they typically stay between rocks, moving rocks in gardens and ponds is also a must. 

Another telling sign of dobsonfly presence is the irritating, foul-smelling anal spray they usually release to defend against predators and enemies. 

How to Control Dobsonfly Infestation 

As soon as the presence of dobsonfly has been established, the next step is to control its infestation using the right treatment. Before using chemical pest products, read the labels to see if they are effective. It’s also good to see if the insecticide covers against dobsonfly larvae food. Once their food source is eliminated, these aquatic insects will no longer have reason to swarm in those identified areas. 

Check out this week’s insect and pest product reviews to know the top recommendation that others used to control dobsonfly infestation in their area. 

When using an insecticide, make sure to apply it correctly. The best way is to cover the identified places and the surrounding area to repel insects more completely.

Pro-Tip

After resolving the Dobsonfly problem, make sure they won’t return. Making sure all outdoor lighting fixtures are off will prevent the spread of Dobsonflies.

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How to Prevent Dobsonfly Infestation

Controlling the spread of dobsonfly is only one-half of the problem. You have to make sure these aquatic insects don’t return and cause another slew of problems. Here are some of the tips to help you prevent further dobsonfly infestation.

Change White Light to Bug Light

White light attracts dobsonflies. Prevent any possibility of swarming by changing to yellow bug lights. When not in use, turn outdoor lights off to prevent attracting dobsonflies.

Secure Windows

Since dobsonflies are small and can fly, they can also go inside the homes through an open window. Using curtains can also help prevent indoor light from seeping out and attracting dobsonflies. Most dobsonflies emerge during summer and spring, so it will also help to stay more vigilant during these times.

Manage Water Sources

Dobsonflies are aquatic insects that hatch, breed, and emerge from bodies of water. While they typically survive in running water, managing any water sources prevent their spread. Swimming pools should be adequately covered, primarily when dobsonflies lay their eggs since they would look for water to drop their eggs. 

Control Moisture

Mature dobsonfly larvae would migrate to areas with high moisture to enter their pupal cells, where they later emerge as adults. Removing areas in the home with high humidity can also prevent further infestations of dobsonflies. 

Maintain Insecticide Use

Initial insecticide use will cover the area for 90 days. It’s best to maintain the use of insecticides. The top recommendation is to apply a month before the dobsonflies hatch. This helps mitigate their spread more effectively. 

Contact PestGuide Today and Get Rid of Pests Once and for All

Dobsonflies are among the largest aquatic insects predominant in North America. They may be notable for their characteristic mandible, but they are generally harmless to humans and crops. However, they may cause problems if they swarm in massive numbers. They also emit an irritating smell when threatened. 

Insects like dobsonflies have environmental benefits, but sometimes effective control measures may be necessary when they already become too bothersome. Before doing anything to prevent their spread, ensure that you have the right solution. Check out our comprehensive pest guides

Contact us if you have questions about dealing with dobsonfly and other pest infestations in your home or office. We’d be happy to help. 

Are you dealing with pest infestations in your home? Pest Guide offers pest control help and other helpful resources for preventing pests in your home.

Frequently Asked Questions

A dobsonfly bite is not serious. While its bite can be painful, the pain usually doesn’t last long and doesn’t require any medical attention.

Adult dobsonflies mate and lay eggs in spring and summer. The eggs incubate for two to three weeks before hatching.

Yes, dobsonflies are beneficial for the environment. The predatory nature of the dobsonfly larvae helps maintain balance in the ecosystem, including controlling the spread of blackflies, which is considered a pest. Dobsonflies are also a critical part of the aquatic food chain.

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