Here are the common insects that are not mosquitoes, but fool many people!
Crane Flies aka "Mosquito Eaters"
If it's bigger than a quarter, it is not a mosquito.
These long-legged insects terrify anyone who thinks they're bloodsuckers. However, these flying insects are NOT mosquitoes. Crane flies are also called "mosquito eaters" or "mosquito hawks." But when viewed under a microscope, crane flies do not have any biting mouth parts! Crane flies usually emerge out of the soil when warm weather follows a rain event.
Crane flies are larger than a quarter - at least 2 inches in length
They do not bite.
Midges
Seeing swarms of mosquitoes? Mosquitoes DO NOT swarm. The swarming insects you are seeing are most likely midges.
This small insect is often confused with mosquitoes, but does not bite. They are often seen hovering in swarms in the evening times. Mosquitoes in Orange County do not swarm. Midges do not make people sick and are not of public health concern, but can be a nuisance.
Search results
Website Accessibility Statement
Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control District (the "District") is committed to ensuring that its services are accessible to all
members of the public. As part of this commitment, the District strives to provide an accessible website compatible with
the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) version 2.1, AA, and commercial screen reading software. Features of the
website are created to allow individuals with vision and other impairments to understand and use the website to the same
degree as someone without disabilities.
If you need any special assistance or accommodations:
Contact our compliance support team via telephone at: (888) 765-1970
Ongoing Compliance Information
Compliance Coordinator
The District has designated a Compliance Coordinator for website disability-related accommodations. The Compliance
Coordinator has received training in website accessibility and updates the site in accordance with those best
practices and requirements.
Compliance Procedures
The District is working to ensure all website content complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act
and controlling State laws. In an ongoing effort to continually improve and remediate accessibility issues,
the website is regularly scanned to ensure ongoing compliance, and timely changes are made to any inaccessible
content if found.
Accessible Documents Policy
The District is committed to providing all documents hosted on the website in an accessible format or making accessible
alternatives available.
Linked Documents and Third Parties
Please note that this site may link out to third-party websites that do not have accessible content. This site may
also include documents provided by third parties. While we cannot control the accessibility of content provided by
third parties, we are happy to assist any member of the public with reading and accessing content on our site.
Report a Website Accessibility Issue
We are committed to your ability to access all content, and we will respond to all requests in a timely manner.
If you need assistance or accommodations while accessing content on this website, please contact our Compliance
Coordinator via the form below: