Attracting Dragonflies for Mosquito Control

Summertime is all about enjoying the great outdoors, but it also means you’ll have to fight off those annoying insects. These microscopic bloodsuckers have the power to convert a peaceful evening into an agonizing nightmare. Fear not, though, for dragonflies eat mosquitoes. Summertime protection comes from these lovely flying predators, which have a soft spot for mosquitoes. We will look at the part dragonflies play in controlling mosquito populations in this post.

do dragonflies eat mosquitoes — Image credit: @Vladimir Zubkov

Mosquito Problems And Traditional Control Methods

Beyond being a bother, mosquitoes seriously endanger our health and welfare. Being able to spread illnesses including malaria, Zika, yellow fever, dengue, and West Nile virus, these little insects are a serious public health risk. Though they may have disadvantages of their own, traditional mosquito control techniques like chemical sprays and citronella candles can be quite successful. Beneficial insects can be harmed by insecticides, and because of their often transient effects, several applications are required.

How Do Dragonflies Help Control The Mosquito Population?

These soaring predators hunt mosquitoes quite effectively even at a young age. Known by another name, nymphs, dragonfly larvae are aquatic animals that mostly eat mosquito larvae. Up to forty mosquito larvae can be consumed daily by a single dragonfly larva, according to one study.

And by directly eating mosquitoes, adult dragonflies keep helping to control them. They employ their lightning-fast reflexes and nimble flight to easily grasp mosquitos in mid-air and swat them away. Dragonflies have a major edge because of their huge, multifaceted eyes, which allow them to see prey from a great distance. In the struggle against these bothersome insects, a single dragonfly can eat hundreds of mosquitoes in a single day.

What Attracts Dragonflies?

Make sure the dragonflies have all they need to thrive before you ask them to aid you in your fight against mosquitoes. Bringing these helpful bugs to your yard is as easy as following these steps.

Add Water

Most of their lives, dragonflies—an aquatic insect—are spent in or around water. They lay their eggs in water. For dragonflies, the ideal place to live and multiply is in a pond or other body of water. Floating plants and pebbles that get plenty of sunshine are also good additions.

Plant Meadow Sage

Meadow sage, often called sage, is a plant that dragonflies adore for its fragrant, colorful blossoms. These blooms not only brighten up your landscape, but they also draw dragonflies. Dragonflies can catch mosquitos before they bite you!

Plant Black-Eyed Susans

The vibrant black-eyed Susan is another favorite flower of dragonflies. Full light and consistent watering are ideal conditions for this plant’s growth, and it thrives in a wide variety of soils. These cheerful, daisy-like blossoms serve as both nectar and a perch for dragonflies to survey their surroundings.

Let The Sunlight In

Open spaces that receive full sunlight are ideal for dragonflies. They will hide if the weather is too gloomy or chilly because they rely on warmth to fuel their energy and metabolism. Position your pond and plants such that they receive plenty of sunshine. Additionally, your yard’s lighting should be well-balanced. Get more sun by cutting back any overgrown vegetation.

Skip The Fish

Ponds and other water features are great for attracting dragonflies, but you shouldn’t put fish in them. When fish eat dragonfly larvae, they throw off the life cycle and kill off these helpful insects.

Providing Perching Spots

Rocks, logs, or even a couple of cleverly placed sticks can serve as perches for dragonflies, allowing them to rest and survey their domain. You can also get wonderful perches made of reeds, bamboo sticks, or even ornamental sculptures. Just imagine creating a cozy nest for your very own dragonfly.

Avoiding Mosquito Larvicide in Water Bodies

Stay away from larvicides. The natural equilibrium can be disrupted and dragonfly larvae can be hurt by these pollutants. Permitting dragonfly larvae to flourish can lead to a decrease in mosquito numbers because they prey on mosquito larvae.

Final Words

Thus, keep in mind that dragonflies are much more than just flashy aerial performers the next time you see one so elegantly soaring through the air. Simply by inviting these vicious beasts into your yard, you will be able to put an end to the misery caused by mosquitoes and other disease-carrying insects.

FAQs

Do dragonflies keep mosquitoes away?

By attracting dragonflies to your property, you can harness their natural predatory instincts to keep pesky mosquitoes at bay. Additionally, these elegant insects not only add beauty to your surroundings but also provide a simple and environmentally friendly solution to mosquito-related woes.

How many mosquitoes does a dragon fly eat?

Among the best contenders for insects that will patrol your yard and eat mosquitoes are dragonflies and damselflies, which can eat upwards of 100 mosquitoes a day, according to Treehugger(Opens in a new window).

What pests do dragonflies eat?

To answer the question of what dragonflies eat, dragonflies are carnivores. They eat mosquitoes, midges, flies, bees, butterflies, and other small insects that they can easily catch while flying. Dragonflies also tend to eat whatever is available to them.

Is it good to have dragonflies in your yard?

Inviting dragonflies into your garden can provide a lot of magic and fewer mosquitoes.

What animals eat the most mosquitoes?

Natural Mosquito Predators
Gambusia Affinis. Gambusia Affinis is also known as the mosquitofish, is a live-bearing American fish that is utilized by some mosquito control districts across the country as a very effective predator of mosquito larvae.
Purple Martin.
Bats.
Dragonflies.

Why are there 100 dragonflies in my yard?

Besides mosquitoes, other prey species can attract dragonflies, such as ants and termites. If you’re experiencing an ant or termite infestation, this will continuously draw dragonflies to your property. Termites, in particular, can draw in dragonfly swarms as they undergo their own swarming event.