Hate mosquitoes?
Dragonflies to the rescue!
Did you know one dragonfly can eat hundreds of mosquitoes a day? I found a simple trick to attract dragonflies and keep those pesky mosquitoes away.
Curious to learn more?
Let’s get started!
Set Up a Water Feature
Dragonflies love water. Adding a small pond, fountain, or even a birdbath can transform your yard into a dragonfly magnet.
It’s not just about attracting dragonflies, though. Moving water, especially, can keep mosquitoes from laying eggs.
Make sure to keep it clean and free of chemicals.
Plant Native Plants
Planting native greenery works wonders. Dragonflies thrive around certain plants and flowers that belong in your region.
Look for ones that can grow near water, like arrowhead, water lilies, or pickerelweed. Not only do they look pretty, but they also provide great hunting grounds for our winged friends.
Avoid Pesticides
Sure, you want to get rid of mosquitoes, but don’t reach for those chemical sprays. Pesticides can harm dragonflies and other helpful insects too.
By creating a pesticide-free zone, you’re inviting dragonflies to naturally keep the mosquito population in check.
Keep Your Yard Sunny
Dragonflies are sun-lovers. They bask in the sunlight and use it to warm up their bodies.
Make sure you have some sunny spots in your yard by trimming back trees and bushes. This sunny space will make your yard even more inviting for them.
Add Perch Points
Dragonflies need spots to land and rest. Adding sticks, plant stakes, or even tall plants can give them the perfect perches.
Position a few around your water feature and sunny areas for best results. The more resting spots, the longer they’ll stick around!
Provide Open Space
Dragonflies need room to fly around and catch their prey. Keep part of your yard open and free from clutter.
This open space is their hunting ground where they can easily spot and snatch mosquitoes from the air.
Introduce Fish
If you have a pond or a large water feature, adding fish can help. Fish, especially small ones like minnows, eat mosquito larvae.
This reduces the number of mosquitoes that even get a chance to grow, making it easier for the dragonflies to handle the rest.
Install Shelters
Protect dragonflies from rain and predators by adding a few shelters. These can be small rock piles or even garden statues.
These shelters give dragonflies a safe spot to hide and rest, ensuring they stick around to provide free mosquito control.