Mosquitoes are one of the most annoying parts of summer. You try to enjoy a nice evening outside, but instead, you spend it swatting at tiny bugs that just won’t leave you alone. But there is good news — nature has already given us a strong helper in this fight. That helper is the dragonfly.
Dragonflies are not just pretty insects that fly around water. They are one of the best natural predators of mosquitoes. According to Treehugger, just one adult dragonfly can eat more than 100 mosquitoes every day.
And it’s not just the adults. Dragonflies in their early stage, called nymphs, also eat mosquito larvae in the water. So from the start of their life, dragonflies are working to lower mosquito numbers.
“You’re actually helping mosquitoes if you kill a dragonfly,” expert said. “You’re removing a natural defense that keeps mosquito populations in control.”
The best way to attract dragonflies is by giving them what they need to live and grow. Dragonflies start their lives in water. As babies, they are called nymphs, and they live in water for up to three years, according to National Geographic.
During that time, they grow and shed their skin many times. When they are fully grown, they leave the water and become flying adults. These adults only live for about a month, but during that time, they eat lots of small flying bugs, especially mosquitoes.
Since water is such a big part of their life, it’s important to give dragonflies a good water source. A small pond in your yard can work well. Birdbaths or small dishes of water are not deep enough for them. That’s why a small, clean pond is the best choice. You’ll see more dragonflies around your home if you have one.
However, mosquitoes also need water to lay their eggs. But they prefer standing, dirty water like in gutters, buckets, or even children’s toys left outside. To stop mosquitoes from breeding, you should remove any standing water from your yard.
According to Treehugger advised, If you do have a pond, you can make it safer by adding special tablets made from Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, also called Bti. This natural product kills mosquito larvae without hurting dragonflies, birds, or fish. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says Bti is a safe and effective way to lower mosquito populations.
Not everyone can build a pond, but there are still ways to make your yard friendly to dragonflies. You can plant flowers and plants that look like their natural homes. Dragonflies like to perch on plants, especially native ones. A mix of local plants helps them feel at home and also brings in other bugs they eat.
“Try planting black-eyed Susan, Joe-Pye weed, and swamp milkweed,” said SCARCE, an environmental group. “These plants help dragonflies and also support pollinators like bees and butterflies.”
When your garden has a variety of plants, you get more helpful insects. And more insects mean more food for dragonflies, which keeps them coming back to your yard.
You can also plant herbs and flowers that mosquitoes hate. Some plants have strong smells that confuse mosquitoes or cover up the scent of people. This helps keep them away from your space.
“If you want to enjoy your patio without mosquitoes, try growing basil, lavender, lemon balm, sage, rosemary, peppermint, or citronella,” said Good Housekeeping. “These plants can really help make your space more comfortable.”
Citronella is well known for fighting mosquitoes, but some studies show that other plants like peppermint or catnip might work even better. To make your yard even less attractive to mosquitoes, clean your birdbaths and gutters often.
If you have a rain barrel, make sure it’s covered well so mosquitoes can’t get in. Adding fish to your pond, like fathead minnows, can also help because they eat mosquito larvae. “You can even install a bat house,” said SCARCE. “Bats are great nighttime hunters of mosquitoes.”
Experts warn against is using bug zappers. These devices may kill some mosquitoes, but they also kill dragonflies and other helpful insects.
So this summer, instead of using harmful sprays or loud machines, let nature do the work. Invite dragonflies into your garden, plant mosquito-repelling herbs, and manage your water carefully. These simple steps can turn your yard into a peaceful, mosquito-free place where you and your family can relax and enjoy the season.
“Let nature help you,” gardener said. “Dragonflies are beautiful, peaceful, and powerful little warriors in the fight against mosquitoes.”
