Dragonflies are graceful, beautiful and great at preventing bothersome pests from invading your garden. With the right plants and other garden features, such as rocks and water-loving plants, you can attract dragonflies to your yard and enjoy the many benefits they bring.
Can I use Dragonflies to control mosquitoes or other flying pests?
Dragonflies certainly do eat large numbers of flying pest species, but using them to control these pests is not really feasible. There have been a number of studies carried out and only in very restricted and tightly controlled environments have Dragonflies, or their larvae, been shown to be able to control pest numbers. In the open, there is no reason to suppose that Dragonflies introduced to a pest rich habitat will stay there. Indeed, they certainly will not if other aspects of the environment do not suit them. It follows from this that your best chance of getting Dragonflies to prey on pests is to develop the habitat so that it is particularly suitable for Dragonflies, a worthwhile aim in itself! See the BDS publications “Dig a Pond for Dragonflies” and “Managing Habitats for Dragonflies” for more details of how to do this.
Dragonflies: The Best Natural Pest Control For Mosquitoes
If you think that the most dangerous creatures on the planet are lions, or alligators, or snakes, they’re not. It is also not sharks, spiders, bears, or any other animal you can think of. Believe it or not, it is the tiny mosquitoes that have always been the deadliest creatures on the planet. Physically, mosquitoes do not look like they amount to much, but nothing else can beat their body count. Mosquitoes have murdered more people than all the wars in history combined.
Mosquitoes transmit various types of deadly diseases, including dengue fever, malaria, yellow fever, Zika virus, and the West Nile virus. If you are reading this, there is a big chance that you are having problems with mosquitoes in your home. If you are from Raleigh, then you are in luck. The best pest management for mosquitoes in Raleigh is just within your reach.
How To Get Rid Of Mosquitoes
There are some DIY ways you can do in order to get rid of mosquitoes. Before you think about hiring professionals, try these tips first.
1. If you are going outdoors, protect yourself by wearing long sleeved shirts and long pants. This will minimize skin exposure to mosquitoes.
2. Use mosquito repellent with the active ingredient DEET for added protection.
3. At home, use window screens. Make sure that your doors and windows are closed.
4. In the bedroom, use a mosquito net as you sleep. Mosquitoes somehow find their way in bedrooms.
5. Electric fans can disrupt their flight patterns, so take advantage of it.
6. Remove items that can hold water for a long time.
Dragonflies: The Natural Mosquito Killers
These gentle insects are useful in getting rid of mosquitoes. They eat mosquitoes at all stages. Dragonflies can be spotted circling around foraging for mosquitoes and other pests.
Among all beneficial insects, the dragonflies are the best mosquito repellents there is. They feed on flying mosquitoes, but they are also aquatic insect predators. Dragonflies eat mosquito larvae as well. They are most potent feeding on larvae when controlling mosquito populations. As for the adult mosquitoes, dragonflies can eat at least 100 mosquitoes per day.
Now, how do you draw dragonflies?
One of the primary ways to draw dragonflies to your area is to place a small body of water such as a pond in your yard. Dragonflies are aquatic insect predators, so a small body of water will draw them to your space. Like the mosquitoes, they lay their eggs in the water.
Another alternative is to develop a host of plants that will appeal to the dragonflies. Plant trees and shrubs around your garden. This will provide them sanctuary. Blooming plants are likewise acceptable, since they attract pollinators. It is relevant to note that dragonflies are attracted to flowers as well.
Listed Below Are Plants That You May Choose To So You Can Attract Dragonflies:
White Yarrow – White yarrows are perennial wildflowers that can be characterized as a plant that can make a plethora of massive clusters packed with around 20 white blossoms. Their foliage is immune to diseases. They attract butterflies and parasitic wasps which attract dragonflies. This plant flourishes in clear sunlight and carefully drained soils. It is likewise remarkably easy to cultivate.
Meadow sage – Meadow sages are perennial, violet colored flowers that attract small insects which dragonflies prey on. This plant certainly does not require much water, only lots of sunlight. It loves full sun but will also work out well in partial shade.
Joe-Pye weed – Joe-Pye weeds are plants that produce pale pink flowers. This plant can develop to 3 feet to 12 feet, and attracts butterflies and other pollinators that dragonflies feed on. It smells like vanilla. It flourishes in full or partial sunlight.
Swamp milkweed – These flowers appear in white and pink colors. They attract butterflies, wasps, and bees that dragonflies prey on. These plants like damp clay soil.
Black Eyed Susan – These plants are heat tolerant and drought resistant and attract dragonflies and other pollinators. They are translucent yellow in color. Black Eyed Susan lives for around 2 years in temperate environments. They fit well to practically every type of soil.These plants will surely attract dragonflies.
Ways To Attract Dragonflies To Your Property
Attracting dragonflies to your property can be achieved by creating an inviting habitat. Here are some tips to make your property dragonfly-friendly:
- Provide water sources: Dragonflies require water for breeding and the larval stage. Install a pond, birdbath, or even water-filled containers to attract dragonflies.
- Add aquatic plants: Dragonflies prefer laying their eggs on aquatic plants. Include a variety of submerged and emergent plants in your water features to provide suitable egg-laying sites.
- Avoid chemical pesticides: Dragonflies are sensitive to chemical pollutants. Minimize or eliminate pesticides in your yard to maintain a healthy environment for these beneficial insects.
- Include perching spots: Dragonflies need perches to rest and survey their surroundings. Place tall, thin objects like sticks or poles near water bodies as perching spots.
- Create diverse habitats: Incorporate a mix of open spaces, vegetation, and water features to provide a range of habitats that can attract different dragonfly species.
Attract Dragonflies For Natural Mosquito Control!
Harnessing the power of dragonflies for natural mosquito control is effective and environmentally friendly. By creating an inviting habitat and following the tips above, you can encourage dragonflies to call your property home. Let these magnificent aerial predators take care of the mosquito menace, ensuring you can enjoy outdoor spaces without constant buzzing and itchy bites.
Dragonflies, particularly in their larval stage, are crucial in mosquito control. The larvae, known as nymphs, reside in water bodies and voraciously feed on mosquito larvae and other small aquatic insects. They are highly efficient predators, devouring significant numbers of mosquito larvae as they develop. Once they reach adulthood, dragonflies continue to contribute to mosquito control by feeding on adult mosquitoes.
