Attract Dragonflies to Control Mosquitoes

If you are at all like me, the worst part of gardening is the swarms of tiny bloodsuckers that are flying around you! And their bite makes you itch for days! There never seems to be enough mosquito spray in the world on the days when they are absolutely voracious! I’ve been told that they love me so much that they’d follow me to the moon!

Mosquitos have a well-earned reputation for being bad bugs. They can transmit pathogens and are the world's leading spreaders of diseases and parasites that kill 725,000 people a year! Spreading Malaria, West Nile, Dengue Fever, Chikungunya virus, Yellow fever, Zika virus, and many other types of mosquito-borne illnesses throughout every continent except Antarctica.

So these pesky nuisances and that itchy bump we deal with here in the US are often the worst that happens to us - and for that, we should be grateful!

So what can we do to deter these little flying vampires in our gardens? Send in the Dragonflies!

Voracious Flying Beneficial Insects
Attracting and Keeping Dragonflies Near Your Home
- Dragonfly Habitat Needs
- Dragonfly’s Favorite Plants
Types of Dragonflies and Darners
Other Methods To Get Rid of Mosquitoes
Combatting Mosquitoes
Fight The Bites!

Voracious Flying Beneficial Insects

Harmless to people and not stinging or biting us (unless you REALLY tick one off), Dragonfly mandibles usually cannot break our skin. However, with those mandibles and their incredible flight abilities, a single Dragonfly can eat its own body weight in bugs every half hour - earning them the nickname Mosquito Hawks.

These flying predators have been found in the fossil record as far back as 325 million years ago. Belonging to the order Odonata, there are about 5,000 species of these unique insects alive today.

Adults may only live for a few weeks, but others live up to a year, while others live just over 6 years. Those longer-living Dragonflies form swarms and even migrate for the winter.

Symbolize transformation and making the most of every moment
One of the first winged insects - Fossils dating back over 325 million years ago
The first flying insects on earth - Dragonfly fossils had wingspans 2 feet wide!
Belong to the order Odonata - Meaning “toothed one” in Greek
Their wings move independently - Their flight influenced Helicopters
Dragonflies can only eat while flying - Intercepting food mid-air
Their entire head is almost completely made up of their compound eyes
Globe Skimmers migrate 11,000 miles across the Indian Ocean
They hunt with a 97% success rate

Dragonfly Wings

Their lovely paired sets of long slender wings resemble stained glass! Dragonflies spread their wings open wide, and Damselflies fold their wings up neatly. Both have wings that move independently, allowing them to fly forward, backward, side to side, and everywhere in between - even hovering completely stationary! These jet fighters of the bug worlds can fly at speeds up to 30-35 miles per hour!

Dragonfly Eyes

Their compound eyes give them nearly 360 degrees of vision, have 30,000 facets, and allow them to grab a meal on the wing - snatching it right from the sky! But if they can’t fly, they can’t eat - only able to eat while on the wing, so an injured Dragonfly will starve to death. In fact, the only place they can’t see is directly behind them because their entire head is almost entirely eyeballs!

Dragonfly Diet

A single Dragonfly can eat hundreds of Mosquitoes a day! With a 97% success rate, they are masters at catching food while in flight, eating their bodyweight in bugs a day! They also eat other flying pests, such as gnats, flies, and black flies - and anything they can catch.

Dragonfly Nymphs

Damselflies, Dragonflies, and Darters all live out a majority (up to 2 years) of their lives as aquatic predators; they are as voracious as they are in their adult form. Once they are ready, they hatch and take to the sky!

As juvenile larvae (nymphs), they eat loads of Mosquito larvae and about anything else they can catch, including small fish, each other, and tadpoles! Once mature, they climb out of the water and molt.

Attracting and Keeping Dragonflies Near Your Home

Since most of their life is in water, having a water source year-round and food in that water is a vital step in attracting these aerial beneficial predators! But don’t worry if you don’t have a pond, Dragonflies aren’t keen on staying in one place and spread out to find their own hunting grounds. Often traveling miles from a water source in search of food. Since they can fly so fast, distance isn’t a problem for them. So the next step in attracting them is giving them a place worthy of calling home!

If you have room, maintaining a pond large enough to support a small ecosystem where Dragonflies will be able to lay their eggs and have enough food to support them as nymphs is a good start. Be sure it isn’t cleaned out completely every winter - they lay eggs in and hide in the muck at the bottom, and the larvae have a place to hibernate. Also, ensure the pond is deep enough so the nymphs won’t freeze solid in the winter. Pick a pond that’s at least 2 feet deep and as large as possible. Or try planting a Bog or Rain Garden!

Dragonfly Habitat Needs

Provide a Water Source
Avoid Bug Zappers
Reduce Pesticide & Herbicide Use
Provide Tall Perches
Plant Native Plants

Tall trees, shrubs, and perennials where Dragonflies and Darners can land on, hide in, and perch on are their favorites, and luckily, Nature Hills has no shortage of those available for you!

Dragonfly with stripes

Avoid spraying regularly with pesticides and other things that kill their food, and the Dragonflies themselves, and try to avoid bug zappers for the same reason! Spraying herbicides can also make Dragonflies sick since the bugs they eat may be covered in the chemicals when they get eaten. So organic methods and non-chemical options are your best bet.

Dragonfly’s Favorite Plants

You will recognize that many of the plants that attract these little dynamos are the same that also attract pollinators and other beneficial insects!

Usually found near wet, boggy, or soggy areas - coincidentally, a Mosquito's favorite haunt - are the favorite hunting grounds for Dragonflies! Grassy areas and prairies with a water source and plenty of brightly colored flowers, tall waving stems, and sunny perches attract Dragonflies and their cousins in swarms.

Most Colorful Pollinator-Friendly Plants and Perennials
Milkweeds - Especially Swamp Milkweed
Rudbeckia
Borage
Tall Joe Pye Weed
Meadow Sages
Yarrow (Achillea)
Ponds and Pond Plants - Cattails, Rushes, Iris, Arrowhead, Horsetail, and Lotus

Other Garden additions that Dragonflies and their family appreciate are flat rocks for basking on in the sun, and tall wispy plants for them to perch on, watch for prey, and to dry their wings after molting.

These plants are great for creating your own pollinator gardens, wetland gardens, prairie plantings, and Children's Gardens!

Types of Dragonflies and Darners

There are several species of these great beneficial insects here in the US!

Skimmers

Skimmers are one of the largest Dragonfly families and include Emeralds (aka Green Eyed Skimmers), Common Whitetails, Widow Skimmers, and Great Blue Skimmers. They also include Four-Spotted, Eight-Spotted, and Twelve-Spotted Skimmers. Named because of how they seem to skim low to the ground and just barely above the surface of the water.

River Cruisers

They are often brown and olive green, large Dragonflies that prefer to fly down streets, rivers, roads, and other straight paths, scooping up anything they can catch.

Darners

Named by the method they seem to fly like a sewing needle darning a piece of clothing, Darners are bright colored fliers. Common Darner females are usually yellow and green (look like camouflage paint jobs!), and males are often blue with darker upper bodies.

Petaltails, Spiketails & Clubtails

The oldest family members of Dragonflies are the Petaltails, which are named so because of a petal-looking orange spike the males sport. Spiketails are often found in forest and stream areas in the Rockies and are large Dragonflies with dark brown abdomens and bright yellow stripes.

While most Dragonflies have long, slender abdomens, the Clubtail has a bulbous end to its body. Often a mix of olive greens, black to brown, and white accents, there is only one kind of Clubtail found around the US.

Damselflies

Smaller and slower than their larger cousins, Jewelwing Damselflies and Narrow-Winged Damsels have similar bodies and eyes as Dragonflies, but many Damselflies are different. Instead of their wings lying outstretched and open across their backs, Jewelwings and some other Spreadwing Damselflies keep their wings neatly folded up on their backs instead. Living life on the casual side, they are not the jet fighters their larger cousins are.

Always vibrantly colored, Damselflies are more fairy-like when they fly!

Other Methods To Get Rid of Mosquitoes

With 200 species of mosquitoes in the US, only the females bite. Like ticks, No-See-Ums, and Fleas, female Mosquitoes need a drop of blood to lay their eggs, which can be up to 100 at a time, and in a water source.

Attracted to the carbon dioxide from our breath and something in our sweat, there are several theories floating around that explain why some people are more preyed upon than others, from blood type to what they eat.

Combatting Mosquitoes

There are natural and organic insecticides, foggers, and sprays you can use around larger shrubs and places Mosquitoes like to hide - including patio furniture, unattended birdbaths, or in a carport, shed, or garage. Just avoid spraying your flowering shrubs and perennials, vegetable gardens, and pond plants where Dragonflies and other beneficial insects and pollinators like to hide.

The next best defense is not leaving standing water anywhere! Mosquitoes lay eggs in any amount of standing water, so get rid of all those tires lying around, outdoor containers and pots, drip trays, buckets, unused kiddie pools, trash cans, and low areas in the yard that let water frequently pool. Treat water you cannot dump out with larvicides or drops of bleach if able, or use a fountain or a bubbler to keep the water moving.

There are several methods that are almost 100% effective to chase away these bugs - most notably Mosquito repellent sprays we can wear, burning incense and citronella candles, to less proven methods like burning coffee grounds and traps made of sugar and yeast. Yellow LED lighting and Cedar mulch have been said to help, too.

Outdoors, you can plant aromatic plants that repel Mosquitoes like scented Herbs, scented Geraniums, Eucalyptus, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, and Citronella plants. Keeping your lawn short and bushes trimmed and manicured since this allows Mosquitoes fewer areas to hide in too.

Indoors, ensure screens are free of holes, direct a fan to blow them away from you, and even some types of soap repel them. Mosquitoes lie in wait in dark, humid places like under the sink and anywhere there is frequent moisture. Employ air conditioners to remove humidity from the air, so it also dries up these skinny wisps of legs and wings. That’s why you won’t see them flying in the full sun - they can dry right up!

If you are as tasty to these bloodsuckers as I am, there’s even Mosquito-proof and Mosquito-repellent clothing, long sleeves and pant legs, and fine mesh clothing and hats you can wear that help keep them from physically getting to you when you absolutely need to be outdoors for long periods of time.

Fight The Bites!

And if you do get bitten?

Wash the bite area with soapy water
Ice packs help reduce swelling and itching. Use for 10 minutes as needed
Over-the-counter anti-itch or antihistamine cream
Don’t itch! It can leave a scar

Hopefully, this will help you fight bites this summer! Combined with a few other methods of sanitation and some planning, this summer will be one with less itching! Fend off the pesky biting swarms by attracting a far more insatiable appetite!

Want to do more to help Dragonflies? Join groups and donate your time and money to conserve wetlands, create your own Dragonfly Garden, and use less pesticide!

Let NatureHills.com help you attract Dragonflies to your garden for a bug-free gardening experience each summer!

Happy Planting!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I attract dragonflies to my backyard garden?

Dragonflies need water to breed, so adding a small pond or water feature at least 2 feet deep is the most effective way to draw them in. Plant native aquatic and pond-edge plants like water lilies, cattails, and rushes to give dragonfly larvae shelter and climbing surfaces as they emerge. Avoid pesticides in your garden, as these kill the beneficial insects dragonflies rely on for food. Start by installing your water feature in a sunny spot and surrounding it with native flowering plants to create the ideal dragonfly habitat.

Do dragonflies actually eat mosquitoes, and how many can they consume?

Yes, dragonflies are highly effective mosquito predators and are often called "Mosquito Hawks" for good reason. A single dragonfly can consume its own body weight in insects every half hour, making them one of the most efficient natural pest control options available. To take advantage of this natural defense, focus on creating a dragonfly-friendly habitat in your garden by incorporating a water feature and planting native vegetation around it to attract and keep these beneficial insects close to home.

How do I create a dragonfly-friendly habitat to control mosquitoes naturally?

Dragonflies need a water source to complete their life cycle, so adding a small pond or water feature at least 2 feet deep to your garden is the single most effective step you can take. Plant native aquatic and shoreline vegetation around the water's edge to give dragonfly larvae places to hide and climb as they mature into adults. Avoid using pesticides near your water feature, as these will kill the beneficial insects you are trying to attract. Start by installing your water garden in a spot that receives partial sun, then add a few flat rocks nearby where adult dragonflies can perch and warm themselves between hunting flights.

Will dragonflies help reduce mosquito populations in my yard?

Yes, dragonflies are highly effective natural predators of mosquitoes and can consume their own body weight in insects every half hour, earning them the nickname Mosquito Hawks. A healthy dragonfly population in your yard can make a noticeable dent in local mosquito numbers throughout the warmer months. To attract and keep dragonflies near your home, focus on creating the right habitat conditions, including a water feature, native plantings, and perching spots that encourage them to stay and hunt in your garden.

Do dragonflies also eat other biting insects like gnats and black flies?

Yes, dragonflies are generalist predators that will eat a wide range of small flying insects, including gnats, black flies, midges, and even small moths. A single dragonfly can consume its own body weight in insects every half hour, making them one of the most effective natural pest controllers in the garden. To take advantage of their appetite, focus on creating a dragonfly-friendly habitat near your outdoor living spaces by adding a small water feature and planting native vegetation around its edges to encourage them to take up residence.

Can you buy dragonflies to release in your yard for mosquito control?

While you can find dragonfly eggs and nymphs for sale online, releasing them is generally not recommended as an effective mosquito control strategy, since dragonflies are highly mobile and will simply fly away once released. The better approach is to create habitat that naturally attracts and keeps wild dragonflies in your yard. Add a water feature like a pond at least 2 feet deep with aquatic plants, as dragonflies require standing water to lay eggs and complete their larval stage. Focus on planting native flowering plants and grasses around a water source to give dragonflies the environment they need to take up permanent residence and do the work for you.

How effective are dragonflies at keeping mosquitoes away compared to other methods?

Dragonflies are one of the most effective natural predators for mosquito control, capable of consuming their own body weight in insects every half hour, earning them the well-deserved nickname "Mosquito Hawks." Unlike sprays and repellents that offer temporary relief, dragonflies provide ongoing, natural pest management throughout their active season. That said, they work best as part of a layered approach alongside eliminating standing water and other control methods. To maximize their impact, focus on creating dragonfly-friendly habitat near your garden by adding a water feature and planting their favorite native plants to encourage them to take up permanent residence.

What plants should I grow to attract dragonflies that eat mosquitoes?

Dragonflies need water plants and perennials that support their habitat and hunting grounds. Water-loving plants like cattails, water lilies, and rushes are ideal because dragonflies lay their eggs in or near still water and use emergent vegetation as perches and shelter. Shoreline plantings of black-eyed Susans, meadow sage, and joe-pye weed attract the smaller insects that dragonflies also feed on, creating a full ecosystem that keeps them around. Start by adding a small water feature or pond with native aquatic plants, then surround it with nectar-rich perennials to establish a dragonfly-friendly habitat in your yard.

Do dragonflies hunt mosquitoes at the larval stage as well as adults?

Yes, dragonflies are remarkably effective mosquito predators at every stage of their own life cycle. Dragonfly larvae, called nymphs, live underwater and actively hunt mosquito larvae in ponds, water gardens, and other still water sources, sometimes for years before emerging as adults. Once airborne, adult dragonflies continue the hunt, capable of eating their own body weight in mosquitoes and other insects every 30 minutes. To maximize this double-stage protection, add a small pond or water feature to your garden to support both nymph and adult dragonfly populations.

How long does it take for dragonflies to make a noticeable difference in mosquito populations?

Dragonflies are remarkably efficient predators, capable of eating their own body weight in insects every half hour, so a healthy dragonfly population can begin reducing mosquito numbers within a few weeks of establishment. However, building a self-sustaining dragonfly presence in your yard typically takes one full season, as you need to create the right habitat conditions to attract and retain them. The most effective approach is to install a water feature or small pond in spring, since dragonflies breed in standing water and their aquatic larvae also feed on mosquito larvae throughout the season. Focus on planting native vegetation around your water source and eliminating competing mosquito breeding sites to give your new dragonfly population the best chance of thriving quickly.

How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes? Dragonflies to the Rescue!