Why Do Dragonflies Eat Mosquitoes?
WouterDuring the summer months, mosquitoes are a nuisance. If you want to avoid being plagued by them, you may want to consider the benefits of dragonflies. They can help control the mosquito population in your area and can even make your yard a fun, exciting place.
Dragonflies are also good at hunting other insects. They can eat bees, gnats, termites, and even horseflies. They also consume up to 15 percent of their own weight in mosquitoes. They also do a good job of hunting down blackflies. They can be quite a sight, especially during the spring and summer months.
Although dragonflies are great for insect control, they do not do enough to significantly affect the mosquito population in any given area. Natural predators, such as bats and guppies, can also help.
One way to get dragonflies to visit your yard is to plant a submerged plant. Plants that thrive in submerged environments, such as water horsetails, black-eyed Susans, and swamp milkweeds, are ideal.
If you’re not into submerging your garden, you can try using essential oils to keep mosquitoes at bay. Also, be sure to check your gutters for mosquito eggs. If your gutters are clogged, they can hold hundreds of mosquito larvae. If your hose is lead free, you can easily dislodge them.
Another way to attract dragonflies to your yard is to plant native plants that attract pollinating insects. Water horsetails, swamp milkweeds, irises, buttercups, and water lilies are all good options.
