Living in Florida comes with its own set of challenges, one of which is dealing with pesky insects all year round. However, out of all the pests, mosquitoes are the most troubling ones. These tiny bugs carry potentially deadly diseases, which means they are not only a nuisance, but they can also pose a serious health risk. Luckily, there’s a natural predator that feasts on these harmful insects—the dragonfly.
Not only are majestic dragonflies beautiful creatures to watch with their intricate wings and vibrant colors, but they’re also natural predators of mosquitoes. So, can dragonflies help with pest control? Yes! Read on to find out how.
Dragonflies Are Natural Predators of Mosquitoes
While the graceful dragonfly may be a staple of picturesque scenery, they’re also skilled predators. These insects are natural enemies to pesky mosquitoes—they swoop in and snatch these bloodsuckers out of the air with ease, using lightning-fast reflexes and sharp vision to track their prey. Not only are they effective at controlling the mosquito population, but they also add an extra level of beauty to our outdoor surroundings.
Why is it so important to keep mosquito populations low in your own yard? Aside from giving you and your family some irritating, itchy bites, they carry serious, life-threatening diseases including:
- Dengue fever
- Malaria
- Yellow fever
- West Nile virus
- Zika virus
Learn More: How Can I Prepare for Mosquito Season Before May?
How to Attract Dragonflies for Mosquito Control
If you want to keep your family safe and enjoy a mosquito-free yard, attracting dragonflies can help. Some ways to encourage dragonflies to visit your yard include:
- Add a Water Feature. During their larval stage, dragonflies are aquatic—they need water to lay eggs and reproduce. By providing a source of water like a small pond, you can attract dragonflies to your yard. Ideally, they like an aquatic environment at least two feet deep with plenty of plants—but make sure to keep the water circulating to prevent mosquitoes from laying their own eggs.
- Grow the Right Plants. The colorful dragonfly is attracted to plants with colorful blooms, as well as leaves and stems that serve as perches. Some good plants to install in your yard include the black-eyed Susan, borage, meadow sage, and yarrow. It’s best to plant them near water features to create a mini dragonfly-friendly ecosystem.
- Create Shelter. Don’t forget that while dragonflies are natural predators, there are predators that are on the lookout for them, too. Add tall grasses and shrubs to give dragonflies some shelter to hide from their predators.
Learn More: How Can I Control Mosquitoes During an Outdoor Event?
Keep Your Yard Mosquito-Free This Summer
If you’re like most Florida homeowners, you enjoy and appreciate our state’s unique ecosystem. While you’ll find mosquitoes throughout the state, natural predators like the dragonfly can help keep these populations low, and you can get even better results when you partner with the mosquito control experts at Evergreen Lawn and Pest Control – Debary.
Our mosquito control program keeps these harmful pests at bay, all while protecting beneficial natural predators like the dragonfly. Enjoy your outdoor space to the fullest this summer by keeping it mosquito-free! Call us today at (407) 880-6655 for your free consultation.
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