4 Methods On How To Get Rid Of Dragonflies Without Using Pesticides

When talking about insects, dragonflies, also known as skimmers or mosquito hawks, belong to the harmless group. Their presence can even be beneficial to your yard or garden. They serve as pest control since they prey on mosquitoes, flies, termites, ants, and other insects. They can attract birds to your property, thus, helping in the pollination process. Besides preying on harmful insects and aiding in pollination, they also decorate your garden with their vibrant colors and swift flight sweeping across the open space.

Dragonflies are a colorful addition to a garden, but overpopulation of this insect is an annoyance

However, if we talk about a huge number of dragonflies in your yard that have already become a nuisance, then, that is a different thing. While they may be an excellent predator for garden menace, they also have the tendency to feed on beneficial insects. Hence, the decision on having an uncontrollable number of dragonflies in your garden depends on your goals and preference.

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If you initially plan of having beneficial insects, like bees which are good for pollination, in your garden, then a huge number of dragonflies may not be the best scenario as dragonflies also prey on bees. Moreover, dragonflies lay eggs on plants’ leaves and stems. Thus, if you are growing leafy vegetables, finding some of the eggs on the leaves may not be the best options, unless you are willing to spend extra time washing each leaf thoroughly before cooking them.

Bear in mind that killing all the dragonflies is a shame since you may need some to control other harmful insects. Have no worries because you are on the right site. This how to get rid of dragonflies article will help you discourage dragonflies in your garden without cruelly pump spraying them with pesticide. We are going to make use of four main methods, namely: Reduction, Elimination, Addition, and Modification.

4 Efficient Methods To Get Rid Of Dragonflies

These four processes of dissuading the overloading number of dragonflies in the yard may seem too broad for you. But, do not frown yet! As you read this guide, each method is explained and exampled to completely assist you. Getting rid of dragonflies requires basic garden tools and assistance from other people. So, let’s get started!

1. Reduction

Areas catering stagnant water create mosquito breeding places which are beneficial for dragonflies

Though dragonflies are mosquito-hunters, a huge number of them are as irritant as a swarm of mosquitoes. Since they prey on mosquitoes and thrive on places with these blood-sucking insects, you might as well reduce the dragonflies’ source of food. Taking good care of your garden by maintaining its cleanliness is already a step closer to keeping away dragonflies.

Start with emptying tin cans, old tires, pet food bowls, unused flower pots, coconut shells, congested gutter, and other things that may contain stagnant water. Sweep all the indentation on the ground where water may have gathered. These objects and places offer a perfect breeding place for mosquitoes, thus provide food to dragonflies. In addition, you need to get rid of other insects that may affect plant growth such as flies, ants, and termites that are part of a dragonfly’s diet. It is then necessary to prune and pull out weeds growing near your plants. By cutting the food source of the dragonflies, you are shooing them away. Lesser insects as food mean lesser dragonflies! This science fact is a big help on how to get rid of dragonflies.

2. Elimination

A well-kept pond eliminates dragonfly larvae and prevents it from further maturation

After attacking the food source, you need to target the proliferation of dragonflies. They are usually attracted to water. They lay their eggs in the water. A pond or an unkempt fountain is ideal propagation area of dragonflies. So, trace the water sources in or near your yard, especially the area surrounding the lawn sprinklers and start eliminating or tidying them.

A clean pond with fresh water and without plants on, which dragonflies can perch to lay eggs, is definitely discouraging for them. Constantly cleaning the pond or fountain can prevent dragonfly larvae to develop into a full-grown insect. Hence, you should make sure that these water features in the garden are properly kept or dried up. How to get rid of dragonflies is as easy as cleaning your yard!

3. Addition

Frogs can also be added to prey on dragonflies

If you do not want to get rid of your water features in the yard, you might as well consider adding something to it. With an idea of the food chain, you can control a predator with another predator. Frogs eat dragonflies. Introducing a few amphibians to your garden will diminish the insect’s population. You can put fish in the pond to consume the dragonfly eggs. This way, you are targeting the nymphs to prevent reaching maturation stage.

Introducing predators like frogs, fishes, and birds to your pond can help reduce the number of dragonflies

Some birds also prey on dragonflies so lure them to your garden by making bird feeders. Birds would then see the abundance of dragonflies and would often visit your garden. By adding these predators in your yard, getting rid of dragonflies is much easier.

4. Modification

Your garden structure may be the reason why dragonflies are swarming in it

If you noticed that a good number of dragonflies are visiting your yard every day, there must be something in your place that accommodates their stay. It could be the food source, egg-laying area, or the structure of your garden itself. Talking about how to get rid of dragonflies in your garden, then, it is time to restructure it. Changing your garden’s landscape may create a less inviting ambiance to these insects.

The first thing to do is to identify the things that attract the dragonflies to your garden. Check the plant types you have in your yard and how you take care of them. Dragonflies usually thrive in wet areas or near ponds and fountains. So, be sure that your plants are not overwatered so as not to create a marshy environment around it. Also, avoid crowding your ponds with water lilies and other plants in which dragonflies can perch and lay their eggs. Constantly change the fountain or pond water to avoid breeding places of these insects.

Human activities held in the garden liven up the place and keep away dragonflies

Conclusion

If the number of dragonflies in your garden are already too overbearing and become a nuisance, then it is time to do something about it. Reduction, elimination, addition, and modification are excellent methods that help control the dragonflies in your garden without using pesticides. Having picnics, barbecue, tea party, and other gatherings in your garden can also diminish dragonfly population since human activities can disturb their habitat.

Do you think my guide on how to get rid of dragonflies is effective? Try it yourself and send me your feedback.