Jump to:
In gardens, pesky insects can wreak havoc on plants, including your small front garden. Experts are encouraging gardeners to welcome dragonflies as a natural pest control solution. These flying jewels help keep flies and mosquitoes in check, protecting your haven.
In this blog, we’ve put together four simple tips to attract dragonflies. Read on, and get ready to keep your garden in balance and keep plant irritants at bay!
Proven Techniques to Attract Dragonflies to Your Yard
A study reveals that dragonflies can be effective biological control agents for mosquitoes. A single dragonfly can devour anywhere from thirty to hundreds of mosquitoes daily. To attract these beneficial winged predators, you need to create a welcoming environment. Not only that, but you also need to be mindful of their sensitivity to air pollution.
Here are five effective strategies to attract them and promote a thriving habitat:
1. Introduce a water feature
Placing a water feature in your garden is a key strategy for attracting dragonflies. These aerial predatory insects are drawn to water, especially still or slow-moving sources. Consider adding at least one of the following below to provide an attractive habitat:
- Birdbath: A simple and charming choice, a birdbath provides a shallow basin for water. It’s ideal for dragonflies to perch on while taking a break from their agile flights. To DIY, choose a shallow basin and elevate it on a pedestal or place it on the ground amidst your garden.
- Pond: A larger water feature, like a pond, adds a dynamic element to your garden. Dragonflies are attracted to the reflective surface and the potential for aquatic plants. Both can serve as perching spots and egg-laying sites. Create a pond by digging a hole, lining it with a pond liner, and adding rocks and plants around the edges.
- Other water features: Explore creative options like a small fountain. Dragonflies appreciate a variety of water sources. For a DIY approach, repurpose a decorative container. Install a small pump for a fountain effect and place it strategically in your garden.
Adding these water features unquestionably makes your garden look nicer. Most importantly, it also creates a welcoming environment for dragonflies. As a result, your outdoor space becomes more balanced and lively.
2. Diversify your landscape with rocks
Enrich your garden’s ambience by diversifying your landscape with rocks. These remarkable insects thrive when provided with an array of perching spots. What you need to do is to mix different-sized rocks throughout various areas. These rocks serve as resting places for dragonflies. They offer them vantage points to survey their surroundings and effectively hunt mosquitoes. Consider the following and find what suits your outdoor terrain best:
- Boulder clusters: Create clusters of larger boulders to form inviting perches for dragonflies. These serve as convenient resting spots and add a natural touch to your landscape.
- Rock edges: Line the edges of your garden beds or water features with smaller rocks. This provides additional perching opportunities while adding a touch of texture.
- Rock piles: Assemble small piles of rocks in different corners of your garden. These provide shelter and secure spots for dragonflies to oversee their hunting areas.
Adding rocks not only suits dragonflies but also improves your garden’s balance. For more inspiration, check out these pebble garden ideas.
3. Avoid harmful chemicals
Protect dragonflies by gardening responsibly — avoid harmful chemicals. These sensitive insects need a natural and organic environment. Say no to pesticides and chemicals. Otherwise, these could drive away these helpful creatures from your garden. Instead, take into consideration these alternatives:
- Organic pest control: Embrace organic alternatives to chemical pesticides. Utilise neem oil and/or diatomaceous earth. Also, consider companion planting to naturally manage pests without harming dragonflies.
- Pollinator-friendly plants: Opt for plants that attract pollinators. Native flowering plants help enhance your garden’s aesthetics. Moreover, they provide a potential food source for these insects. Think of lavender, foxglove, red champion, meadowsweet, and honeysuckle. Their vibrant blooms and nectar-rich flowers create an inviting space, including for damselflies.
- Compost instead of chemicals: Enhance soil fertility and structure through composting. This natural approach benefits your plants and maintains a healthy environment for dragonflies.
- Avoiding synthetic fertilisers: Substitute synthetic fertilisers with organic alternatives. This technique will prevent the accumulation of harmful chemicals in your garden.
Say no to harmful chemicals to protect dragonflies and promote a healthy garden. Embrace natural practices for a harmonious environment where beneficial insects can thrive.
4. Maintain a clean environment
Keep your yard clean to provide the best habitat for dragonflies. Eliminate standing water, which can be a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes. Do so by regularly inspecting and addressing areas prone to stagnation.
Keep your water features, such as birdbaths or ponds, clean and well-maintained. This habit will create an inviting and hygienic space for dragonflies. Moreover, it prevents mosquito proliferation and enhances the overall appeal of your garden.
Dragonflies, being attracted to clean environments, will thrive in a well-maintained space. Keeping things clean shows your dedication to creating an environment where they thrive. This, in turn, contributes to a natural and effective pest control system in your green haven. Most importantly, ensuring a more enjoyable and ecologically balanced outdoor experience.
Round-up
Bringing dragonflies to your garden naturally controls pests. Add water features and diverse rocks, and avoid harmful chemicals for a supportive environment. Keep things clean for an optimal habitat. Follow these simple steps for a flourishing, pest-free, and harmonious outdoor space. Enjoy the beauty of nature in your garden!
Explore the benefits of a BillyOh greenhouse. Not only does it create an ideal environment for plants, but it also attracts dragonflies. These winged allies help keep mosquitoes and pesky insects in check. Consider adding one to enhance your garden’s ecosystem. Available in both wooden greenhouse and metal greenhouse units.
Up next on your reading list: How To Make A Bug Hotel In 7 Easy Steps
What do you think ?