Gardening Soul
Dragonflies Can Eliminate Mosquitoes in Your Yard – Here’s What to Plant to Attract Them
by Linda Parker February 28, 2020 - Updated on July 9, 2025
Imagine relaxing outside on a summer evening without the constant hum of mosquitoes or the fear of itchy bites.
While bug sprays and citronella candles help, there’s a natural, beautiful way to keep mosquito populations under control – dragonflies.
Often called “mosquito hawks,” dragonflies are graceful, ancient predators that feast on mosquitoes and other annoying insects.
A single dragonfly can eat hundreds of mosquitoes per day, making them a gardener’s ally in natural pest control.
If you want a yard alive with shimmering wings and free from buzzing pests, the secret lies in making your garden dragonfly-friendly.
Why Dragonflies Are Mosquito Killers
Dragonflies belong to the order Odonata, a group of ancient insects that predate dinosaurs. They’ve been honing their hunting skills for over 300 million years.
Dragonflies hunt mosquitoes at every life stage:
Nymphs (juvenile dragonflies) live underwater and feed on mosquito larvae, preventing them from ever becoming flying adults.
Adults patrol gardens and ponds, snatching adult mosquitoes out of the air with astonishing speed and precision.
Studies show that dragonflies can reduce mosquito populations significantly, making them one of the best natural solutions for mosquito management.
What Attracts Dragonflies?
To attract dragonflies, you must meet their basic habitat needs:
Water: Dragonflies lay eggs in water. Nymphs live underwater for months or years, depending on the species.
Sunlight: Dragonflies are sun-lovers. They bask on rocks and plants to regulate body temperature.
Vegetation: Tall plants provide perching spots for hunting and resting.
Shelter: Dense plants offer protection from predators and wind.
Creating the right conditions transforms your garden into a magnet for dragonflies—and a fortress against mosquitoes.
Create a Dragonfly-Friendly Water Feature
A water feature is the single most crucial element for dragonflies. Without water, they cannot breed or complete their life cycle.
Building the Perfect Dragonfly Pond
Here’s how to design a pond that dragonflies will love:
Size: Aim for at least 2 feet deep and 5-6 feet across. Even small ponds attract dragonflies, but larger ponds support more species.
Edges: Gently sloping edges allow dragonfly nymphs to crawl out when emerging as adults.
Still water: Avoid fountains or strong water currents. Dragonflies prefer calm water.
Sun exposure: Place the pond in a sunny spot.
Plants: Add aquatic plants both submerged and emergent.
Best Aquatic Plants for Dragonflies
Plant these in and around your pond:
Water lilies (Nymphaea spp.): Provide shelter for nymphs and surfaces for adult dragonflies to rest.
Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata): Offers emergent vegetation for dragonflies to perch.
Cattails (Typha spp.): Tall stalks serve as hunting posts.
Water iris (Iris versicolor): Adds beauty and excellent habitat.
Horsetail rush (Equisetum hyemale): Provides vertical structure near the pond edge.
These plants help oxygenate water, stabilize the pond, and give dragonflies safe places to lay eggs.
Surround Your Garden with Dragonfly-Loving Plants
Dragonflies aren’t interested in nectar like butterflies, but the right plants create shelter, hunting grounds, and perches.
Tall Perennial Flowers
Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum): Grows 4-7 feet tall. Dragonflies love perching on its tall stalks.
Bee Balm (Monarda spp.): Attracts beneficial insects, creating a lively ecosystem that dragonflies frequent.
Goldenrod (Solidago spp.): Adds late-season color and provides hunting platforms.
Grasses
Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum): Tall, upright grass that dragonflies use for perching.
Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium): Offers cover and structural interest.
Shrubs and Bushes
Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis): Thrives near water, offering perching spots.
Dogwood (Cornus spp.): Dense foliage for shelter.
Trees
Willow (Salix spp.): Often found near water, willows attract dragonflies for hunting and resting.
River birch (Betula nigra): Suitable for wet soils, providing excellent habitat.
Planting layers of vegetation – low, medium, and tall – creates an ideal dragonfly hunting ground.
Avoid Pesticides
Pesticides harm beneficial insects like dragonflies and their prey.
To keep your garden dragonfly-friendly:
Eliminate broad-spectrum insecticides.
Embrace natural pest control instead of chemical solutions.
Encourage a balanced ecosystem with diverse plantings.
Healthy biodiversity is the secret to sustainable mosquito control.
Provide Perching Spots
Dragonflies love to perch. They’re ambush predators, scanning for prey from elevated positions.
Simple ways to create perching sites:
Place decorative stakes or trellises around your pond or garden beds.
Leave dried flower stalks standing during winter.
Add garden ornaments like bamboo poles.
Providing vertical structures increases dragonfly activity – and your garden’s charm.
Control Fish in Dragonfly Ponds
While fish like koi or goldfish add beauty, they often eat dragonfly larvae.
To maximize dragonfly numbers:
Keep fish out of dedicated dragonfly ponds.
Or maintain a balance by limiting fish numbers and providing dense aquatic plants where nymphs can hide.
A fish-free pond often supports more dragonflies and fewer mosquitoes.
Maintain Clean Water
Dragonfly nymphs require clean water. To keep your pond healthy:
Remove fallen leaves and debris.
Avoid chemical treatments.
Add oxygenating plants.
Use a pond pump for gentle circulation if needed.
Healthy water ensures strong dragonfly populations – and better mosquito control.
Benefits Beyond Mosquito Control
Attracting dragonflies brings broader benefits to your garden:
Pollination boost: Many plants rely on healthy insect populations. Dragonflies contribute indirectly by supporting biodiversity.
Beauty: Their iridescent wings and aerial acrobatics add living art to your garden.
Environmental education: Dragonflies offer wonderful learning opportunities for children and adults alike.
Balanced ecosystem: A garden teeming with life remains healthier and more resilient to pests and disease.
Dragonfly Species You Might See
Different dragonfly species vary in size, color, and habitat preferences.
Keep an eye out for:
Blue Dasher (Pachydiplax longipennis): Small dragonflies with bright blue bodies.
Green Darner (Anax junius): Large, migratory species common across North America.
Twelve-spotted Skimmer (Libellula pulchella): Recognizable by white wing patches.
Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis): Aggressive hunters often seen around ponds.
Each species has unique preferences, so the more diverse your habitat, the more dragonflies you’ll attract.
Dragonflies vs. Mosquitoes – How Many Do They Eat?
Estimates vary, but a single adult dragonfly can consume 30-100 mosquitoes per day. Their aquatic nymphs devour mosquito larvae underwater, preventing populations from ever taking flight.
A garden brimming with dragonflies can significantly reduce mosquito numbers without chemicals or traps.
Quick Guide: What to Plant to Attract Dragonflies
Here’s a handy reference:
Plant Type Recommended Plants
Aquatic plants Water lilies, cattails, pickerelweed, iris, horsetail
Tall perennials Joe Pye weed, bee balm, goldenrod
Grasses Switchgrass, little bluestem
Shrubs Buttonbush, dogwood
Trees Willow, river birch
If you’re tired of mosquitoes buzzing around your patio or garden, it’s time to invite dragonflies into your yard.
By planting the right mix of vegetation and creating a dragonfly-friendly water feature, you’ll attract these remarkable predators.
Beyond mosquito control, dragonflies add beauty, biodiversity, and balance to your outdoor space. They’re living proof that sometimes the best pest control is also the most stunning.
