How to Attract Dragonflies in Your Backyard

Dragonflies are a fascinating and beautiful insect that can be found in most parts of the world. They are delicate creatures, however, so they need to find sources of water like ponds or streams to survive. If you have dragonflies outside your home, this guide will tell you how to attract them into your yard.

The “how to attract dragonflies without water” is a common question that many people have. The best way to attract them is by creating a wetland and adding plants such as cattails, sedges, rushes, pickerel weed, and arrowheads.

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On sunny summer nights, there’s something magical about seeing dragonflies hovering about the yard. When they occur, it may look like they are appearing at random, but there are a few basic explanations for this.

These attractants may be recreated by dragonfly enthusiasts who wish to see more of the small buzzers in their yard if they are carefully investigated. Although dragonflies often return to the waters where they were born to breed, there are a few methods to carry them about the yard for convenient observation.

This simple guide will provide you with all of the information you need to ensure the presence of dragonflies this summer.

 

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Contents Table of Contents

  • Establish a Reliable Water Source
  • Establish a Relaxed Atmosphere
  • Create a Long-Term Food Source
  • Conclusion

Contents

Establish a Reliable Water Source

When attempting to attract dragonflies to your yard, this is the ideal place to start. Water is where dragonflies deposit their eggs. They rely on having easy access to ponds, lakes, rivers, and other sources of water to survive.

A dragonfly enthusiast should discover a technique to offer water to the dragonflies in their yard in order to watch them. Dragonflies want to be near water since it provides them with the following benefits:

  • Access to a pleasant setting in which they may deposit their eggs
  • They can get some sun protection while still being protected from predators.
  • Dragonflies like to float in pure, fresh water.

Dragonflies deposit their eggs in the shallows of whichever body of water they choose as their habitat. If there are no warm shallows in the water, they may not stop to deposit their eggs.

It is critical that dragonflies do not deposit their eggs in a predator-infested area, since this would reduce their chances of successful reproduction. Make careful to think about what safeguards you can take to prevent predators from interfering with the flies’ movements.

 

The great majority of dragonflies deposit their eggs in bodies of fresh water. Testing the water quality on a regular basis is a good idea.

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Avoid putting fish in a body of water.

The number one reason why people have trouble attracting dragonflies to their pond is because they overstock it with fish. Fish will consume dragonflies voraciously, reducing the likelihood of witnessing large numbers of dragonflies. Make sure there are no predatory fish in your pond or water source if you want to attract dragonflies.

Stocking fish does not guarantee death, but it does reduce the odds of success. If a person wishes to maintain a pond filled with fish while also attracting dragonflies, they should create a smaller auxiliary body of water that the fish can’t reach. For those on the fence, this will be the best of both worlds.

They’ll be able to have a fish pond as well as a separate pond for dragonflies to come and deposit eggs in. These water sources will also provide their surroundings with a lot of beauty and mood.

Fountains may be used in a garden setting.

If you don’t have access to a pond or an in-ground water supply, you may utilize fountains to attract dragonflies. If the water in your fountain is the proper temperature and comfort level for dragonflies, they will appreciate it.

Pests will be kept away from the garden plants by the dragonflies. You may depend on the dragonflies buzzing about your garden to keep pests at bay if you don’t want to use hazardous or harsh chemicals. Many of the unpleasant critters that might infest your garden plants are preyed upon by dragonflies. 

Establish a Relaxed Atmosphere

Dragonflies deposit their eggs in water with plenty of predator protection. Dragonfly eggs and hatched nymphs benefit greatly from the shelter and concealment provided by plants, rocks, and man-made structures. When dragonflies are considering where to marry and deposit their eggs, they won’t think twice about a barren pond. Dragonflies need protection and shelter.

The greatest types of cover for dragonflies and their spawn are:

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  • Protection against the elements, such as strong winds and the sun’s blistering rays
  • Predators are protected both above and below the water’s surface.
  • Predators are on the hunt, so you need to hide.

Plants will always be the finest cover for attracting dragonflies. Dragonflies benefit greatly from the protection provided by lily pads. They will blanket the water’s surface, attracting dragonflies looking for a safe location to deposit their eggs. While dragonflies deposit their eggs in the shallows of a body of water, cattails will keep them safe.

Dragonflies may also benefit from the protection provided by rocks. They often congregate around rocks on the edge of bodies of water. By varying the size of the rocks and stacking them on top of each other, you can assist to create a secure home for dragonflies, their eggs, and progeny, protecting them from predators and the weather. 

Dragonflies may be seen buzzing around docks and pathways that are on or near bodies of water where they can deposit their eggs. These buildings should not be so large that they overrun the water body they are on or near. A little dock with lily pads, cattails, and pebbles on a pond with lily pads, cattails, and rocks would be an excellent water supply for dragonflies. 

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Create a Long-Term Food Source

A great strategy to employ when attempting to attract dragonflies is to help Create a Long-Term Food Source for them. Dragonflies eat tons of insects. As adults, they will consume their own body weight in various species of insects every day. This is a huge advantage to having dragonflies nearby. A person can keep a bug problem at bay.

Dragonflies devour a variety of insects, including:

  • Mosquitoes that breed and deposit their eggs in the same body of water 
  • Moths that reside in close proximity to a body of water
  • Flies that deposit their eggs on rocks or other structures in the vicinity of a body of water

Consider include plants that are great food sources for the dragonfly species you want to attract. Because dragonflies are voracious feeders, make sure you have enough of food on hand to keep them well fed!

Some folks may already be plagued by mosquitoes or other bugs. Take advantage of this plentiful food supply if you wish to attract dragonflies. These pests will be devoured by dragonflies, making a world of difference for people who are suffering from an infestation. Nature’s exterminator are dragonflies.

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Conclusion

When seeking to attract dragonflies to a body of water, it is also necessary to do study on how to attract suitable food sources. Someone may already have a suitable food supply on hand, which will save them time and effort in the long run.

If you want to attract dragonflies, discover creative methods to ring the dinner bell. Check out our articles on how to attract butterflies if you’re interested in attracting different insects. You may also attract bats and hawks, but be aware that there is some danger involved; yet, they can also give benefits!

 

Dragonflies are attracted to light. If you have a backyard, it is best to have a light on in the evening to attract them. Reference: are dragonflies attracted to light.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I attract dragonflies to my yard?

A: There is no way to attract dragonflies. You can, however, make your yard a more suitable habitat for them by removing any objects that might be harmful such as chemicals and pet waste which may seep into the ground water.

What plant attracts dragonflies?

A: Dragonflies are attracted to plants that attract nectar. Some plants with a lot of nectar include red-apricot, hollyhock and lantana.

Can I raise dragonflies?

A: Yes, you can raise dragonflies. They are considered a type of fly and therefore you can raise them as well.

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