How to Attract Dragonflies to Get Rid of Mosquitoes

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### How to Attract Dragonflies to Get Rid of Mosquitoes

If you’re tired of swatting mosquitoes every time you step outside, you’re not alone. These pesky insects can quickly ruin outdoor fun and even pose health risks. Luckily, nature offers a fantastic solution: dragonflies. Known as natural mosquito predators, dragonflies can help keep your yard mosquito-free. Here’s how you can attract these beautiful and beneficial insects to your garden.

#### Why Dragonflies?

Dragonflies are voracious predators. Both as larvae (nymphs) in water and as adults in the air, they feast on mosquitoes and other small flying insects. A single dragonfly can eat hundreds of mosquitoes per day, making them a natural, chemical-free way to control mosquito populations.

#### Steps to Attract Dragonflies to Your Yard

1. **Create a Water Source**
Dragonflies start their lives in water, so having a pond or water feature is essential. Even a small garden pond or birdbath with clean, still water can serve as a breeding ground. Avoid fountains with strong water jets because dragonflies prefer calm water to lay eggs.

2. **Add Aquatic Plants**
Include submerged and emergent plants like water lilies, cattails, or rushes. These plants provide shelter and egg-laying sites for dragonfly larvae. They also support a healthy ecosystem by attracting other insects that dragonflies feed on.

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