Dragonflies are among the many insects regarded as “good bugs” to humans. Most gardeners strive to attract them to their yard because they’re voracious predators of garden pests like mosquitoes, aphids, and other small insects. They can consume hundreds of these pests in a single day!
Besides being beneficial predators, dragonflies are also quite beautiful to look at. Their large, multi-colored wings shimmer in the sunlight, and their flying patterns are graceful and intriguing.
Many people enjoy simply watching dragonflies flit about their gardens. So why are there suddenly so many dragonflies in my yard?
What It Means When There Are Swarms of Dragonflies in the Yard
If you have noticed a sudden and large influx of dragonflies in your yard, there are several possible explanations.
One is that your yard has become an attractive place for them to lay their eggs. Dragonflies lay their eggs in or near water, so a yard with a pond or other water feature is especially inviting to them
Another possibility is that the dragonflies you’re seeing are migrating. Some dragonflies migrate long distances, and your yard may happen to be along their route. Swarms of dragonflies are often seen near lakes, rivers, and other large bodies of water.
Whatever the reason for the dragonfly invasion, there’s no need to be alarmed. These insects are not harmful to humans or animals, and they’ll eventually move on.
What Are the Different Types of Dragonfly Swarms?
There are two main types of dragonfly swarms- Migratory and static swarms.
Migratory swarms: These dragonflies often travel in large groups, and they can cover great distances. Some species of dragonfly migrate hundreds or even thousands of miles every year. These swarms usually happen near lakes, rivers, and other large water bodies.
Static swarms: These swarms often happen in the same place year after year. They’re often found near ponds, rivers, or other sources of standing water. The dragonflies in these swarms usually lay their eggs in the same place year after year.
What Attracts Dragonflies to Yard?
Dragonflies are attracted to your yards because of several reasons. Here are the most common ones:
Standing Water:
Ponds, birdbaths, and even puddles can attract dragonflies looking for a place to lay their eggs. The water also offers plenty of places for the larvae to hide and grow.
Weather condition:
If you have noticed a sudden increase of dragonflies in your yard, the weather might be the cause. Dragonflies are cold-blooded insects, so they’re more active when it’s sunny and warm outside.
Trees and Shrubs:
Tall grasses, bushes, and trees offer perfect places for dragonflies to perch and wait for prey. They also provide shelter from the sun and predators.
Lawn Ornaments:
Fountains, statues, and other lawn ornaments can also attract dragonflies. The sound of moving water is incredibly enticing to these insects.
Plenty of Insects:
Of course, dragonflies are attracted to yards that offer plenty of their favorite food – other insects! Therefore, if your yard is full of mosquitoes, aphids, and other small insects, you can be sure dragonflies will soon follow.
What Do Dragonflies Eat?
As larvae, dragonflies live in water and eat other aquatic insects, tadpoles, and even small fish. Once they transform into adults, their diet shifts to flying insects like mosquitoes, gnats, and flies. Some larger dragonflies will even eat small birds and bats!
While most gardeners appreciate dragonflies for their role in controlling pests, some people find them to be a nuisance. If you fall into this camp, there are things you can do to discourage them from hanging around.
How to Get Rid of Dragonflies
To get rid of dragonflies, you need to change the conditions in your yard that attract them. Do the following:
Remove standing water; this includes birdbaths, ponds, puddles, and other water sources.
Keep your grass cut short, and trim back bushes and trees. Also, get rid of lawn ornaments that create moving water, such as fountains and statues.
Reduce the number of insects in your yard by using pesticides and traps, but be aware that these will kill beneficial insects and pests.
You can also try using a dragonfly trap. These devices use UV light to attract dragonflies, which then get trapped.
Related Article: How Long Do Dragonflies Live?