If you want to have your own successful “team” of exterminators, make a dragonfly pond in your yard! Believe it or not, dragonflies are the best hunting machines and more than 80 percent of their brain is used for the procession of visual information.
Some species may see up to 30 feet away and detect movements as far as 60 feet. In addition to hunting, they are also eating a lot and in fact, eat 10 to 15 percent of their weight on a daily basis in insects, including mosquitoes, deerflies, blackflies, midges, and termites.
With this in mind, they can be a great solution to the presence of these annoying insects in your garden or yard.
Continue reading to article to learn how to best attract dragonflies and enjoy a calm summer without any bites and itchy skin.
How to Attract Dragonflies in Your Yard?
First, you will need a water body. As they lay their eggs in or near water, this is a must. Dragonflies can live underwater for months and years while young. The pond you need does not have to be a big one or to have a filter. However, there are some things you need to take into account.
Namely, it has to be in a location that is wind protected and receives five to six hours of midday sun. Regarding the depth, it should have shallower edges to 2 feet at its deepest level. Avoid making it too shallow because it can overheat or dry out.
Around the pond, feel free to place some plants, both floating and submerged. They will add to the oxygen level in the water and absorb the carbon dioxide. Plus, they are a great resting and hiding place for nymphs.
Make sure there are taller plants from which they can scan for other insects. Add a couple of rocks near the edge of the pond so that they can rest on them. Avoid having other species like fish, ducks or frogs in this pond. They will prey on the nymphs and on the eggs.
Water lilies are a perfect addition for your pond. Dragonflies lay their eggs on the plants. Therefore, plant Gluceria Maxima, as this plant is perfect for dragonflies, and they can climb on it.
Also, other plants that attract adult dragonflies include Black-Eyed Susan, Swamp Milkweed, and Joe-Pye weed.
As an extra tip, make sure you take Spirulina every day to get enough vitamin B1, as it is the only thing that can keep mosquitoes away since it masks the natural odors they like. You need a tablespoon daily to get 300mg.
Unfortunately, 15 percent of the dragonfly species in North America is in danger of extinction. This being said, when you make a pond to attract them, you do not just help remove mosquitoes and other annoying insects from your place of living, but you also do your part in the preservation of these valuable insects.
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