Buzz
Dragonflies are large, captivating insects that are both fascinating and visually delightful. They're also incredibly helpful in gardens because of their natural ability to manage mosquito populations. Dragonflies are especially attracted to areas with water, so the best way to lure them into your garden is by providing a water source.
Steps
Choose a Water Source
Build a Water Pond in Your Garden. A pond not only adds beauty to your garden but also serves as an excellent attractant for dragonflies! Dragonflies are drawn to areas with water because they lay their eggs in it, and their larvae hide among aquatic plants. If you want to attract dragonflies, creating a water feature in your garden is essential. Build a pond that is at least 0.6 meters deep, but wide enough to entice dragonflies.
- The pond should be at least 0.6 m deep to allow dragonfly larvae to hide from predators like raccoons.
- The water's edge should be shallow with gradual slopes, encouraging plant growth along the banks.
Find the right water source. There are many creative ways to introduce water into your garden. If you’re into landscaping, you can embark on an exciting project by installing a prefabricated pond in your yard, or dig and build your own pond.
- An inflatable pool placed in the garden can also attract dragonflies to lay their eggs. A halved wine barrel is another good option.
- You can purchase prefabricated ponds from home decor stores, and inflatable pools are available at most toy stores or major retail outlets. Both options are also available online.
Check if your area is near where dragonflies live. It will be much easier to attract dragonflies if you’re lucky enough to live near their natural habitat. Many dragonflies can fly several kilometers, but the closer you are to rivers, lakes, or other water sources, the higher your chances of attracting them.
- Most areas that are not too arid are relatively close to a water source where dragonflies are found.
Add complementary elements
Plant aquatic plants in your pond. Simply having a pond isn’t enough to attract dragonflies. You need to plant aquatic vegetation in the pond to entice them. Dragonflies love tall plants! They lay their eggs in plant clusters, and the larvae will grow there until maturity. Once mature, they will take refuge on tall plants.
- Plant both submerged and floating plants. Dragonflies will live in the submerged plants as larvae and rest on the tall plants when fully grown.
- Try planting eelgrass, water lilies, hornwort, cattails, water garlic, lotus flowers, and more.
- You can find aquatic plants at specialized plant shops or purchase them online.
Plant shrubs around the pond. Arrange shrubs along the edges of your pond to provide more places for dragonflies to perch. These shrubs will also enhance the beauty of the pond, making it more attractive, and providing ample resting and hiding spots for dragonflies. You can plant hedge-type shrubs and other bushy plants.
- For example, you can plant flowers like lobelia, seedbox, or buttonbush.
- You could also allow wild grasses and natural shrubs to grow around the pond.
Scatter stones around the pond. The pond will look even more beautiful with stones placed inside and around its edges. Dragonflies also love to rest on warm rocks, especially those with flat surfaces. Place stones in the pond and along the edge to provide dragonflies with plenty of resting spots.
- You can try mixing dark-colored and light-colored stones. Dragonflies may prefer one of these types of stones.
Ensure the pond gets plenty of sunlight. Dragonflies enjoy the sun, so they will be more likely to visit a pond located in a spot that receives full sunlight at noon, rather than one shaded by trees.
Stick some branches in the middle of the pond. While waiting for the plants to grow tall enough, place branches in the pond to provide landing spots for dragonflies.
- You can use branches from nearby trees or bamboo often used for plant supports and trellises.
Consider other factors
Avoid adding fish to the pond. You might be tempted to add fish to the pond to have both fish and dragonflies, but this is not a good idea. Fish will eat the dragonfly larvae, so dragonflies will avoid ponds that have fish, making them unsuitable for breeding.
Install a fountain in your garden. If you don't want to build a pond, you can simply set up a fountain. Fountains are much easier to maintain. You can purchase a pond pump from garden stores and place it in a basin or container.
- Typically, you will need to buy a filter for outdoor fountains.
Plant flowers that attract dragonflies in and around your home. Certain flowers will draw dragonflies to your space. You can plant these flowers near water sources, in flower beds, or around your house to encourage dragonflies to visit.
- Consider planting flowers like fairy’s eye, chameleon daisy, marigold, catnip, lavender, hydrangea, sage, or begonia.
Warning
- Identify invasive plant species and avoid planting them in your pond.
- Do not trim the grass around the pond area intended for dragonflies.
- Avoid spraying herbicides or pesticides near dragonfly habitats. Dragonflies will not use polluted water, and you may unintentionally harm their larvae.
- Refrain from using pre-molded ponds that lack sloped edges.
