what attracts dragonflies
Daniel Johnston
Updated on June 12, 2026
Dragonflies are drawn to areas where there is standing water, such as ponds, streams and wetlands. They are often found in moist meadows with lots of flowers. If you have a pond or stream near your land, or if recent rains have left flooded areas, this may draw dragonflies to your yard.
What does it mean when you see lots of dragonflies?
Dragonfly’s can be a symbol of self that comes with maturity. They can symbolize going past self-created illusions that limit our growth and ability to change. The Dragonfly has been a symbol of happiness, new beginnings and change for many centuries. The Dragonfly means hope, change, and love.
Are dragonflies good to have around?
In addition to their striking color and dazzling aerial displays, dragonflies make our outdoor experience more enjoyable by reducing those pesky mosquitoes and gnats. Each dragonfly eats 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes a day.
What do dragonflies love the most?
15 Plants That Attract Dragonflies
Say Hello to the “Mosquito Hawk” 1/16. Fanwort. 2/16. Swamp Milkweed. 3/16. Arrowhead. 4/16. Water Lily. 5/16. Wild Celery. 6/16. Water Horsetail. 7/16. Cattail. 8/16.
Do dragonflies mean snakes are around?
Snake doctor, generally used to refer to dragonflies and damselflies in the South, refers to a folk belief that dragonflies follow snakes around and stitch up injuries they may sustain, especially those that leave them in pieces.
What time of year do dragonflies come out?
Dragonflies are most numerous during the summer. However, certain species come out earlier; some can be seen only in the spring, their flight seasons starting in late April or early May, and finished by mid-June.
Why are dragonflies circling my house?
A dragonfly’s connection to water goes beyond egg laying. If you’re seeing them around your house, it may be because your yard harbors their favorite food: mosquitoes.
Is it good luck to see a dragonfly?
In some cultures, dragonflies represent good luck or prosperity. So make a wish when you see a dragonfly and it’ll come true. Fishermen used them as an indicator of good fishing grounds. Plenty of dragonflies meant there were plenty of fish around.
What does it mean to see a brown dragonfly?
The spiritual significance of a golden dragonfly represents self-awareness, abundance, creativity, expression of self, action, and success. Brown Dragonfly Meaning. A brown dragonfly spiritually represents nurturing energy, protection, healing after an illness, and childlike innocence and amusement.
Where do dragonflies nest?
Dragonflies lay eggs in or near water, where their young hatch and develop into nymphs. They live underwater for months and sometimes years before emerging as adults.
Do dragonflies bite?
Dragonflies do bite, and they will bite humans, but only if you catch one and it’s trying to escape or defend itself. And only the largest dragonflies will be able to break your skin anyway.
How do you attract dragonflies but not mosquitoes?
Here are four simple tricks to attract more dragonflies.
Build a Backyard Pond. Ponds are crucial for dragonflies. Plants that Attract Dragonflies. Plant a variety of plants around the perimeter of the yard and in the pond. Build a Water Feature. Stop Using Pesticide.
How do I attract dragonflies to my yard without a pond?
Plants such as water lilies can be both attractive and useful to dragonflies. Sedges and rushes provide great cover around the edges for dragonflies to hide from predators. Aside from aquatic plants, the best plants are those that are beloved by other insects.
What is the food of Dragon Fly?
While they usually eat mosquitoes and midges, they’ll also eat butterflies, moths, bees, flies and even other dragonflies. Larger dragonflies will eat their own body weight in insect prey every day. They are extremely agile and catch their prey midair.
How do you attract dragonflies without water?
1 – Bring in a Water Fixture. Dragonflies, as well as damselflies, are naturally aquatic insects. 2 – Put Pollinator Plants in Your Design. What is this? 3 – Plant Your Vegetation Near Water. 4 – Plant Plants That Dragonflies Are Attracted to.
What kind of plant do dragonflies like?
Cook suggests incorporating plants like black-eyed Susan or Rudbeckia hirta, swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata, or even the Joe-pye weed (Eupatorium fistulosum). These plants will attract tiny pollinators, which also serve as food for the dragonflies.
Do dragonflies bite or sting humans?
Keep in mind, though, that dragonflies don’t have a stinger, so they won’t sting you. They do, however, have teeth. So a bite is possible. Dragonflies aren’t an aggressive insect, but they can bite out of self-defense when they feel threatened.
How do I get rid of dragonflies?
Introduce Natural Predators
Introducing predators into your yard can help you get rid of dragonflies in a more natural and life-cycle sort of way. For example, frogs and toads eat dragonflies, so encouraging the amphibians to occupy your yard can help take care of the problem.