Are dragonflies good for mosquito control?
Posted by Mosquito Squad
December 20, 2023
It’s true that dragonflies feast on mosquito larvae and some adult dragonflies even eat adult mosquitoes.
But are dragonflies enough to keep your yard mosquito-free? While dragonflies undoubtedly play a role in managing mosquito populations, the vast expanse of the Nashville area's mosquito population proves to be a challenge that even these skilled predators struggle to fully control.
If you can attract dragonflies, it can be beneficial for mosquito control.
Dragonflies are formidable predators in the insect world, known for their exceptional flying abilities and keen hunting instincts. They are equipped with large compound eyes that grant them a 360-degree field of vision, enabling them to spot and track their mosquito prey with impressive accuracy. Additionally, their strong, specialized jaws facilitate the capture and consumption of mosquitoes in mid-flight or while perched on vegetation. Dragonflies are also known to lay their eggs in aquatic habitats, where their larvae, commonly referred to as nymphs, voraciously feed on mosquito larvae.
Do dragonflies live in Tennessee?
They do! Tennessee is home to more than 10 species of dragonflies. And even if you have them in abundance around your Nashville area home, they cannot be counted on as your sole method of mosquito control. That is because dragonflies are seasonal in Tennessee. They are most active in June, July, and August. Mosquitoes in Tennessee are active from early spring through late fall in Tennessee.
Furthermore, the lifecycle and reproductive capabilities of mosquitoes can outpace the predation efforts of dragonflies. Mosquitoes reproduce quickly, with some species laying hundreds of eggs at a time. This high reproductive rate means that even if dragonflies manage to consume a significant number of mosquitoes, the remaining individuals can swiftly replenish the population.
Franklin mosquito control will pick up where dragonflies leave off.
Don’t leave the whole of your mosquito control to dragonflies, hummingbirds, or other mosquito predators. Count on Mosquito Squad of Nashville for reliable and effective solutions. Choose between our EPA-registered and natural mosquito control solutions or count on us to install and maintain an automatic misting system.
Where else do we provide mosquito and pest control services?
Mosquito Squad of Nashville is pleased to offer Franklin mosquito control and mosquito control throughout the greater Nashville area. Since 2005, home and business owners have chosen Mosquito Squad for the most trusted mosquito protection available.
Trust the experts at Mosquito Squad of Nashville for proven mosquito and pest control services. Contact us at (615) 492-3662.