What Are Dragonflies Good For?

Posted by Mosquito Squad Plus

July 13, 2026

Turns out these prehistoric-looking insects can be helpful backyard visitors. Especially when it comes to other flying insects.

Large wings, oversized eyes, impressive flying skills – dragonflies are unique backyard guests that are hard to miss. But what are dragonflies actually good for?

Aside from being cool-looking additions to our backyard, dragonflies do possess some skills.

Do Dragonflies Eat Mosquitoes?

Yes, dragonflies do eat mosquitoes. Adult dragonflies use their aerial skills to capture other insects while flying, mosquitoes among them. In one day, a dragonfly might catch and eat more than 30 mosquitoes.

Which is interesting, since craneflies – not dragonflies – are nicknamed mosquito eaters. Craneflies do not eat mosquitoes at all.

What’s more, dragonflies don’t acquire a taste for insects in only adulthood. Nymph dragonflies live in water, where they feed on mosquito larvae and other aquatic insects.

Are Dragonflies Good to Have in Your Nashville Area Yard?

For the most part, dragonflies are nice to have in your yard. They do not bite or sting humans or pets. Their predatory habits can make them beneficial, and as known mosquito predators, they’re recognized as part of a broader approach to reducing mosquito activity.

Dragonflies can also be interesting to watch, darting and diving around your backyard. They’re highly capable fliers, which adds to their physical flair as they swoop and dive. So, there’s really no need to run for a fly swatter when you see dragonflies nearby.

Will Dragonflies Get Rid of Mosquitoes

Wouldn’t it be nice if all we needed for backyard mosquito control is to make our yards more appealing to hordes of dragonflies? The catch is, while dragonflies will eat mosquitoes and their larvae, they are not capable of controlling a significant mosquito issue on their own.

Mosquitoes reproduce across properties where standing water is available. From birdbaths and drainage areas to lakeside areas and ponds – any stagnant water source will suffice for mosquitoes to lay their eggs. Mosquito prevention guidance tells us to eliminate standing water around our yards to help reduce potential mosquito breeding sites, and to support their natural predators.

We recommend enjoying dragonflies in your backyard, but don’t put them alone in charge of your Nashville mosquito control efforts.

You Need More Than a Few Hungry Backyard Dragonflies

If mosquitoes are making time in the backyard difficult, Mosquito Squad Plus of Nashville can help. Our professional Nashville mosquito control services are designed to dramatically reduce mosquito populations across your backyard. By targeting areas where mosquitoes live and breed, we’ll help you take back your backyard for worthy summertime purpose – grilling, playing, entertaining, relaxing, and more.

So, you can make dragonflies welcome in your backyard but allow Mosquito Squad Plus to handle your backyard mosquito control.

Where Do We Offer Mosquito Control and Outdoor Pest Control?

Mosquito Squad Plus of Nashville is pleased to offer professional mosquito control, tick control, as well as expanded outdoor pest control services throughout these areas in Davidson County, Wilson County, Sumner County, Williamson County, and beyond.

Choose Mosquito Squad Plus for Nashville pest control!

Mosquito Squad Plus treats mosquitoes, ticks, fleas, and many more outdoor pests throughout the Nashville TN area! Contact us today at (615) 492-3662 or fill out our online form for your complimentary outdoor pest control assessment and treatment quote.

Our pest control packages and related services all come with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee!