How to Get Rid of a Dragonfly: An Informative Guide

Published on June 2, 2025 by Eliana
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Dragonflies are interesting living beings often recognised for their harmony in the air and colourful plumage. Of course, if you are eager how to get rid of a dragonfly and are in such a situation that you are wondering why I have so many dragonflies in my yard, just remember that you are not the only one. Dragonflies thus become a regular topic of homeowners all over the United States, especially when these creatures go beyond occasional visitors. This blog is a detailed guide to eliminating dragonflies, covering the things that attract this species, natural identification of their offspring called naiads, and the doable control of the population of dragonflies.

What are Dragonflies?

Odonata, and specifically Anisoptera, are home to dragonflies. More than 3,000 kinds of these insects exist around the world. You can recognise them from their large eyes, transparent wings, and extended, thin bodies. Dragonflies and damselflies resemble one another in many respects, but this is how they differ: dragonflies are bigger with more robust bodies and hold their wings spread out when they rest, while damselflies are smaller and fold their wings tidily over their backs when they stop.

What-are-Dragonflies

During the first part of its life in water, the dragonfly is known as a “baby dragonfly“. Nymphs live in the water where they get for food by eating tadpoles and mosquito larvae, and other young fish. The time it takes for a baby dragonfly to be at this first stage ranges from weeks to years, depending on the habitat’s conditions and the type of dragonfly.

What Plants Attract Dragonflies?

If you are still wondering: why so many dragonflies in my yard, don’t waste your time, natural groups of plants, especially the ones near sources of water, could be the reason for their being there. Numerous plants can attract dragonflies naturally, such as the following ones:
Water Lilies Are the most suitable plants for dragonflies to lay eggs and for baby dragonfly nymphs to grow.

  • Borage: This flower has a star shape that attracts the dragonflies and another pest that helps in the process of pollination.
  • Black-Eyed Susan: The tasty nectar of the plant attracts dragonflies, even though it does not have a pond nearby.
  • Meadow Sage: Dragonflies and a range of helpful insects are most often seen at the fragrant blooms of meadow sage.
  • Yarrow: Yarrow bears witness to both its hardiness and the colourful blooms, so it is the most manageable option.

Even if dragonflies bother you in your yard, humans are not at risk from them and dragonflies play an important role as pest control insects. You should avoid chemical insecticides mainly because they might damage helpful plants and insects in your yard.

Why Do I Have So Many Dragonflies in My Yard?

The most important question homeowners ask is Why do I have so many dragonflies in my yard. Usually, the answer can be reduce to only two most determining factors, that is, water and food.

  1. Water Sources: This is because Dragonflies will tend to lay their eggs in or near water. Therefore, if you have a pond, a birdbath, or even wet ground, then you are an opportune provider of adult and baby dragonfly zygotes that hatch in water. The nymphs in the case of dragonflies are baby zygotes that are being develop underwater.
  2. Abundant Food: Insects such as mosquitoes, little flies, and plain gnats are the only meals on which dragonflies live. Thus, a yard that is a breeding ground for a high insect population will become a place that swarms with dragonflies.

At times, an explosion of dragonflies can attributed to the process of a simultaneous emergence of the adults from the water or a population explosion of the insect prey, especially after rains or when insects like ants or termites procreate in the soil or wood. If you are continually pondering why I have so many dragonflies in my yard, then you have to make sure that water has not collected in one place, and there are no insects

Dragonflies

How to Get Rid of a Dragonfly

Dragonflies are creatures that, in addition to their evident advantage for pest control like mosquito eating, are known at times to be the basic source of trouble. Consequently, it can happen that there are moments when you should make an effort to decrease the number of these insects. You should be aware that it is still possible to consider a natural and safe way how to get rid of a dragonfly in your yard if you follow the stated instructions.

  1. Decrease the Amount of Insects: Dragonflies are going to come wherever there is food. Utilise insect control techniques to decrease the number of mosquitoes, gnats, and other insects. This way, your yard will be less attractive to dragonflies.
  2. Change the Landscape: Plant fewer dragonfly-attracting plants in the garden if you want to keep them away. Do not water your garden so much, as a wet environment is preferable for dragonflies.
  3. Physical Obstacles: Fine mesh screens enclosing water features make it too hard for dragonflies to enter and lay eggs.
  4. Remove Still Water: Getting rid of still water means that in many places where dragonflies can lay their eggs.

Conclusion

Dragonflies are amazing insects with their early life being almost entirely in the water as nymphs, or baby dragonfly, before they add brilliant colours to our gardens. The most probable reason why I have so many dragonflies in my yard is the water and the abundance of insect prey in this area. People those out for how to get rid of a dragonfly are the ones who can use the most effective methods like removing stagnant water, controlling insect populations, and changing the look of their gardens.

Although dragonflies might interfere at times, they are beneficial because they try to rid our space of mosquitoes and other pests. Learning more about their lifestyle and how it changes over time helps you determine the best way to control bugs in your yard, factoring in both the need for pest control and your happiness with nature.