Dragonflies are large insects that are attractive, attractive, and fun to look at. These animals can control the mosquito population well so it is beneficial for your garden. Dragonflies are attracted to areas with water, so the best way to attract a flock of dragonflies to your yard or garden is to add a water source.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Selecting a Water Source
Step 1. Build a pond in the yard
A pond is a beautiful addition to a backyard and can attract a flock of dragonflies! This interest is caused by dragonflies laying eggs in the water. Young dragonflies usually hide among aquatic plants. If you want to attract a flock of dragonflies to your yard or garden, place a water source. Make a pond with a depth of about 6 meters. However, ponds of any depth can still attract dragonflies.
- The pond must be at least 6 meters deep so that dragonfly nymphs can shelter from predators such as raccoons.
- The water source provided must have a shallow side. The shallow side that descends allows aquatic plants to grow.
Step 2. Find the right water source
You can use creative ways to place water sources in your yard or garden. If you like landscapes, take on a big, fun project to place a pre-printed pond in your yard or garden. You can also dig holes and build your own pond if you want.
- You can set up a shallow plastic pond where a flock of dragonflies can lay their eggs. As another tip, you can also use a wooden barrel that has been cut in half.
- You can find precast pools at home supply stores (eg ACE) and shallow plastic pools at most major toy stores or supermarkets. In addition, both types of pools can also be ordered from the internet.
Step 3. Find out if you live near a dragonfly habitat
You have a greater chance of attracting dragonflies to your yard or garden if you live near water that is frequented by dragonflies. Some dragonflies can fly considerable distances from a water source, but the closer you are to an area of water (eg a river, lake, or other body of water), the greater the chance of attracting dragonflies.
People who don't live in very dry areas are usually quite close to the waters where dragonflies live
Method 2 of 3: Adding the Right Elements of Nature
Step 1. Plant aquatic plants in the pond
The pond alone is not enough to attract the attention of dragonflies. You need to plant aquatic plants in the pond to attract dragonflies. Dragonflies like tall plants. These insects will lay their eggs on the plant, and the larvae will live to adulthood. After that, the dragonfly will take advantage of tall plants to perch.
- Fill the pond with underwater plants and floating plants. Dragonfly larvae will use plants that develop at the bottom of the pond, then settle on tall plants when they are mature.
- Try growing eelgrass, fanwort, hornwort, anacharis (also known as elodea or aquascape), wild celery, corkscrew rush, blue flag iris, parrot's feather, pondweed, water lilies (lotus), and lotus (seroja).
- You can get aquatic plants from garden supply stores and the internet.
Step 2. Surround the pond with shrubs
Plant shrubs around the pond so that the dragonflies have plenty of places to land. In addition, shrubs also make the pond look more beautiful and attractive. Swarms of dragonflies have more places to perch and live. You can plant an annual herb that is usually used as a barrier or shrub.
- For example, you can plant lobelia, seedbox, or button bush.
- You can also allow the natural grass and shrubs around the pond to grow as additional plants for the dragonfly flock.
Step 3. Spread the stones around the pond
Stones placed in and around the pool can make the pool look more beautiful. Dragonflies also like to perch on warm rocks, especially rocks with a flat surface. Place rocks in and around the pond so the dragonflies have plenty of places to land.
You can combine light colored stones with dark stones. The dragonfly flock may prefer one of these
Step 4. Make sure the pool is exposed to sunlight
Dragonflies love sunlight so they are more attracted to ponds in open areas that get full sun exposure during the day than ponds that are shaded by tree branches.
Step 5. Place a twig or stick in the center of the pond
While waiting for the plant to grow tall enough for the dragonfly to land, place a twig or stick in the pond. This twig or stick can be a place for dragonfly to land.
You can use twigs from trees or bamboo reeds which are commonly used for plants and vegetables
Method 3 of 3: Considering Other Things
Step 1. Do not keep fish in the pond
You may want to add fish to the pond so you can keep fish and dragonflies at the same time. However, this is not the right decision. The fish will eat the dragonfly larvae so the dragonflies will not be attracted to your pond and lay their eggs there.
Step 2. Install a fountain in the garden
If you don't want to build a pond, you can install a fountain. These decorations require much less maintenance. You can buy a pond pump at a garden or home supply store and install it in a tub or manger.
Usually you will need an additional filter box for the fountain if it is installed outdoors
Step 3. Plant flowers that can attract dragonflies around the house
Several types of flowers can attract a flock of dragonflies to the house. You can plant them around water areas or water sources, in garden plots, or around outside walls to attract dragonflies.
You can plant black-eyed Susan, blanket flower (Gaillardia), cardinal flower (lobelia), goldenrod, bee balm, catan, coneflower, golden Alexander, Phlox, Russian sage, Salvia or yarrow
Warning
- Beware of nuisance plants and do not plant these types of plants near ponds.
- Do not mow the grass around the dragonfly pond.
- Do not spray herbicides or pesticides around the dragonfly habitat. Swarms of dragonflies will not use dirty water and you could accidentally kill dragonfly nymphs.
- Do not use a precast pool (ready to install) without a sinking side.
