Keep This Bug Around to Help Fight Mosquitoes in Michigan

In Michigan, mosquitoes can be a real nuisance during the summer. People often try things like bug sprays, citronella candles, or mosquito traps to keep them away. While these methods help, they don’t always work perfectly. But there's an easy, natural way to reduce mosquitoes that you might not have thought of.

To tackle Michigan's most annoying summer pest, try this simple trick: invite a helpful bug into your yard. This friendly insect can help cut down on mosquitoes and make your outdoor space a little more tolerable and enjoyable.

This insect can be your secret weapon against mosquitoes.

The ultimate mosquito eater in Michigan is none other than the friendly dragonfly.

Strangely enough, there are things you can do to attract dragonflies to your yard to help with the ongoing summer mosquito battle. Experts say that a single dragonfly can eat 30 to hundreds of mosquitoes per day. The more dragonflies you have flying around your yard, the better your mosquito defenses will be.

Plant these in your yard to attract dragonflies, which in turn will help eliminate those pesky mosquitoes.

Cattails: Offer excellent shelter and breeding grounds for young dragonflies.

Water Lilies: Provide perfect resting spots for adult dragonflies.

Blazing Star: Draws in the insects that dragonflies feed on.

Lantana: Its bright blooms and nectar attract dragonflies and other helpful insects.

Joe-Pye Weed: Supplies nectar and attracts pollinators that dragonflies enjoy.

It's not the perfect defense against mosquitoes but every little bit helps.