Dragonflies’ Role in Nature: What Pests Do They Keep Away?

← Pest & Insect Control | Insect Repellents & Prevention

Quick answer

• Dragonflies are voracious predators, eating tons of insects.
• They’re especially good at munching on mosquitoes and biting flies.
• This makes them natural pest control for your campsite.
• They also eat midges, gnats, and other annoying flying bugs.
• So, while they’re cool to watch, they’re also keeping the bug population down.
• Basically, they’re nature’s tiny, winged exterminators.

What to check first (do this before you drive out)

Before you head out, a quick gear check is a good idea. But before that, let’s talk about the real essentials. You need to know what you’re getting into.

• Land manager / legality: Who’s in charge of the land you’re visiting? Is it National Forest, BLM, State Park, or private? Each has its own rules. You don’t want to set up camp somewhere you shouldn’t. Check the managing agency’s website or call their local office. It’s usually pretty straightforward.

• Access/road conditions: How are the roads looking? Are they paved, gravel, or just a dirt track? Is your vehicle up for it? A standard car might be fine for some spots, but others might need AWD or high clearance. Mud, snow, or washouts can shut down access fast. Again, check the land manager’s site or local forums.

• Fire restrictions + weather + wind: This is a big one. Fire bans can change daily. Check for current restrictions before you go. Weather forecasts are your friend. High winds can be dangerous, especially in exposed areas. Rain can turn dirt roads into mud pits. Don’t get caught out.

• Water plan + waste plan (Leave No Trace): Where are you getting water? Is it potable, or do you need to filter/treat it? Plan for all your waste, especially human waste. Pack it out if there are no facilities. Leave No Trace principles are non-negotiable. It keeps these places wild for everyone.

• Safety (wildlife, distance to help, comms): What wildlife is common in the area? Bears, snakes, etc. Know how to store food properly. How far is the nearest town or ranger station? Cell service is often spotty in the backcountry. Let someone know your itinerary. A satellite communicator can be a lifesaver.

Step-by-step (field workflow)

Alright, you’ve done your homework. Now you’re at the site. Here’s how to roll.

1. Arrive and Assess: Get out of the car. Look around. Does it feel right? Is it as advertised?

• Good: The spot looks inviting, safe, and matches your expectations.
• Mistake: Driving straight to a pre-chosen spot without scouting. You might find it’s crowded, noisy, or unsuitable.
• Avoid: Take a few minutes to walk around the immediate area before committing.

2. Identify Campsite Boundaries: If it’s a designated site, find the markers. If dispersed, pick a durable surface away from water sources.

• Good: You’re clearly within the designated area or a good distance from water.
• Mistake: Setting up too close to a lake or stream. This impacts the ecosystem and can get you in trouble.
• Avoid: Always check regulations on setback distances from water.

3. Set up Shelter: Tent, hammock, or bivy. Get it up before anything else.

• Good: Your shelter is taut, stable, and on level ground.
• Mistake: Rushing shelter setup and leaving it loose or on a slope. This leads to discomfort and potential damage.
• Avoid: Take your time. Ensure all stakes are secure and guy lines are tight.

4. Secure Food and Scented Items: Bear box, bear bag, or vehicle. Get it done now.

• Good: All food, toiletries, and trash are locked away from critters.
• Mistake: Leaving snacks in your tent or car unlocked. Attracts unwanted guests.
• Avoid: Make food storage the absolute priority after shelter.

5. Water Collection/Treatment: If you need to get water, do it now while you have daylight.

• Good: You have a reliable source of treated water.
• Mistake: Waiting until you’re thirsty to think about water. Running out is a bad day.
• Avoid: Treat water in batches. Don’t wait until the last drop.

6. Fire Management (if allowed): If you’re having a fire, get it going responsibly.

• Good: A contained fire in an existing pit, with water and shovel nearby.
• Mistake: Building a new fire ring or leaving a fire unattended.
• Avoid: Use existing fire rings. Never leave a fire until it’s dead out.

7. Gear Organization: Unpack and put things where you can find them.

• Good: Your camp is tidy, and you know where your cooking gear, headlamp, etc., are.
• Mistake: Leaving gear scattered everywhere. You’ll be hunting for stuff later.
• Avoid: Designate spots for different types of gear.

8. Site Cleanup: Do a quick sweep for any trash or misplaced items.

• Good: The area is cleaner than you found it.
• Mistake: Leaving wrappers, food scraps, or gear behind. That’s a big no-no.
• Avoid: Do a final walk-through before you settle in for the evening.

Common mistakes (and what happens if you ignore them)

Mistake	What it causes	Fix
Ignoring fire restrictions	Wildfires, fines, jail time, ecological devastation.	Always check current restrictions. Have a stove as a backup.
Improper food storage	Attracts bears, raccoons, rodents; can lead to damaged gear or aggressive animals.	Use bear canisters/bags, hang properly, or store in a bear-proof vehicle.
Camping too close to water	Erodes stream banks, pollutes water, harms aquatic life, violates regulations.	Adhere to minimum setback distances (often 100-200 feet).
Leaving trash behind	Pollutes the environment, harms wildlife, makes the area look terrible.	Pack it in, pack it out. Every single wrapper counts.
Not checking road conditions	Getting stuck, vehicle damage, needing a tow, missing your trip.	Research road status, have appropriate vehicle, know your limits.
Setting up camp on fragile vegetation	Damages plants, creates bare spots that don’t recover, looks bad.	Camp on durable surfaces like rock, gravel, or established sites.
Not having a water plan	Dehydration, illness, difficult and time-consuming water collection.	Carry enough water or have a reliable filter/purifier and source.
Failing to tell someone your plans	Danger if you get lost or injured; no one knows where to look for you.	Leave a detailed itinerary with a trusted contact.
Disregarding wildlife warnings	Encounters can be dangerous for both you and the animal.	Maintain distance, never feed wildlife, know local animal behavior.
Not packing out human waste	Contaminates water sources, spreads disease, ruins the experience for others.	Use designated facilities or pack out solid waste using approved methods.

Decision rules (simple if/then)

• If the fire danger is high, then do not build a campfire because it’s illegal and dangerous.
• If the road is muddy and you don’t have AWD, then find an alternate route or turn back because you’ll likely get stuck.
• If you see signs of bear activity (scat, tracks), then double-check your food storage and make noise while hiking because you want to avoid surprising a bear.
• If cell service is zero, then rely on your pre-planned itinerary and emergency gear because you can’t call for help easily.
• If there are no established fire rings, then do not build a new one because it’s usually prohibited and damages the environment.
• If water sources look questionable, then always filter or treat your water because giardia is not a fun souvenir.
• If you are unsure about land ownership, then err on the side of caution and stick to clearly marked public lands because trespassing can lead to trouble.
• If high winds are forecast, then secure your tent and shelter very well, or consider packing up if it becomes unsafe because strong winds can destroy gear.
• If you encounter an animal, then give it plenty of space and never feed it because this habituates them and can lead to dangerous situations for everyone.
• If you are packing out trash, then bring an extra bag because you might find more than you brought in.
• If the weather turns sour quickly, then be prepared to adjust your plans or hunker down because mountain weather is notoriously unpredictable.

FAQ

Q: Do dragonflies really eat that many mosquitoes?

A: Absolutely. Dragonflies are built to hunt flying insects, and mosquitoes are a favorite meal. A single dragonfly can consume hundreds of mosquitoes in a day.

Q: Are dragonflies dangerous to humans?

A: No, dragonflies are not dangerous. They don’t bite or sting humans. They’re more interested in catching other bugs than interacting with people.

Q: Where do dragonflies live?

A: You’ll find dragonflies near water – ponds, lakes, rivers, and wetlands – because that’s where their larvae develop. They also hang out in meadows and fields where insects are plentiful.

Q: Can I attract dragonflies to my campsite?

A: You can’t really “attract” them like you would a bird feeder, but camping near water sources where insects are abundant will naturally increase your chances of seeing them.

Q: What’s the difference between a dragonfly and a damselfly?

A: Dragonflies hold their wings out to the side when resting, while damselflies hold their wings folded along their body. Dragonflies are also generally larger and more robust.

Q: Do dragonflies help with other bugs besides mosquitoes?

A: Yes, they’re generalist predators. They’ll eat gnats, midges, flies, and even small moths. They’re nature’s pest control service for a variety of flying annoyances.

Q: Are dragonflies important for the ecosystem?

A: Very. As predators, they help control insect populations. Their larvae also play a role in aquatic ecosystems. They are a vital part of the food web.

What this page does NOT cover (and where to go next)

• Specific insect identification guides for every region.
• Detailed entomological studies on dragonfly hunting patterns.
• Reviews of personal insect repellent brands.
• Advanced backcountry survival techniques.

Next, you might want to look into local wildlife guides for the area you’re visiting, read up on Leave No Trace principles in more detail, or research camping gear specific to your needs.