How to Kill Dragonfly Nymphs in Pools

How to Kill Dragonfly Nymphs in Pools thumbnail
Dragonfly nymphs may take weeks to years to develop into adults.

Dragonfly nymphs, like their adult counterparts, are voracious predators of several pests. They resemble adult dragonflies but lack wings and have massive jaws. Mosquito larvae are one of their favorite meals. While they don't harm humans, it still may be unsettling to see these creatures hanging out in your swimming pool. Keeping your pool properly sanitized and chlorinated helps remove many of the pests; dragonfly nymphs can't survive without food and may also die as a result of the chlorination. You can also use a pool vacuum to sweep out individual nymphs. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

  • Chlorine test kit
  • Pool chlorine
  • Shock treatment
  • Pool vacuum
  • Pool cover
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Instructions

    • 1

      Check the chlorination level in your pool. When the pool is properly sanitized and has the correct amount of chlorine, it will prevent mosquitoes and many other insects from breeding there. Since adult dragonflies also eat mosquito larvae, they will not lay their eggs without an appropriate food source.

    • 2

      Add chlorine, but don't add more than is safe for humans. A shock treatment may also kill the insects in your pool.

    • 3

      Use "bug lights" around your pool. These lights don't attract aquatic insects like white lights and typical lights do.

    • 4

      Use a pool vacuum to remove all dragonfly nymphs and other aquatic insects. You can also use a skimmer. Use a wet/dry vacuum to suck out any bugs as a last resort. Wet/dry vacuums take in a lot of water quickly, so place the hose near the insect and push the "ON" button, then turn it off as soon as the insect is sucked up.

    • 5

      Place a pool cover over your pool when not in use. If dragonflies cannot get near your pool water, they cannot deposit their eggs there. Use caution with pool covers and make them taut; pooling water on top of your cover can create another breeding ground for mosquitoes and dragonflies.

Tips & Warnings

  • Don't add insecticides to your pool; they are not safe for humans.

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References

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  • Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

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