Jump to contentAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleFarmers welcome the dragonflies as natural pest control because the insects prey on crop-damaging pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and fruit flies (AP)California residents and farmers are reporting unusually large swarms of dragonflies across the state this summer. Experts attribute the surge in population to warm late-spring and early-summer monsoon storms that created ideal conditions for migratory wandering gliders. Farmers welcome the dragonflies as natural pest control because the insects prey on crop-damaging pests such as aphids, whiteflies, and fruit flies. Dragonflies are among nature's most efficient aerial predators, consuming hundreds of mosquitoes daily with a hunting success rate above 90 percent. Although California is home to roughly 70 dragonfly species, migratory gliders move quickly from region to region by surfing high-pressure weather systems. In fullRare swarms of dragonflies are leaving Californians stunnedMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in