We’re now into one of the most beautiful times of the year in North America, when fireflies light up the air with their beautiful bioluminescence. But have you noticed fewer and fewer fireflies over the years? It’s not just you. Many people are reporting fewer from year to year. Fireflies face threats from habitat loss, pesticide use, and even light pollution. Here are some ways that you can help provide a safe habitat for fireflies:
1) Leave the Leaves! – Fireflies spend most of their lives as larvae living in the soil, leaf litter, and decaying wood. It’s important to provide the habitat they need to develop. If you need to remove leaves from a bed that can’t tolerate extra duff, transfer them 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙘𝙩 to other areas of your yard or gardens where they won’t be bothered.
2) Provide water sources or damp areas in your yard. – Water sustains both fireflies and their prey, such as slugs. By providing leaf litter and damp spots, fireflies will pay you back by helping to manage pest invertebrate species.
3) Turn off outdoor lights. – Artificial light disrupts their courtship behavior. If the adult fireflies cannot find each other, they can’t reproduce. Though a backyard full of fairy or tiki lights is tempting, it’s best to rely on fireflies for any outdoor light shows.
4) Mow less frequently or provide other shelter. – Adult fireflies shelter in tall grass throughout the day. Mowing less, or better yet, converting the lawn into garden beds, helps protect them. Add that to the mounting reasons to have less lawn and more garden!
5) Avoid using pesticides. – Pesticides directly harm fireflies AND their food sources. Larvae and flightless female adults are particularly at risk since they are unable to escape treated areas. It’s best to avoid using them entirely.
6) Plant native plants! – Fireflies are predators as larvae and adults, and native plants attract their prey species. Some fireflies eat pollen and other plant matter, too.
