6 ways to help Pennsylvania's at-risk firefly population

Turn off the lights

One of the easiest ways to help fireflies is also free. Turn off outdoor lights. Light sources from people make it difficult for fireflies to signal each other. Keep the lights off at least during firefly season: late June through mid-July. If you need lights in specific areas, point them down and at spots like steps. Adding motion detectors or timers also helps reduce light pollution.

Cut down on mowing

Mowing frequently can disturb fireflies, which stay close to the ground during the day. You don't need to turn your entire lawn into a meadow but keep at least a small area with tall grass to provide habitat. Or keep your entire lawn 3.5 or 4 inches tall, according to University of New Hampshire's Extension.

Leave leaves

Some firefly larvae spend up to two years in leaf litter. Leaving leaves gives them a chance to grow into flying, flashing adults.

Provide a water source

Most fireflies like being close to water. Even if you don't have a pond, create a wet habitat with a bird bath or water feature.

Stop using pesticides

Pesticides that kill things like grubs and slugs can also kill fireflies. If you worry about snails, slugs and caterpillars, remember that fireflies eat insects like these.

Research fireflies

You don't need a yard to join a community science project. The Butlers suggest Firefly Watch (lanc.news/fwatch). While organized by Mass Audubon, anyone in North America can track fireflies. To help, spend at least 10 minutes once a week during firefly season watching fireflies in one location. Count the fireflies. Watch for flash patterns and submit your results.

https://lancasteronline.com/features/home_garden/6-ways-to-help-pennsylvanias-at-risk-firefly-population/article_e53b3e6e-1c35-11ee-9f76-df80443195ad.html?utm_medium=social&utm_source=email&utm_campaign=user-share