So… maybe you recognized it, right? That time of year when summer comes around and there’s just no fireflies. Where did they go? I remember as a kid, the yard came alive — it was this whole crazy, flickering, random playground of firefly wonder. Now? If you find one, you are lucky — maybe two if you stare it down hard and stay super still. And yes, it is not just in your imagination — they are really disappearing.
So, I kind of started freaking out (in a curious way, not a panic way) and then did some digging; guess what? Same old story — it’s us. We paved their homes. We made it brighter than a shopping mall parking lot. And we killed everything that moved. And fireflies, of all insects, found themselves along with the rest of the mess.
What Really Happened to Them?
In summary, we have done everything they don’t like.
They require very particular and specific conditions. Damp, shaded areas. A little darkness at night. Some natural messiness for the ground. And when we eliminate those spaces — either mowing down wild grass, saturating everything with pesticides, or putting in ten motion-sensor floodlights around the garage — fireflies are like, “No. This is not going to work.” And then they disappear. Or, maybe more accurately, they just never show up.
So… can we change this? Kind of, yes. An entomologist named Gary Noel Ross (who’s also apparently a nature writer? — what a multi-talented dude!) went ahead and laid out some really specific things you can do. They’re not unbelievable tricks or anything — but they’re doable, and you realize after reading them, that fireflies’ needs are really pretty straightforward.
Pick a Spot
If your yard has a little shady, slightly damp area — or if you have a little grotto nook — consider it GOLD! Don’t landscape that spot. Let it go a little wild.
Plant Trees. Seriously.
They like trees. They like shade, shelter, they like everything. If you have a yard with space for native trees or shrubs — anything that adds layers to your landscape — P L E A S E plant some! You are creating a bug apartment!
Don’t Mow
This is going to be difficult for tidy freaks. But tall grass and thick cover? That’s firefly nursery habitat. Their larvae like that wet, sheltered environment very much. So, just don’t mow all the way in some areas.
Stop Raking Leaves
OK. This one is going to psych some of you out. But if you leave some of your leaves — especially where you have flower beds or under trees — as the base layer, they become food for snails and worms, which are eaten by the larvae. Fireflies don’t care if your garden looks neat. And neither should you.
Stop with the Pesticides
I mean, obviously, right? If you are using chemicals to kill bugs and then are surprised the good bugs disappear too, that’s on you. Try natural. If not, do not poison your entire yard just because you just changed seasons.
Add Water (Even Just a Little Bit)
A birdbath. A bucket that catches the rain. A half-buried ceramic bowl. You don’t need to create a koi pond. Just give them access to some sort of moisture. They enjoy it. Especially in the early night.
Flowers Are Good Too
Apparently they like flowers. Did you know that? Evening primrose, daisies, black-eyed Susan… Add a little something. It’s pretty and apparently firefly-friendly.
Let It Be Messy
Like, if this is not the overarching theme here. Logs? Decaying wood? That pile of too many sticks you never got around to burning? Are you kidding — don’t throw it away. Fireflies like this stuff; it’s homey to them. Which is kinda sweet if you ask me.
Be Patient
They are not going to appear the day after you stop mowing your lawn. They have a life cycle that takes time, and it may take a year or two before things flourish. But they are out there. They can also find their way back if you provide them a reason to.
Totally Worth Trying (Even If You’re Doubting)
I know — it seems like a lot of trouble to go through just to see a few little lights in your yard. But it’s not really about nostalgia. Well, maybe it is partly about nostalgia. But it’s also an indicator that your place is thriving in some way. That life can thrive there without being crafted and sprayed and micromanaged to death.
You don’t have to go full rewilding. Just go easy on it. Make room. Let things grow, decay, shuffle around. Fireflies like that. And who knows… maybe one day your kids (or your cat) can have their own firefly-chasing moment. Or maybe you will. Again.
No guarantees. But worth a shot.