This article was co-authored by Shweta Sharma. Shweta Sharma is a Biologist with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). With nearly ten years of experience, she specializes in insect management, integrated pest management, insect behavior, resistance management, ecology, and biological control. She earned her PhD in Urban Entomology and her MS in Environmental Horticulture from the University of Florida. She also holds a BS in Agriculture from the Institute of Agriculture and Animal Sciences, Nepal.
This article has been viewed 46,927 times.
Fireflies are magical little insects. They brighten summer skies in warm, humid regions (such as the eastern US and the south of France). If you’d like to attract fireflies to your yard, there are several steps you can take. By providing certain plants and plant matter and creating a welcoming space, you can make your yard into a haven for happy fireflies. Remember, if you happen to catch fireflies in a jar, be sure to let them go within the hour.
Steps
Providing Attractive Plant Material
-
1Let your grass grow. Fireflies are attracted to long grasses and shrubbery. During the day they like to hide in the grass, and in the evening the like to perch on grass stems (especially the females). Allow the edges of your yard to grow long and allow the brush to build up.
- Only let your yard accumulate brush around the edges.
- Beware, though, these areas can also attract ticks.
-
2Plant pine trees, if they’re native. As forests, meadows, and fields are developed into shopping malls and other building, fireflies have fewer places to lay their eggs. You can attract fireflies by planting pine trees near your home. The canopies created by pine trees block out light that can interfere with mating, and the soft needles that fall to the ground create a perfect place for firefly larvae to grow.Advertisement
-
3Plant flowers around your home. Fireflies are attracted to pollen and nectar. You can encourage them to hang out in your yard by planting flowers. Select a variety of local flowers to entice fireflies to visit you.[1]
-
4Store wood and allow it to rot. Certain species of fireflies like to lay their eggs in rotten logs. The larvae then feast on the slugs, snails, and worms that are found in this habitat. You can attract fireflies by storing firewood in your yard. Stack the wood loosely to allow proper air flow.
- If fireflies do settle into a portion of your woodpile, try not to disturb that area.
- Keep the woodpile toward the edges of your yard. It may give off a smell or begin to look unsightly as it starts to rot.
- Avoid doing this if you live in an area prone to wildfires.
Creating a Welcoming Environment
-
1Build a pond. Fireflies are drawn to moisture. They love standing water and marshy areas. Consider building a small pond in your yard to attract fireflies. Your pond might have decorative stones, koi fish, or plants.[2]
- Be aware that standing water can also attract mosquitoes.
-
2Keep your lights switched off. Fireflies prefer dark areas. They glow for 2 reasons: to scare away predators and to attract mates. If you’d like to draw fireflies to your yard, try keeping it as dark as possible.[3]
-
3Avoid using pesticides on your yard. The widespread use of pesticide is one of leading causes of firefly decline. You can reduce the impact of this problem and help draw fireflies to your yard by staying away from pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals.[4]
-
4Allow worms, grubs, slugs, and snails to hang out in your yard. Believe it or not, fireflies are mainly carnivores. They feed on slimy insects. You can help attract fireflies to your area by allowing the slimy guys to hang out there as well.[5]
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you'd like to learn more about fireflies, check out our in-depth interview with Shweta Sharma.
References
- ↑ https://www.mnn.com/your-home/organic-farming-gardening/stories/how-to-attract-fireflies-to-your-backyard
- ↑ https://www.mnn.com/your-home/organic-farming-gardening/stories/how-to-attract-fireflies-to-your-backyard
- ↑ https://sciencing.com/attract-fireflies-2190453.html
- ↑ https://sciencing.com/attract-fireflies-2190453.html
- ↑ https://www.mnn.com/your-home/organic-farming-gardening/stories/how-to-attract-fireflies-to-your-backyard
About This Article
To attract fireflies, try setting up a birdbath or container pond in your yard. Fireflies always look for mates near standing water, so they’ll be more likely to show up if there’s water around. You can also attract fireflies by cutting your grass less frequently, since fireflies prefer scavenging and hiding in taller grasses. If you have a fire pit or fireplace, store your wood pile outside, since fireflies like to lay eggs and rest inside of dense woods. At night, turn off any external lights and close your blinds. This will make it easier for the fireflies to see one another, and they'll be more active in your yard if it’s dim. Planting native plants in your garden can also help attract fireflies, especially native shrubs. Fireflies like to hide and look for food in them. For more tips, like how to attract fireflies using pine trees, read on!
