Why Turning Off Outdoor Lights Could Help Maine Fireflies

For a lot of people, the first firefly sighting of the year feels like the unofficial start of summer.

There is just something about seeing those little flashes of light in the yard, along the edge of a field, or near the woods that instantly feels nostalgic. But in some areas, fireflies are becoming harder to find.

According to a really interesting story from WGME 13, despite the name, fireflies are not actually flies. They are beetles, and they spend most of their lives out of sight. Before they ever glow in the summer night sky, fireflies spend one to two years underground as larvae, usually in damp soil, leaf litter, or other moist habitats.

When they finally emerge as adults, their glowing flashes are used to communicate and find mates.

CBS 13 went on to explain that if you are hoping to spot fireflies this summer, look for grassy fields, quiet backyards, forest edges, or areas near ponds and wetlands. Tall grass, natural vegetation, and very little artificial light are all helpful. The darker the location, the better, which is why some of Maine’s less light-polluted areas can be great places to see them.

There are a few reasons fireflies may be harder to find than they used to be. Habitat loss is a big one. Weather can also play a role, especially dry conditions, since firefly larvae depend on moisture to survive.

Homeowners can help by letting part of the lawn grow a little longer, leaving some leaf litter in place in the fall, and cutting back on unnecessary outdoor lighting. Fireflies use their flashes to communicate, and bright lights can interfere with those signals.

So, if you want more fireflies around your yard this summer, let a little area stay natural, keep it darker at night, and wait for a warm, humid evening.