Bring Fireflies Back to the Garden
Growing up one of my favorite memories is going to my grandparents house and catching fireflies. My sister, cousins, and I would run around the yard for hours armed with a jar covered in tin foil (with holes in it of course). We would catch hundreds of fireflies and marvel at their blinking lights. Before we left to go home for the night we would release the tops and watching all those blinking lights return back to the garden. To me it was magical.
Now as an adult living in urban Jackson, MS, I very rarely see fireflies. Every now and then I might see one lonely light blinking in the garden. The fireflies need our help. I challenge you to go on a journey with me to bring the fireflies back to the garden. Here’s the game plan:
Step 1: Go Native!
Native grasses and wildflowers provide the perfect habitat for both larvae and adults. Firefly females need a moist area to lay their eggs. Moss and pond edges are ideal places to start. I’ve added a flower pot with rocks and a small fountain in it to keep the water moving so mosquitos can’t access it but beneficial insects can. Then fill your space with wildflowers such as sedge grasses, phlox, spiderwort, goldenrod, coneflowers, cardinal flower, foxgloves, milkweed, little bluestem grasses, coreopsis, blue aster, black eyed susan, and buttonbush just to name a few. I’ve added coneflowers, milkweed, black eyed susan, and buttonbush to my yard so far with plans to add many more.
Step 2: Leave the Leaves
One of the best things we can do to attract fireflies is to simply leave the leaves. Firefly eggs hatch and larvae develop in rotten logs and leaf little, so let the leaves, branches, and organic matter pile up in parts of your yard to create a perfect firefly habitat. I’ll admit this one makes me a little bit of the ick because snakes could hide in there but I’m willing to give one corner far away from my house a try.
Step 3: Eliminate the Pesticides
Pesticides can kill the insects we are trying to get rid of and the ones we want to attract. Instead practice organic gardening methods such as encouraging pest predators. Hate grubs, slugs, and snails? Fireflies are predators of soft bodied pests, so by creating a firefly habitat in your garden, you can naturally control these pesky critters. Both larvae and adults feed on grubs, slugs, and snails, so you’ll want to attract both stages of the firefly life cycle. I’ll be simply continuing to plant native plants to encourage a healthy insect ecosystem in my yard.
Step 4: Eliminate Nonessential Outdoor Lighting
Scientists suspect fireflies are negatively impacted by light pollution. This makes sense seeing as how these insects use flashing lights to communicate. Turn off those glaring lights, use motion sensors, and timers. Use lights only when necessary.
Step 5: Certify Your Habitat
Want to take your garden to the next level? Apply to be a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat. It’s simple and if you have native plants, you’re already just about there. Native plants, are vital because they provide food and shelter for native insects, which in turn attract fireflies. I have my certification coming in the mail this week. I’m very excited!
Step 6: Share
Fireflies are one of the most incredible creatures on Earth. They symbolize hope and remind us that even in the darkest times, there is always light. By sharing our blog about fireflies, you are helping to spread awareness about these inspiring little creatures and the importance of protecting them. I hope you join my in bringing fireflies back to the garden.
As always if you need help in the garden and are feeling overwhelmed, sign up for a free discovery call so we can talk about your garden dreams.
