Can you attract fireflies

They feed on slugs and snails, which can destroy plants they especially like edibles like beans, lettuce, and tomatoes. Fireflies' glow comes from a chemical reaction inside their bodies that allows them to light up and signal to other fireflies. Unfortunately, some species of fireflies are facing endangerment because of the use of harmful pesticides and loss of habitat.

Although pesticides may help to control garden pests, the chemicals simultaneously hurt fireflies in addition to other beneficial garden wildlife such as bees, butterflies, and dragonflies.

Besides putting down the pesticides, there are other things you can do to give fireflies the habitat they need. Like mosquitoes and dragonflies, fireflies thrive in areas with lots of moisture like ponds, fountains, and marshes. They often mate near edges of standing and running water—even in puddles and birdbaths. Since they are nocturnal, fireflies often hide and rest in grass or other dense plants during the day. By cutting your lawn, you limit where they can safely stay during the day.

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Larvae can grow and flourish in their needles, creating the perfect habitat for population growth. During the summertime, professional landscapers recommend cutting your lawn on a higher setting to protect the root system from the heat. If you want to attract more fireflies, take your lawn care one step further, and stop mowing as frequently.

Fireflies are attracted to high grasses and shrubbery, and they rest on tall blades of grass during the day. While some people may enjoy gazing up at the night sky for a light show, you can attract one specific insect to make your very own yard glow: fireflies.

According to the Firefly Conservation and Research , fireflies are found virtually everywhere in the world. Since they thrive in humid environments, the association notes that fireflies are usually seen in the summertime primarily during the months of May, June, and July in the United States where they often gather in forests and marshes by lakes, rivers, ponds, and streams.

Even if you don't have these features near your home, you can still easily draw them in. Since "fireflies are attracted to shaded and moist areas and live most of their lives in the soil and leaf litter," says Josh Matta, an entomologist for Spectrum Garden Brands , you can create a habitat for them to thrive, too.

Ahead, find out how. Consider Star Jasmine and Lady Palm as backyard plant options.