How to Keep Fireflies Alive in a Jar this Summer

 

Fireflies, or lightning bugs, bring a beautiful bioluminescence to humid summer nights in Alabama and throughout the Southeast. Capturing and observing these flying beetles can be a delightful experience, especially for young children and families.

In this guide, our experts in integrative pest management share a safe and enjoyable way to catch and keep fireflies temporarily.

Catching Fireflies in a Jar

The best time to catch fireflies in a jar is at dusk when they begin to light up. Use a small net made of fabric to catch fireflies from the air. You can safely move the fireflies from the net to a large mason jar. Hold the jar upside down over the net and let the fireflies in. Instead of punching holes in the top, keep the lid slightly loose to allow air circulation while maintaining the necessary humidity to prevent drying up.

How to Keep Fireflies Alive in a Jar

Like butterflies, the lives of fireflies progress through a complete metamorphosis cycle, from egg to imago. While fireflies don’t need to eat in their imago form, offering fruit or blades of fresh grass helps maintain the moisture level and offers fireflies a place to climb and hide. 

Keep the jar in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight, and gently blow across the top of the jar daily to refresh the air inside.

Releasing Fireflies

When you’re learning how to keep fireflies alive in a jar, you mustn’t forget that you should only keep fireflies for a day or two. The plan should always be to release them alive and healthy soon after catching them. 

To ensure your fireflies survive and get to return to their role in nature, release them in a damp, vegetated area. Humid areas are where fireflies can mate, lay eggs, and thrive. 

Protecting Fireflies

Alabama is one of the best when it comes to conservation efforts for the many wildlife species found here and their natural habitats.

Alabama’s precious wildlife includes insects like fireflies, which you can help protect:

• Artificial lighting can disrupt firefly mating signals, so turn off porch lights or other outdoor lights when they aren’t necessary. 
• Maintain some small, neat areas of long grass, and avoid using chemical fertilizers in your garden; go for natural alternatives instead. 
• Preserve natural firefly habitats, such as rotting logs, which make great nurseries for firefly eggs.

Contact Vulcan Termite for Local Pest Control

Fireflies are a beautiful part of Alabama’s natural landscape. By following these tips, you can enjoy their beautiful glow safely and responsibly. We appreciate how all creatures (even the smallest critters) have a purpose in their natural habitats and an important role in the food chain.

If you’re having pest problems, don’t hesitate to call our team at Vulcan Termite and Pest Control. Our family-owned, integrative pest management company has served families in Birmingham, AL, for over 40 years, safeguarding their property and helping to ensure a pest-free environment.

With our technicians, you can rest assured your home or office is in good hands. Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction sets us apart in the industry. Call us at 205-663-4200 or contact us online to help protect your property and enjoy a pest-free environment today!

Thanks for reading! Check out our pest blog to learn more about the pests and other creatures found in Alabama.