Are Fireflies Safe to Have in Your Yard During Summer?
Fireflies are one of the most intriguing insects on the planet. Their ability to gently light up the night sky is a cause for wonder in kids of all ages. Sure, they’re entertaining, but are they good for your yard? Should you be watching the light show or considering your pest control options?
Habits and Habitat of Fireflies
Fireflies, also called Lightning Bugs, are a type of beetle. There are over 2,000 species, some of which don’t actual glow. The species of fireflies that can be found here in Alabama are called Big Dipper Fireflies. They are very common fireflies that do have bioluminescence.
Bioluminescence is a chemical reaction that occurs in the abdomen of the firefly. It produces a yellow-green light that the firefly can control through its nervous system. The primary purpose for all this glowing is to communicate with other fireflies, especially when searching for a mate. Each species has its own illuminating “language” for mating.
It’s common to see fireflies out in nature just about anywhere around dusk and early evening. They frequent fields, yards, gardens, meadows and parks. They prefer to be in warm, humid environments or temperate climates, which is why you’ll never see them during the winter. Unlike their glowworm counterparts, fireflies are able to fly and can cover more ground during their two-month lifespan.
Fireflies may feed on nectar, but some adult fireflies, like the Big Dipper Firefly, are known to eat nothing at all. However, the larvae of most species do feast on snails, slugs and earthworms. So if you see fireflies in your yard it’s probably because they are looking for a mate not a meal.
Why You Shouldn’t Kill Fireflies
There are many reasons why people shouldn’t kill fireflies. For one, they are attractive insects that don’t do any harm to plants, animals or people. But more importantly, in recent years the firefly species has been on the decline.
Scientists guestimate this is from loss of habitat as more land gets paved over. Unlike some insects, when fireflies’ habitats are destroyed instead of migrating somewhere new they simply die off. Light pollution is another potential problem that could be keeping fireflies from mating.
The more fireflies there are out in the wild the better scientists will understand what is affecting their behavior and population. Some areas of the country have seen a resurgence of fireflies, which is encouraging in regions where the population is still down.
If you’ve noticed spiders, harvestmen bugs and other insects that like to eat fireflies Vulcan Termite & Pest Control Inc. can help you protect your lightning bugs with customized pest control treatments.
Original Source: https://www.vulcantermite.com/garden-pest-control/are-fireflies-safe-to-have-in-your-yard-during-summer/