Darker Nights, Brighter Fireflies

We’re in the heart of firefly season, and one of the easiest ways to help these beloved summer insects is simply to turn off unnecessary outdoor lights at night.

Fireflies rely on darkness to communicate with one another. Their flashing light displays are how they attract mates, but bright outdoor lights—such as porch lights, landscape lighting, and floodlights—can drown out these signals, making it harder for them to find each other and reproduce. As unnecessary outdoor lighting increases, so do the challenges fireflies face.

The good news is that a small change can make a big difference. Start by turning off outdoor lights when they are not needed—especially during the evening hours when fireflies are most active. Consider switching off porch lights, decorative lighting, and landscape lights after you go inside, or use only the amount of light needed for safety.

Better yet, install timers, motion sensors, or smart lighting controls so lights automatically turn off when they are no longer needed. These simple solutions help reduce the amount of unnecessary light in our neighborhoods while allowing fireflies to communicate, find mates, and thrive. They also save energy, reduce light pollution, and help restore the beauty of Wisconsin’s night skies.

This summer, take a moment to enjoy nature’s own light show. By choosing darkness when light isn’t needed, you’re helping ensure future generations can experience the magic of fireflies for years to come.

DarkSky Wisconsin is proud to be a partner and member of Lights Out Wisconsin, a statewide effort focused on reducing unnecessary light during critical times for wildlife, including bird migration and firefly season. Together with our partners, we are helping communities understand how thoughtful lighting choices can protect Wisconsin’s wildlife and night skies.

Want to Do More for Fireflies?

Consider:

• Let your yard be a little wild: A perfectly manicured lawn may look neat, but fireflies need places with tall grasses, native plants, and leaf litter to thrive. Leave some areas of your yard a little less tidy to create habitat for these important insects.
• Leave the leaves: Fallen leaves provide shelter and habitat for firefly larvae, which spend most of their lives on the ground before becoming the flashing insects we enjoy in summer.
• Avoid pesticides: Many pesticides can harm fireflies and the insects they rely on for food.
• Join the Firefly Atlas: Help researchers better understand and protect firefly populations by participating in this community science project at fireflyatlas.org.