If you鈥檝e noticed more fireflies dancing across your backyard this summer, you鈥檙e not imagining things. Experts report that 2025 has been a banner year for these glowing insects.
鈥淟ast winter was relatively benign,鈥� said Michael Raupp, also known as the 鈥淏ug Guy,” who’s an entomologist and professor at the University of Maryland. 鈥淭he temperatures weren鈥檛 all that cold, and there was ample rainfall. What this means is high survival rates, not just for firefly larvae, but for the prey they feed on.鈥�
鈥淔irefly larvae are predators,鈥� he added. 鈥淚f snails, slugs, and other insects survive in higher numbers, it boosts firefly populations the following year.鈥�
And that鈥檚 exactly what we鈥檙e seeing.
Beyond weather patterns, location plays a huge role in whether you鈥檒l be treated to this nightly light show.
鈥淲here there鈥檚 been little development, where pesticides haven鈥檛 been used for long periods of time, and where there鈥檚 little light pollution 鈥� these are places we can expect to see lots and lots of fireflies,” Raupp said.
Just last year, it was reported that fireflies could soon be listed as an endangered species, with light pollution listed as a top threat to their existence.
To many of us, fireflies are more than just bugs:
鈥淭hey鈥檙e Mother Nature鈥檚 fireworks,鈥� Raupp said with a smile. 鈥淚 think for millions of kids who grew up in the U.S., especially here in the DMV, we remember catching them in jars, watching them glow, and letting them go. What could be more special to witness?鈥�
This year鈥檚 abundance is offering that wonder all over again.
鈥淭his has been a really good year for fireflies,鈥� he said.
Here鈥檚 how to make your yard more firefly-friendly:
- Reduce or eliminate outdoor lights at night
- Avoid pesticides
- Leave some leaf litter or moisture-rich areas where larvae can thrive
- Keep part of your lawn unmowed or plant native grasses and shrubs
And when you see them, take a moment and let yourself feel like a kid again.
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