Fireflies are the beneficial disco dancers of the night. Sometimes, it’s the simple things that bring me joy. We hear so much about the decline of beneficial insects- including the fireflies or, as we called them – lightning bugs. As children, we danced around them at night and dodged them as they lit up in flight.
Growing up in Washington, DC, summer nights, outside our childhood home were always filled with activities and laughter. We ran around with found containers attempting to catch the fireflies dancing in the nighttime sky. My brother, Jimmy, would catch one in between his hands. I just knew it would burn his palms, and I would ask, “Jimmy, does it hurt when the light touches your hand?”
He quietly answered no, then told me to hold out my hand. Always encouraging me to face my fears, Jimmy had me cup my hands, as he had done. Reaching up, he captured a firefly and gently placed this dancer of the night into my palms. I felt it flutter, light up to a subtle glow, and smiled. I had done something I never imagined I would do. Something as simple as holding a firefly was monumental to me. After a brief moment, we released our lightning bugs and continued our game.
As I walked Precious one evening, I noticed hundreds of fireflies waiting for me to perform. It was as if I were a guest at Nature’s Disco Party I’m so glad my neighbors continue to mow a little high, edge, and blow the sidewalks. Every once in a while, new neighbors will enlist the services of a lawn care company. Many people do not know or even remember sitting outside at night. Breathing in the night air, and witnessing Nature’s Disco Party is a testament to simpler times. The fireflies, dancing to their beat, were shining brightly, reminding me of simpler times and their significance to the cycle of nature.
Fireflies are good for our gardens. This beneficial beetle loves snails, grubs, and worms. Providing a moist area, woodland setting, or a place under tall tree canopies, encourages fireflies to gravitate to this area. Provide a slightly unkempt area for procreation. By creating a naturalistic setting, these nighttime dancers will be quite happy. If you have a pine tree, most likely you will see Fireflies in abundance. Pine trees are the perfect trees for fireflies looking for a new home.
Many Native plants we have in our gardens will attract Fireflies. Solidago, Asters, Coreopsis, Rudbeckia, and other native species of plants are sure to bring the nighttime party to your garden. If you want to attract more fireflies into your garden – consider planting a few tall grasses along the perimeter of your lawn, mowing your lawn a little higher, and trying to avoid or minimize the use of pesticides. Consider adding a water feature in your garden to attract beneficial insects.
Many homeowners, and community associations, find it hard to live with anything less than a perfectly manicured garden. Consider creating a micro-hotel for a few beneficial insects. Stack a few large limbs, medium-sized branches, or even old firewood at the rear of the garden. Add some pine needles or mulch to create the perfect habitat for this much-loved living nightlight of nature. Remember to do what you can to invite fireflies to thrive in your yard and consider it home.
The perfect time to see fireflies is at dusk. Did you know if you turn off your security light, and go outside into the garden, a dance party of fireflies will begin if the conditions are right? Just remember, they don’t hurt but help our environment. The memories of seeing the fireflies hover near the water’s edge at the Isaac Walton League near my childhood home, brings a smile to my face. Waiting for dusk and the dance party in my garden, Teri, Cottage in the Court (NOT AI Generated – Generated from my heart…)
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