Stop! Don’t Rake the Leaves in Your Yard This Fall; Here’s Why

I know a yard covered in leaves may be your worst nightmare if raking is your responsibility. If that's the case, I have some good news for you. Especially if you love lightning bugs. Or Fireflies, whatever you like to call them.

Lightning Bugs are Disappearing

Just this past summer, Chad and I were talking about how we hadn't seen very many lightning bugs compared to years past. We all have nostalgic memories of catching the little glowing insects in a jar, or running around in a field of them. I used to rescue them from the wave pool at Atlantis Swim Club.

I saw a few this year, and only in our backyard. According to Firefly.org, the lightning bug population has decreased all over the world.

Why are Lightning Bugs Disappearing?

Light pollution and human interference, such as the use of pesticides and land development, are to blame.

"Human light pollution is believed to interrupt firefly flash patterns. Scientists have observed that synchronous fireflies get out of synch for a few minutes after a car’s headlights pass. Light from homes, cars, stores, and streetlights may all make it difficult for fireflies to signal each other during mating—meaning fewer firefly larvae are born next season."

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Another factor is that every year, their natural habitats are swept away as leaves are raked from yards and bagged up to be hauled off. Undisturbed landscaping with rotting wood, layers of plants, and leaves that allow water to collect for a damp and humid environment is perfect for lightning bug larvae to grow and emerge each summer.

If you meticulously maintain your yard, there are no longer safe and cozy places for lightning bugs to multiply like they once could. This is why you aren't seeing them as much as in the good old days.

How you can help save the lightning bugs

If you want your kiddos and grand kiddos to be able to run free and make memories catching fireflies, here is a list of tips from The Farmer's Almanac:

• Allow logs to rot. Fireflies spend up to 95% of their lives in larval stages. They live in rotting logs, soil/mud/leaf litter and spend from 1-2 years growing until finally pupating to become adults.
• Turn your lights off at night (lights can confuse them when they’re trying to mate).
• Refrain from using lawn chemicals.
• Plant a garden! Gardens are meccas for fireflies, helping to replace lost habitat. They also supply fireflies with lots of food sources. If you have garden snails, slugs, worms, and other insects, fireflies can lend a hand by helping to control these pests. Plus, females need a place to lay eggs and gardens offer an oasis with a source of soil moisture for larval development.
• Plant trees and native grasses.
• Don’t over-mow your lawn.
• Don’t rake leaves and bag them up for the trash. You are raking up firefly larvae and discarding them.

So there you go! If you need a reason not to worry about raking your yard, just show this to your spouse. I think I may make a sign that says something like "Excuse the mess! We're saving lightning bugs."