Whether you call them fireflies or lightning bugs, they're the same. I grew up referring to them as lightning bugs. When I was a little girl, it was such fun to be outside after dark chasing lightning bugs. Now, after dark this time of year, I don't see a lot of lightning bugs anymore. Where'd they all go? Are fireflies disappearing?

Well...according to Ben Pfeiffer of Firefly.org, the past few decades with the increase in development, chemical and light pollution, it has limited our firefly populations. Residential and commercial developments have disrupted or even eliminated fireflies habitats in many areas of the US.

The typical firefly habitat is similar to that of mosquitoes. They thrive along field and forest floors where there is undisturbed decay of leaves and rotting wood as well as ponds, rivers, streams and, even standing water areas. Where these areas are near commercial or residential developments, it is likely that chemicals that have been used to control pests, such as mosquitoes, may have also reduced the lightning bug or firefly populations.

Light pollution is where, we as humans, do not embrace the night, but continue to light it as much as possible for our human activities. Fireflies use their flash patterns to communicate with other fireflies. Lights from the street, vehicles, homes and commercial areas confuse these patterns which ultimately leads to them not mating and no new baby fireflies to come along.

Fireflies remain in the larvae stage for 1 to 2 years before they become adults. So, they aren't as quick about growing as other insects. But, they certainly are one of the most fascinating with their glowing tails.

How to bring back lightning bugs to your yard:

• Let your lawn grow taller before mowing and then mow at a higher level
• Don't use lawn chemicals
• Create an undisturbed corner of your yard with a water feature (birdbath, tiny in-ground pond, mud), rotting logs and leaves, native perennials and grasses
• At night - go dark outside - Limit your night light footprint!

Attracting butterflies is very similar to attract fireflies with native plants that provide . Planting a butterfly garden may help to increase your firefly population, too!

Or, just setting a small area aside for a pollinator garden can go a long way in helping lightning bugs find their way to survival! Learn more on pollinator gardening with our blog post on 7 Tips to Get Started on Pollinator Gardening.