Summer nights in Pennsylvania are a spectacular experience: cool air, countless stars, and the chorus of bugs set a peaceful scene after a hard day’s work for many people across the commonwealth. However, fireflies, an icon of these nights, have been noticeably scarce or even absent in recent years, spurring an alarm for anyone who enjoys watching them.

Fireflies, or lightning bugs, are a favorite of many people in the summer. Kids collect jars of them, and adults like myself love to sit and watch the hypnotic show they perform as the sun fades behind our rolling hills, and the moon begins to rise and illuminate the night sky. These beloved bugs may have been few and far between in the past few weeks, causing many to notice their vacancy among the darkness.

These insects, which are beetles despite the common names firefly and lightning bug, are truly incredible. The captivating ritual they perform at night catches not only our attention, but also the attention of other fireflies nearby. This allows them to find mates to further supply our night with a light show that can only be described as breathtaking.

However, these insects may be in trouble. Across the nation, people are reporting a noticeable decline in fireflies, a troublesome situation for the insects and those who enjoy watching them. Climate change, urban development, and even short-term weather trends have impacted the life cycle of lightning bugs. While these issues are too large to handle individually, there is still a lot of individuals can do to protect our fireflies.

Fireflies flourish in the darkness, something that is growing ever rarer with the development of artificial light. Light pollution is the overabundance of light being projected into the night sky from our streetlights, porch lights, and even headlights on our cars. This can harm the fireflies’ light-based communication, causing them to be confused or unable to see each other, and leaving them without a voice.

Another issue is that pesticides and chemicals commonly used for gardens, shrubs, and especially lawns can also be harmful to the non-targeted species, such as fireflies and other beneficial insects that act as natural pest control. These chemicals are often overused and spread beyond their target, harming the environment around them, and causing unforeseen consequences, such as the decline of fireflies.

Although the situation may sound bleak, there is still time to act. One way you can help is simple and effective and can even save you money! The solution? Turn off your lights at night. Porch lights, garage lights, and any other outdoor lighting you may have can interfere with the fireflies’ nighttime ritual, so flicking the light switch off when you no longer need it is a simple yet effective way to help these little guys out. Closing curtains at night can also help minimize the amount of artificial light that escapes into the night.

As far as pesticides go, follow an IPM approach by trying non-chemical alternatives to pest control, such as encouraging natural enemies by planting flowers. If chemicals are required, only use them when damage is apparent rather than spraying on a schedule and follow the label directions carefully as to not overtreat any areas you are using it in. Knowing the intended use and application process of pesticides can make all the difference in keeping pests away while protecting our other six-legged friends. This firefly issue may raise some alarm, and for good reasons. Insects, like fireflies, are vital to the function of our ecosystems. The firefly issue is one of many stories of insects disappearing across the planet. It is important that we protect and conserve our insects, even the ones we may find scary or ugly. Not all insects are able to glow like a firefly or make honey like a honeybee, but all are needed for our ecosystems to remain healthy and strong. As far as protecting insects goes, it is important to remember that every action makes a difference. An act as simple and turning off a porch light or easing up on chemical treatment can make a world of difference in the fight to preserve these truly magnificent