How Can I Make My Yard More Firefly-Friendly?

Here are a few simple ways to attract your local fireflies (from Silent Sparks Chapter 8):

Let the grass in part of your lawn grow longer by mowing it less frequently. This will help the soil hold more moisture.
Leave some leaf litter and woody debris in parts of your yard – this makes good habitat for larval fireflies.
Fireflies need moist places to lay their eggs, so preserve any wetlands, streams, or ponds in your neighborhood.

When installing or re-thinking your outdoor lighting, use only what you need to get the job done.
Use Dark-Sky compliant, shielded lighting fixtures; these direct light downward, where it’s most useful for safety and security. Use bulbs as low-wattage as possible to provide just the light you need.
Turn off outdoor lights when they’re not needed, or put them on timers or motion sensors.

Avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides like malathion and diazinon. Instead, choose horticultural oils or insecticidal bacteria like Bt that will kill specific target pests.
Get informed about the health and environmental impacts of pesticides. Consider using organic or least-toxic practices and products on your lawn and garden.
Only apply pesticides when problems arise, never routinely. Don’t use Weed & Feed or similar products – they might seem convenient, but they put pesticide when and where it isn’t needed.