How to Catch Fireflies
Although fireflies can be used in medical research, another reason they relate to humans is by catching them. Many people have childhood memories of catching fireflies and putting them in jars. There are certain precautions that one should take when catching these bugs and a few tips are explained below:
Although fireflies can be used in medical research, another reason they relate to humans is by catching them. Many people have childhood memories of catching fireflies and putting them in jars. There are certain precautions that one should take when catching these bugs and a few tips are explained below:
- Begin the hunt at dusk as the sun is going down. This allows you to see the flashes from the fireflies. Fireflies like to live in grassy areas and near water, so these are the places you should be looking!
- Turn off all exterior house lights. These lights can be disturbing to the fireflies and interfere with their flash patterns. If need be, take a flashlight with you, but do not shine it directly at the fireflies as this could scare them off.
- Prepare the jar: attain a glass jar with a lid, poke holes in the lid to allow oxygen to enter the jar, and place a damp paper towel in the jar to provide humidity.
- Now it is time to catch the fireflies: carefully catch the fireflies in a net and place them in a jar.
- Enjoy your fireflies for a day or two, but remember to let them go. Anything over a couple days will likely kill the fireflies.