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Summer is not only the season of beach holidays and juicy fruits. Summer is the favorite time of the year for spotted fireflies. Annoying spotted fireflies swarm around terraces and porches in huge numbers, and some of them even try to get into the house. For most people, the very thought of an invasion of such peculiar insects seems disgusting, but experts in the fight against invasive pests assure that there is no need to panic. Silive has learned what to do if fireflies have made their way into your home, and what you absolutely should not do.
Native to China and Southeast Asia, these insects are known for being difficult to detect, difficult to kill, and environmentally damaging. They have been torturing the people of Staten Island since 2020. The very first and most important thing to know, and they won’t stay long in your home. According to experts, they simply cannot spend long periods of time indoors.
“We did a little research and found that at room temperature they can only survive about 48 hours,” said Brian Ashenour, a senior researcher at Cornell University. The insect needs to constantly eat, he added.
So let’s breathe: these spotted hooligans won’t nest in your bedroom, lay eggs in your bathroom, or have the urge to breed on your grandpa’s favorite couch. If you don’t have Sky Tree and Vine on your menu – their main food source – they won’t join you for dinner.
On the subject: New York State is teeming with dangerous mosquitoes: how to protect yourself from them with plants
Ashenour hopes this information will dissuade people from resorting to using a can of insecticide, “which itself can become a hazard if misused.” In addition, the specialist drew attention to the fact that New York is expecting a huge invasion of spotted fireflies this summer. Observations of red spotted firefly larvae (instars), which are in their last stage of development before becoming adults, indicate that the explosion in numbers will begin earlier than last year.
“All indications are that the spotted firefly population will be hard to ignore, perhaps even scampering in front of your face as you walk,” Ashenour said. “They will be harmful and their numbers will be much higher than last year.”
The good news for Staten Island is that the population in the area will soon begin to decline. Since Staten Island originally had more spotted fireflies than other areas, it will be the first place where the population starts to decline.
Photo: ForumDaily NewYork
What to do if a spotted firefly gets into your house
If you find a spotted firefly in your home, don’t try to wave at it if it’s perched on curtains or furniture. When these creatures are crushed, they release a honeydew that can stain fabrics.
In addition to spoiled fabric, this dew attracts wasps, yellow hornets and honey bees – not the friendliest guests. In addition, eggs or larvae may remain that will fall on other surfaces. The desire to get rid of one will only lead to their spread.
Try to carefully collect the firefly in a container or cover with a glass. If this is not possible, then leave it where it is, and after a couple of days just remove its withered, exhausted body.
Do not use toxic chemicals or pesticides without permission or expert advice. They can be dangerous to you, your pets and the environment.
On the subject: The American Museum of Natural History has opened a new unit in New York, and it will definitely surprise you
Vineyards get ready
While they appear dramatic in large numbers, they do not actually cause significant damage to residential areas, both indoors and outdoors. They do not bite, sting, or transmit disease. In most cases, they do not harm our trees in the landscape. The exceptions are the Heavenly Tree and the vine. This is the delicacy that they are crazy about.
Spotted fireflies are a threat to the state’s agriculture and the economic damage is huge, said Chris Logue, director of crop production at the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. He said that New York is the third largest grape producer in the country, and the industry is valued at $300 million annually.
And while Staten Island may not have vineyards, residents of the area don’t get much joy out of seeing these creatures. Experts advise continuing to squash, wave and squash nasty pests outside and set traps.
“But don’t worry too much if they get inside the house,” Ashenour assured, “they are not going to move into our houses.”
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how to protect your yard and house from them
Summer is not only the season of beach holidays and juicy fruits. Summer is the favorite time of the year for spotted fireflies. Annoying spotted fireflies swarm around terraces and porches in huge numbers, and some of them even try to get into the house. For most people, the very thought of an invasion of such peculiar insects seems disgusting, but experts in the fight against invasive pests assure that there is no need to panic. Silive has learned what to do if fireflies have made their way into your home, and what you absolutely should not do.
Native to China and Southeast Asia, these insects are known for being difficult to detect, difficult to kill, and environmentally damaging. They have been torturing the people of Staten Island since 2020. The very first and most important thing to know, and they won’t stay long in your home. According to experts, they simply cannot spend long periods of time indoors.
“We did a little research and found that at room temperature they can only survive about 48 hours,” said Brian Ashenour, a senior researcher at Cornell University. The insect needs to constantly eat, he added.
So let’s breathe: these spotted hooligans won’t nest in your bedroom, lay eggs in your bathroom, or have the urge to breed on your grandpa’s favorite couch. If you don’t have Sky Tree and Vine on your menu – their main food source – they won’t join you for dinner.
On the subject: New York State is teeming with dangerous mosquitoes: how to protect yourself from them with plants
Ashenour hopes this information will dissuade people from resorting to using a can of insecticide, “which itself can become a hazard if misused.” In addition, the specialist drew attention to the fact that New York is expecting a huge invasion of spotted fireflies this summer. Observations of red spotted firefly larvae (instars), which are in their last stage of development before becoming adults, indicate that the explosion in numbers will begin earlier than last year.
“All indications are that the spotted firefly population will be hard to ignore, perhaps even scampering in front of your face as you walk,” Ashenour said. “They will be harmful and their numbers will be much higher than last year.”
The good news for Staten Island is that the population in the area will soon begin to decline. Since Staten Island originally had more spotted fireflies than other areas, it will be the first place where the population starts to decline.
What to do if a spotted firefly gets into your house
If you find a spotted firefly in your home, don’t try to wave at it if it’s perched on curtains or furniture. When these creatures are crushed, they release a honeydew that can stain fabrics.
In addition to spoiled fabric, this dew attracts wasps, yellow hornets and honey bees – not the friendliest guests. In addition, eggs or larvae may remain that will fall on other surfaces. The desire to get rid of one will only lead to their spread.
Try to carefully collect the firefly in a container or cover with a glass. If this is not possible, then leave it where it is, and after a couple of days just remove its withered, exhausted body.
Do not use toxic chemicals or pesticides without permission or expert advice. They can be dangerous to you, your pets and the environment.
On the subject: The American Museum of Natural History has opened a new unit in New York, and it will definitely surprise you
Vineyards get ready
While they appear dramatic in large numbers, they do not actually cause significant damage to residential areas, both indoors and outdoors. They do not bite, sting, or transmit disease. In most cases, they do not harm our trees in the landscape. The exceptions are the Heavenly Tree and the vine. This is the delicacy that they are crazy about.
Spotted fireflies are a threat to the state’s agriculture and the economic damage is huge, said Chris Logue, director of crop production at the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. He said that New York is the third largest grape producer in the country, and the industry is valued at $300 million annually.
And while Staten Island may not have vineyards, residents of the area don’t get much joy out of seeing these creatures. Experts advise continuing to squash, wave and squash nasty pests outside and set traps.
“But don’t worry too much if they get inside the house,” Ashenour assured, “they are not going to move into our houses.”
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