Lightning bugs locations11/6/2023 ![]() The 2023 viewing dates for the Great Smoky Mountain synchronous fireflies will be June 4 to June 11, 2023. Those interested in seeing the annual display can enter the lottery at, and will be charged a $1 lottery application fee. EST, and will close on May 1, 2023, at 8 p.m. In 2023, the lottery to see the synchronous fireflies in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park opens on April 28, at 10 a.m. How to see the Great Smoky Mountains synchronous fireflies The incredible flashing display is so popular that a lottery system has been established for obtaining the coveted parking passes required to attend. During the annual phenomenon, swarms of lightning bugs will light up the park at night. In late March to early April, adults leave their overwintering sites to return to their host trees for the warmer months.The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is gearing up for its annual synchronous fireflies event-the largest gathering of synchronous fireflies in the Western Hemisphere. These black and orange bugs tend to hide in small cracks and crevices in walls to insulate themselves from the cold winter temperatures. After large masses gather, they migrate to nearby buildings or homes to overwinter. In the fall, boxelder bugs become gregarious and congregate on the south side of rocks, trees and buildings where the sun hits. There are two generations per year in the warmer regions of the United States. The nymphs feed on fallen boxelder seeds and later on new leaves. The eggs turn red as the embryos develop and hatch about two weeks later. The females lay clusters of straw-yellow eggs on stones, eaves, grass, shrubs and trees – especially in the bark crevices of boxelder trees. Occasionally, these black and orange bugs will feed on the fruits of plum and apple trees. They first feed on fallen boxelder seeds and later move to the female boxelder trees or maple trees where they eat newly developing leaves. During this time, the adults leave their overwintering sites to return to their host trees for the warmer months. Overwintering adult boxelder bugs emerge from hibernation in late March to early April when the boxelder buds open. Since they can attract other pests, it’s an infestation best to avoid dealing with on your own. If a boxelder bug infestation is suspected, a licensed pest control professional should be contacted to evaluate and assess the problem. For light fixtures and ceiling fans, remove the fixture to its base plate, seal and replace. For electrical outlets, switch boxes, heating ducts and return air vents, remove the coverplate, seal and replace. Then, seal up any entryways into the living space – window pulleys, window and door frames, baseboards, etc. The bag should be removed to prevent the bugs from escaping. To provide temporary relief during this time, consider using a vacuum cleaner to get rid of the boxelder bugs. Experts recommend waiting until summer when all live overwintering adults are out of the wall voids. No attempt should be made to kill them in wall voids, because dead insect bodies can attract dermestid beetles (larder beetles, carpet beetles, etc). If you do find an infestation of black and orange bugs and need to get them out of your home or other building, be careful of DIY efforts to kill them. The good news is that a boxelder bug is nothing to fear - their presence can simply be a nuisance. Installing door sweeps to all exterior entrances.Sealing cracks and crevices with a good quality silicone or silicone-latex caulk.Repairing holes in window and door screens.Several steps can be taken to prevent boxelder bugs from invading homes.
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