CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — Penn State Professor Christina Grozinger says to expect a dip in firefly populations this year but adds that the average person can help.

She says multiple factors contribute to a decline. Firefly eggs are sensitive and need specific temperatures to survive. A harsh winter or broiling summer may spell disaster for the eggs.

Another issue is that fireflies have trouble with urban areas like State College. The concrete sidewalks leave little room for their eggs and the light pollution at night can disrupt their natural bioluminescence.

To combat these issues, Grozinger has some suggestions for the average person that wants to help.

“What’s really important is to allow for all sorts of different kinds of micro-habitats and micro-climates so that the fireflies can basically choose their habitats that they can do well in,” Grozinger said.

She also suggested cutting down on light pollution and pesticide use as they contribute to firefly population decline as well.