As towns along Lake Erie prepare for the annual mayfly invasion, cities like Port Clinton, Marblehead, and Erie Township are taking proactive steps by turning off streetlights along shoreline roads. The goal is to reduce the attraction of light-sensitive mayflies, which can descend by the millions and leave behind an oily residue that creates dangerous driving conditions.
FirstEnergy’s Ohio Edison announced that it will suspend streetlight service in those areas starting in late June and continuing through the end of the mayfly hatching season, typically in September.
But Vermilion is not currently included in the list of participating communities. That has prompted local conversations: Should the city adopt a similar policy?
Each summer, Vermilion residents deal with swarms of mayflies, often covering storefronts, porches, and sidewalks. While the insects are short-lived and harmless on their own, their numbers can create slick conditions when they die and coat roads and walkways—especially after rainfall.
According to FirstEnergy, turning off lights near the lake can help reduce the number of insects congregating in one place. Torrence Hinton, president of FirstEnergy’s Ohio operations, explained that the decision to go dark is a matter of safety. Mayflies are drawn to artificial light, and their carcasses can make roads hazardous for cars, motorcycles, and even pedestrians.
The plan has received support in places like Port Clinton, where business owners and residents say the move helps reduce chaos during peak swarm times. “It just causes nothing but mayhem if they don’t get the lights turned off in time,” one shop owner told a local news station.
In Vermilion, no similar streetlight shutoffs have been announced. For some, this may be seen as a missed opportunity to take preventive action. Others may be concerned about pedestrian safety and nighttime visibility if the lights were to be turned off.
As summer approaches, Vermilion city officials may need to weigh the risks and benefits. With no clear sign that the region is exempt from mayfly activity, the question remains: Should Vermilion join other lakeshore towns in going dark for the season?
Residents can report any unintentional lighting outages or concerns through Ohio Edison’s portal at firstenergycorp.com/lightingproblem or by calling 1-800-633-4766.
About the Author
