What difference does the dark sky ordinance make for local wildlife?

[JeffreyTW]

I’m trying to figure out if my town’s new “dark sky” ordinance is actually making a difference for local wildlife, or if it’s just a feel-good measure. I’ve noticed fewer insects around my porch light, but I’m not sure if that’s because of the reduced light pollution or something else entirely.

[EricGM]

I’ve been watching our porch light since the dark sky ordinance went in, and I do notice fewer moths and glowworms around the door on warmer nights, but I can’t tell if that’s the ordinance or just this year’s weather.

[FrankS]

Seasonal cycles and rain seem plausible explanations too. I tried turning the light off for a full night and didn’t notice a dramatic change, or maybe I wasn’t looking closely.

[Harper.R]

If you want a rough read without messing with gear, pick a few clear nights, count insects in a fixed patch for five minutes, compare to nights with lights on versus shielded, and note bird or bat chatter.

[MatthewC]

Part of me wonders if the bigger issue isn’t habitat or pesticides; the light is one piece, but the real problem could be something else driving the wildlife changes.