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If you think there are a heck of a lot of moths across Sydney right now, you’d be right. New South Wales is currently being swarmed with huge numbers of bogong moths, a furry brown endangered species – and there’s a lot more to them than fluttering wings.
Each spring, bogong moths make their annual migration south to the Australian Alps, where they spend the summer in cool caves and rocky crevices to escape the heat. They can travel hundreds of kilometres, with some coming from as far north as southern Queensland.
But this year, strong northerly and north-westerly winds are thought to be contributing to the number of moths ending up along the coast, in Sydney backyards and even inside homes. Increased rainfall and warmer conditions, which may be linked to climate change, could also have contributed to the unusually large numbers we’re seeing this year.
At first glance, they’re pretty spooky, but they’re actually pretty spectacular creatures. They use the stars, the Milky Way and the Earth’s magnetic field to navigate their epic migration, with scientists discovering in 2025 that the night sky acts as their compass.
And while Sydney’s bright lights might make things a little trickier for them, they’re not lost. They’re on a journey south, and Sydney is one of the places they can stop along the way. Though, between you and me, I’m happy for them to go.
When will the moths go?
The good news is that the swarms of moths won’t last forever. They’re currently making their way towards the Australian Alps, where they’ll spend summer in the mountains before heading back inland to breed in autumn. They should start disappearing from Sydney over the next few weeks.
Are bogong moths endangered?
Yes. Bogong moths are classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Their numbers have declined dramatically since the 1980s, including a crash of up to 99.5 per cent during the 2017-19 drought. So, while the current moth boom might be annoying if they’re taking over your house (hello, it’s me), it’s actually very good news for the species and could signal a much-needed population recovery.
What should you do when you see a bogong moth?
Don’t kill them! Bogong moths are harmless to humans, endangered and an important food source for native wildlife, including the mountain pygmy-possum. They also play an important role as pollinators. If one gets inside, turn off the indoor lights and leave an outdoor light on to encourage it back outside, or gently catch and release it.