Electron and ion avalanches have been recorded near a variety of insulators (plexiglas, teflon, high‐density polyethylene, low‐density polyethylene, polypropylene, delrin, polyvinyl chloride, and nylon) in nitrogen gas at pressures of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 MPa. With the exception of nylon, suppression of avalanches has been observed in the presence of insulators. In addition to electron and ion avalanches, simultaneous measurement of optical radiation associated with an electron avalanche was successfully carried out. Qualitative explanations have been provided for the suppression of avalanches near most insulators and an anomalous growth of avalanches near nylon insulators. Photoemission from nylon surfaces appears to be responsible for the enhanced growth of avalanches near nylon insulators. More precise measurements of optical radiation are needed to better understand the electron‐photon interactions near a solid insulator in a gaseous dielectric medium.