Clean up fallen leaves in Lincroft, NJ to prevent spring pests now

During a routine inspection for a home inspection plan (HPP) customer in Lincroft, NJ, I observed significant leaf accumulation right against the home. When it comes to insects, leaf debris is asking for trouble. It is an insect attractant and insect-breeding ground, providing a dark, moist, private environment and shelter from the sun. Just like we are finding out that too much directly sunlight isn’t so healthy for us, insects have known this for years. prolonged direct sunlight can dry out insects as well as th water sources they need to live.  

Spring yard clean-up should include cleaning up all of the leaves, sticks and other vegetation that has made its way onto your yard over the winter. Any yard debris has the potential to be used as pest harborage areas. If you pick up a pile of soggy, wet leaves, do not be surprised to find a few things crawling underneath! Insects will look for shelter in wet, ground-covered areas.  

And let’s not forget about rodents that also seek out leaf piles to nest along with the ticks and fleas that they carry. Field mice are the most common carrier of Lyme-carrying ticks. 

Even if our home protection plan don’t have any active pest infestations, they have the peace of mind of being able to call us at a moment’s notice whenever there is a problem. Also, like here, we conduct periodic inspections of the property, finding potential insect attractants as well as performing preventative perimeter treatments. Whenever possible, if is far better to prevent insect and rodent infestations rather than resolving an existing one. A walk-around inspection by an experienced pest control professional is one of the best ways to identify and correct potential problems in and around your property.