Do Fallen Leaves Attract Pests?

Autumn can be a beautiful time of year, with an array of colours surrounding us on the trees and covering pathways during long, crisp walks. A pile of fallen leaves isn’t the only perfect hiding place for children to play in, the debris and conditions provide the right habitat for pests to seek shelter and thrive. 

Everywhere you look outdoors, autumnal leaves are covering everything. If left unmaintained, these leaves may attract unwanted visitors, which can cause you problems over the coming winter months. This blog looks into what pests you need to be on the lookout for and preventative methods you can adopt to keep them at bay.

The Problem With Fallen Leaves

When the temperatures begin to plummet, insects and rodents seek shelter. The damp and dark conditions that leaf piles provide make this an enticing spot to set up home. Not only are they hiding from the elements, but they will soon be looking to reproduce within these areas. So, the debris and moisture from fallen leaves provide them with all the resources that they require to survive through the winter months. 

What Bugs Are Attracted To Fallen Leaves 

If landscapes are left unmaintained, there are a few likely suspects that you’ll find thriving under your leaf piles. These include:

• Cockroaches
• Spiders
• Rats and mice
• Squirrels
• Ticks 
• Beetles 
• Slugs

Although undisturbed fallen leaves can be a great temporary solution for pests, the next likely step will be for them to venture indoors on the lookout for food sources and warmth. You guessed it, that being your home or business. 

Pests can gain access to your properties through the smallest of entry points. Once inside, they can be a lot harder to tackle, especially with the likes of rodents and cockroaches, and can be extremely destructive in the process. 

Learn how to identify pests indoors if you suspect they have entered your property.

How To Prevent An Invasion of Pests Over Winter

General maintenance and perimeter checks are the best pest prevention: 

• Keep on top of fallen leaves and rake them up often. Place the leaves in a garden waste bin with a secured lid or within tied-shut black bin liners, ideally left off the ground. 
• Maintain your garden, cutting back foliage and removing sources of standing water. 
• Ensure your gutters and drains are kept clear. 
• Inspect around brickwork and doors/windows for small cracks or entry points. If found, seal them up. 

What To Do If You Discover A Pest Infestation

Our technicians are available seven days a week and offer an emergency call-out service to deal with infestations across Nottingham. 

If you suspect an infestation, it’s important to act fast, as problems can quickly get out of hand. Contact our friendly team, who can get you pest-free and ready for the holiday season.