Removing leaf litter and mulch near house foundations primarily aims to eliminate which pest?

Removing leaf litter and mulch near house foundations is primarily aimed at reducing habitats conducive to pest infestations, particularly millipedes. Millipedes thrive in damp, decaying organic material found in leaf litter and mulch. By eliminating these materials, you reduce moisture and organic matter that provide a suitable environment for millipedes to thrive and reproduce.

While ants, termites, and silverfish may also be influenced by environmental conditions, they are less directly tied to the leaf litter and mulch specifically as millipedes are. Ants can build nests in various locations, including soil or within building materials, while termites require wood or cellulose-based materials to cause damage and are not directly attracted to leaf litter. Silverfish prefer dark, moist areas, often associated with human environments, but do not rely on leaf litter or mulch as a primary habitat in the same way millipedes do. Thus, the focus on removing leaf litter and mulch is most effective for managing millipede populations around foundations.