Mulched leaves ... Do they create a problem with over-wintering insects?

Pat G
by Pat G
I prefer to mulch my leaves (mainly because I have an overabundant amount) and my test section from last year seemed to hold moisture a bit longer than pine straw. Added benefit was the pleasure of watching the brown thrashers teach their babies how to scratch around for worms. Will not use of advised against doing so. Many thanks.
  6 answers
  • Walter Reeves Walter Reeves on Oct 15, 2011
    I can't think of any bad insects that would live in mulched leaves. I say mulch away!
  • Mulch is great,especially when its recycled on site and free!
  • Erica Glasener Erica Glasener on Oct 16, 2011
    great way to recycle, I leave lots of leaves in my woodland as mulch
  • Ricardo B Ricardo B on Oct 16, 2011
    The only thing I've ever seen in a pile of whole leaves or mulched leaves is good old worms... great for last minute fishing adventures. I would suggest layering soil and or sand with them to aid in decomposition so you'll get the extra quicker benefit of usable compost in the spring! Turn over or disturb the mulched leaves to help get valuable oxygen into it! Extra work but pleasing results...
  • Pat G Pat G on Oct 17, 2011
    Thanks for all the quick replies... If I get rain this week, I"ll be out mulching away by Friday... Thanks again for all the advice.
  • Shawn E Shawn E on Oct 20, 2011
    ants or palmetto bugs will nest to keep warm and get moisrture from leaves keep at least a foot from home