PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • November 9, 2021
When I contacted City Hall last spring and asked how to get rid of ticks in a way that complies with the city’s pesticide ordinance, I was given a helpful list of steps, and number one on the list was “remove leaf litter.” Leaves provide a great year-round home for ticks. Makes sense. The city’s official newsletter, however, has been urging residents to “Leave the Leaves!” and directs them to a website that implores us not to rake, blow, shred or bag the leaves in our yards, citing many benefits for birds, bees, butterflies and other backyard critters. It would be helpful if the city of South Portland could provide a unified and consistent message on this important subject. ~ Adrian Dowling, South Portland