Once children enter school, the germs come home to be shared. sigh! I do clean up a lot of debris from the gardens but have many places where I layer the mulched leaves for the insects. I too, think about all the little creatures. We pile garden waste and leaves, in huge piles at the back of the yard with tree limbs and the like. The rabbits, chipmunks, and possum love to inhabit the piles. I hope you feel better soon. Have you ever peeled lots of garlic and fermented it in honey? It is wonderful to boost the immune system during cold and flu season. Just stir it every day until the bubbles subside and take a small clove and a little honey every day. You will be surprised at how well it works. ♥ I just started a quart-sized jar this week.