We often contribute to this same condition. You must water and fertilize with great care. Plants under stress draw destructive homopterous insects, which in turn attract Spiders and Ants. The Honeydew secretion from these insects attract many different species of Ant. If you have noticed an abundance of empty Snail shells on your property, it is a good bet you also have rodents feeding on them.
Rats love to eat snails.
Snakes love to eat rats. These rats are often infested with fleas and mites. When eaten by the snakes, the fleas and mites have no food source. Therefore, you and your pets become the target. These parasites are known to carry some pretty dangerous viruses.