Aruban housewives sweep dirt yards.

Every time I go to Aruba I see Aruban housewives sweeping their dirt yards. I am always mystified and wonder why they are doing that! Anyone know?

I am not sure which culture that came from but they sweep their dirt yards to clear away bugs that might get in to the house.

I have always wondered that. I either figured they liked to do it to mess with tourists heads or it was something cultural. Now I know!

I saw that when I lived in Chile, South America and at first I couldn't believe it. Then I found out that they do it to keep their yards looking neat and to keep the dirt and fleas out of and away from the house. Then it made perfect sense.

Wow, thanks for all the answers. It is so nice to finally have that mystery solved. I can see why you would want to sweet a dirt yard now. Imagine all those ants and fleas! You guys are so smart.