How frequently should you clean your gutters

Clogged gutters are a breeding ground for mosquitoes

Whether you're looking to prevent West Nile Virus or simply want to reduce mosquitoes in your home, cleaning your clogged gutters is a critical step in keeping your family safe. Clean gutters eliminate standing water, preventing mosquitoes from laying eggs near your home.  If your gutters are clogged, you could be attracting stinging insects, ants, and other pests. They nest in clogged gutters and can damage your facia and roof. They can even enter your home.  Aside from attracting mosquitoes, clogged gutters can be an ideal environment for flies, bees, and other stinging insects. They also attract carpenter ants, who will eat through wood trim and framing.

Termites are another common species that can be found in clogged gutters. They love to feed on standing water and water-damaged wood. 

If you're concerned about a clogged gutter, contact a gutter cleaning company. They can inspect your gutters for any signs of a pest infestation and can recommend a solution to eliminate your problem.

Avoid overreaching when cleaning gutters

Whether you are cleaning your own gutters or hiring a professional, you should always take the proper safety precautions. This will not only save you from falling, it can also help you avoid life-threatening injuries.

The best way to keep safe when cleaning gutters is to be aware of the right gear and techniques. It can also help to have a buddy or spotter on hand to help you. This person can help you control foot traffic and keep you from getting into a situation where you need to call for help.

You should also make sure that your ladder is long enough for you to reach your gutters. If it isn't, you should move it so that you can work at your optimal height.

Another good idea is to position your ladder so that it leans against the siding. You don't want to put your weight on the edge of the gutter, because this could lead to a fall. You should also ensure that the ladder isn't tilted or leaning against a wet surface.

Another important safety measure is to wear a heavy-duty pair of gloves. This will protect your hands from debris and sharp objects, and will prevent painful cuts.

Other good safety measures are to have a second person at the base of the ladder, and to ensure that you have a steady hold of the ladder at the bottom. If you're working on a taller home, you might need to use an extension ladder.

One of the biggest mistakes people make when cleaning their gutters is overreaching. This can lead to a tumbling fall, and it can be dangerous if you're not careful. To prevent this, try to clean in short sections.

Avoid attracting pests

Keeping your gutters clean is one of the best ways to prevent pest infestation. Various types of pests are attracted to standing water. Pooling water is especially attractive to mosquitoes and other insects. Some insect species are also attracted to decaying leaves.

While most homeowners think of pests entering their homes through the basement, roof, or garage, they are also attracted to other areas of the home. For example, if your roof is leaking, a puddle of water will attract insects, such as roaches and earwigs. If you are dealing with a leak, contact a roofing company to fix it.

Pests can also enter your home through the fascia board, which is wood that sits behind the gutters. If this is not properly maintained, wood-destroying insects will find it easy to colonize your gutters. If you don't want to deal with these types of issues, consider hiring a gutter cleaning company.

Another way to avoid attracting pests to your home is to remove any yard debris, including branches and leaf litter. These items serve as a hiding place for insects, as well as a food source.

Cleaning the gutters and roof will also protect your family from a number of pests. When the weather cools, pests will begin to look for nesting sites in your home. It's a good idea to hire a reputable, insured company to perform the cleaning.

Having a clean gutter can also protect your family from mice and rats. The rats are attracted to the moist environment of your gutters, and can cause damage to your home. Using mousetraps can also eliminate these animals.

Lastly, a clogged gutter is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes. They are attracted to standing water, and can spread the West Nile virus and malaria. They can also transmit heart worms.

Avoid gutter clogs

Using a gutter scoop can help you avoid clogs in your gutters. This type of tool has a long handle that is designed to reach into the bottom of your gutters and collect loose debris.  A hose can be used to flush out the remaining debris.

To prevent clogs in your gutters, you need to clean your gutters regularly. During the fall and winter seasons, it is more likely that your gutters will be clogged with leaves and other debris. This can lead to water damage and weak siding. Having an effective gutter system will help prevent your home from falling apart.

A clogged gutter can also cause your basement to flood. It can also damage your siding, flooring, and window frames. It can even allow mold to grow. It can also allow pests such as rats and bees to enter your home.

The first step in preventing clogs in your gutters is to make sure that you have a sturdy ladder. You should also wear rubber-soled shoes to prevent falls.  You can also clean your gutters by using a pressure washer. You can attach the nozzle to the end of your garden hose. Then, you can spray water up to the gutter's opening. This will help flush the debris out of the gutters.

For more thorough cleaning, you can use a plastic scooping tool. These are available at most hardware stores. The plastic scooping tool has a thin front edge that resembles the bottom of your gutter's trough. Unlike a metal scoop, the plastic tool will not damage the gutter's bottom or seams.

A gutter scoop can also be useful for smaller debris. If your home is one-story, you can use a stepladder to access your gutters. You can also use an extension ladder for two-story homes. However, it is recommended that you purchase a separate tool belt or pouch.

A good tip to remember when you use your scoop is to check your downspout for loose debris before you use the hose. If you find that it is clogged, you may need to use a jetting tool to clear out the clog.  #housewashpa