No matter how far back you trim your trees, leaves and other debris can clog your home’s gutters. Clogged gutters, in turn, can attract unwanted pests. Pest Control Tips Getting your gutters cleaned every year is one part of home maintenance. Clean gutters help you to avoid problems like unwanted insect pests, damaged walls, mold and foundation issues. Other problems caused by clogged gutters include rotting fascia boards that hold up your gutter system. Fascia boards are made of wood.
To clean your gutters, you’ll need a ladder and a pair of heavy-duty gloves. The gloves will help you to avoid sharp, jagged edged in the corners and around the downspouts. Gloves also help to protect your hands from unexpected critters that may have taken up residence in your gutters. You don’t want to “grab” a stinging insect or biting rodents.
If you have asphalt shingles and find large quantities of sand in the gutter, have a professional look at your roof. The sand in your gutter can mean that you need a new roof. While you’re up on your ladder, take a look at your fascia board for wood rot.
Did you know that clogged gutters can be breeding grounds for mosquitoes? Carpenter ants and termites love water-damaged wood. That wet decaying stuff in your gutters can also be food for filth flies like house flies and blow flies.
Prevention is always the preferred way to manage pests. And cleaning your gutters is part of prevention.
