The Part Of Your Home That's Attracting Mosquitoes And You Didn't Realize It

Nothing puts a damper on time spent in your outdoor space like a swarm of mosquitoes leaving you covered in itchy, painful bites. Part of curating a yard that keeps mosquitoes at bay involves removing any standing water — think pools, birdbaths without fountains, or even natural still bodies of water. However, if you've tackled these areas and still have a horde of mosquitoes on your hands, there may be one area that you've missed.

Clogged gutters can easily go unnoticed. However, rainwater can easily pool in your gutters. This, paired with the natural debris causing the clog in the first place that can act as food for mosquito larvae, creates the perfect environment for these biting insects to breed. As a result, it can be a good idea to work cleaning the gutters into your outdoor cleaning routine at least once or twice a year. However, you'll also want to familiarize yourself with the signs of a clogged gutter in case you need to clean more often, such as water overflowing from the sides of your gutters, sagging or damage, and any growing plants.

If you believe that gutters are the cause of your mosquito infestation, the next step is learning the right way to clean them. Climbing a ladder and cleaning your gutters can be daunting. Because of this, if you're having any doubts, you may wish to contact a professional rather than attempt a DIY cleaning.

When you think of cleaning your gutters, you likely imagine climbing onto your roof and removing any debris causing clogs. But that's not your only option. There are also plenty of ways to clean your gutters from the ground. No matter which method you take, safety is the most important part of cleaning your gutters to reduce standing water. This means keeping an eye out for any potential critters that might be calling your gutters home, as well as properly securing your ladder and choosing the right protective gear and equipment.

For those choosing a traditional route, pick a sturdy ladder and set it up on flat, level ground before safely securing it to the roof. If you are using a ladder, save gutter cleaning for a day with no heavy winds or poor weather. It's important to have a friend nearby to help stabilize your ladder and supervise as well. Then, simply scoop out any debris and finish your task by using a garden hose to test for any leaks.

If you prefer a method that lets you keep both feet on the ground, there are various ways to clean your gutter without ever needing a ladder. For example, you can purchase an extension for your leaf blower designed for gutters, although you'll need to be careful not to apply too much force. For minor clogs, a garden hose alone may be enough to get the job done.