Another reason to do that fall cleanup

You told yourself this would be the weekend you’d clean out the gutters. It may be tempting to delay the project, but doing so can cost you in more ways than one. You probably don’t think too much about it, but your home’s gutter system is really a MVP. That’s because it directs water away from your residence. When moisture enters the foundation, it can cause problems in the way of cracking and buckling. Nothing ruins your day like a big home repair bill, especially when it could be prevented, after all.

Still, there’s another reason to maintain your gutters you might not have considered. Neglected ones can become a breeding ground for insects, birds, rodents and other critters. And when you see one, that means there are likely more than meet the eye.

The good news is that a regular cleaning schedule can prevent this scenario from taking shape. That means clearing out leaves, pine needles, twigs and other organic matter. This is important because the debris acts as material for pests from which to build their homes. Scooping. vacuuming, or washing out these structures can help in this way. You can also install gutter guards as an additional measure to keep these guys from calling your roof home sweet home.

Another tip? Make sure your gutters are structurally sound. If sloped or slanted at the wrong angle, they can cause water to buildup and you could still have a problem on your hands. That’s because ants, roaches, mosquitoes, gnats and other flying foes are drawn to water to nest and reproduce.

Consider this reality an important reminder to wipe or soak up any standing water while you’re removing the solid debris. Take a cue from the experts and once you’ve finished cleaning them, take a hose and run water through your gutters. This will allow you to identify any places where water may be pooling. If you do spot congestion, you may need to realign or repair your gutters for peace of mind. A professional gutter repair company can help you get the job done.

On that note, if it’s too late and you suspect that gutters are harboring pests like mosquitos, you’ll want to follow up on the issue as soon as possible. A reputable pest control and management company can help protect you and your family from mosquito-borne disease, not to mention itchy and unsightly bites. Give us a call to request an appointment: (516) 509-8362