If you’ve been following the news, you’re probably aware that the Zika virus – once confined mostly to Brazil – has shown up among mosquitoes in the U.S. Right now it’s mostly the southern and eastern states, although they have been found in Michigan. It’s only a matter of time before those bugs make it to the Minneapolis area. (For a map of where they have been confirmed, click here.) In addition, other mosquito-transmitted illnesses have been found in Minnesota, including the West Nile Virus and LaCrosse Encephalitis.
With the recent spread of diseases and conditions through mosquitoes, it is no wonder that you might worry about whether or not bugs in the Twin Cities area are carrying anything you don’t want. In order to cut down on their population throughout your yard, one of the first things you can do is to remove any of the water that might be standing still. This could be in buckets, small pools, tubs, etc., as well as sitting in the gutters of your home.
With the right cleaning of the gutters, you can remove this standing water from them and reduce the chances of having the mosquitoes breed in these moisture areas that build up. The gutters are one of the biggest places where mosquito eggs are found, especially when the drains or downspouts are clogged and allow water to pool up and hold in that area.
Having the Gutters Cleaned
By having your gutters completely cleaned out, you’re helping to cut back on the mosquito population that might be around your home. Make sure that the water can run right through the spouts, while also removing any debris that might be built up around the entire home. Anything that is blocking the way of water drainage needs to be moved.
This can be done by you, right at home with the items that you have on hand. However, if you’re unsure of whether or not you’re getting every possible area or do not want to go up on that ladder to remove the debris then speaking with a qualified professional regarding the gutter cleaning can put you in the best position possible.
But taking away mosquito breeding grounds is just one reason to keep your gutters cleaned out. Here are other reasons why you should keep your gutters cleaned for the life of your home.
While you’re up there cleaning out your gutters, it’s a good idea to check out their condition. Speak with us here at Window Outfitters if your gutters need help. Among our other exterior home improvement services, we install and repair seamless gutters in the Minneapolis area, especially in the Dakota County communities of Prior Lake, Savage, and Lakeville.
Window Outfitters is a premier Window Replacement, doors, siding contractor and installer. As Contractor in the St Paul, Minneapolis, (Twin Cities) Minnesota (MN) metro, we proudly serve, but are not limited to, the following areas: Minneapolis Energy Efficient Vinyl Windows, Replacement Window Contractors Minnesota, Burnsville, Apple Valley, Lakeville, Savage, Bloomington, Edina, Richfield, Eagan, St Paul, Hastings, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Maple Grove, Eden Prairie, Farmington MN, Chaska, Shakopee, Chanhassen, Victoria, Mendota Heights Anderson Windows Minneapolis, Marvin Windows Minneapolis.
