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Skipping This Home Maintenance Step Might Be Why You Have Mosquitos

A mosquito feeds on someone's hand.
Sauko Andrei/Shutterstock.com

Picture a warm summer evening, perfect for outdoor gatherings and relaxation. But wait, who invited those pesky mosquitoes to the party? If you find yourself swatting away unwelcome, buzzing guests, there may be a home maintenance step you’ve been neglecting.

Cleaning the gutters can help deter mosquitos.

Believe it or not, those forgettable yet necessary gutters lining the edges of your roof can quickly become a haven for mosquitoes. As leaves, twigs, and other gunk accumulate in your gutters, it traps water and creates the ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes.

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Orbit 58543 Telescoping Gutter Cleaning Wand

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Mosquitoes thrive in stagnant water. When you don’t clean your gutters, they clog up and provide a grimy pool that’s irresistible to mosquitoes. The trapped water becomes a place where the pests can safely lay their eggs, perpetuating the population right above your head.

By incorporating regular gutter cleaning into your home maintenance routine, you can bid farewell to those buzzing bloodsuckers…at least, some of them. Remove any leaves, sticks, and other debris in your gutters, including the downspouts. This lets water flow freely, preventing stagnant pools and mosquito egg farms.

Always practice caution when cleaning gutters—or, if you don’t want to risk a fall from a ladder, work with professionals to handle the job for you. By keeping your gutters clean and clear, you can quickly reclaim your backyard oasis.

Abbey Ryan Abbey Ryan
Abbey Ryan is a storyteller, preferably of stories in written form. Across the 5 years of her professional writing career, her work has been featured in The Chicago Tribune, Amazon, The Medical News Today, and more. When she's not writing (which is rare), she's likely traveling, painting, or on the hunt for a good snack. Read Full Bio »
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