Mosquitoes are the bane of every summer picnic and back yard barbecue. Hearing their annoying buzz as they swarm about, waiting to inflict their itchy little bumps can ruin an otherwise nice afternoon. But this summer, they may be more than just a nuisance, the could possibly be dangerous.
As reported by just about every major news outlet on the planet, the Zika virus is causing horrible health and public safety issues in South America, and it’s beginning to spread. It’s carried by mosquitoes, and is transmitted through their bites. It’s very likely that this summer many people in the United States may become infected. In order to protect yourself from the Zika virus, first aim to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
One of the best ways to prevent mosquitoes is to eliminate the types of environments they breed in. Mosquitos lay eggs in standing water, and they don’t need much of it, either. Small puddles and ponds are great, but they aren’t picky, and will gladly lay their eggs in the water stuck behind a clog or blockage in your home’s gutters. If the water remains in the gutters long enough, it could become a nesting ground for generation after generation of mosquitoes, breeding into the tens of thousands all summer long.
To stop them from multiplying, the water needs to be removed. Clearing out your gutters in mid to late spring is the best way to make sure they aren’t using them to lay their eggs. While you’re out in the yard cleaning them of debris, check some of the other likely places where water may collect, giving them a place to breed.
- Pool covers
- Saucers under flower pots
- Garbage cans
- Recycling bins
- Bird feeders and baths
- Children’s play equipment
- Pet’s water bowls
These places should be checked every few weeks, or as often as it rains. If water is given a chance to collect and stagnate for more than a couple days, it’s likely that mosquitoes will find it and use it to invade your yard.
One of the best ways to prevent water from pooling in your gutters is to use Gutterglove, which is designed to keep all forms of debris from entering your gutters, and preventing blockages from ever forming. The super-fine micromesh screens used by Gutterglove are small enough that not even mosquitoes, or their eggs, can pass through, but still allow rain water to drain away easily.
If you’re interested in Gutterglove for your home, don’t hesitate. Summer is here, and there’s no time to waste if you want to enjoy your back yard in peace. Contact us today, and we’ll provide you with a free estimate.
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