The news has been filled lately with reports about the spread of the Zika virus and its serious threats to pregnant women and unborn babies. This dangerous disease is transmitted by mosquitoes. If you live in an area that could be affected by the virus, it is important to regularly clean out your gutters as part of your regular home maintenance. Gutter cleaning prevents the spread of mosquitoes and other pests that linger in wet areas and require water for breeding grounds.
Clean Gutters Prevent Standing Water
Mosquitoes breed in standing water. This ranges from basins, rain barrels and septic tanks where there is standing water, to gutters and other locations where homeowners often do not realize that mosquitoes and other small insects lay eggs. Female mosquitoes look for areas that contain water to lay eggs and create breeding grounds.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a report on how to control mosquitoes that you can access here. Here are some important prevention tips.
- Empty Containers When Possible
Female mosquitoes lay hundreds of eggs on the sides of containers with water. The eggs stick to the container and hatch as the water covers them, becoming adults in as little as a week. These eggs are tiny and hard to see, so it is important to keep containers free of standing water to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in the first place.
- Cover Septic Tanks with Wire Mesh
For septic tanks and other containers that you cannot empty of water, it is important to cover these surfaces with a wire mesh that is smaller than the size of an adult mosquito. This prevents the female mosquitoes from laying eggs in the tank.
- Remove Breeding Grounds for Mosquitoes
Gutter guard systems like Gutter Helmet® will help minimize the spread of the Zika virus by eliminating standing water. Gutters that are covered with Gutter Helmet are free of debris and water accumulation that mosquitoes need to breed.
Professional Assistance with Gutter Helmet®
Call Gutter Helmet at (800) 824-3772 to discuss your gutter protection needs. Gutter Helmet’s patented design allows rainwater to flow freely while keeping out damaging leaves, twigs, pine needles and other debris. Our certified installers can visit your home and inspect your gutters and property, providing you with recommendations for installation and maintenance. With Gutter Helmet installed, you won’t have to clean your gutters again! Our expert team is ready to offer you services that give you peace of mind and allow you to rest easy.
