Clean leaves and branches out of gutters so that fall and winter rains don’t back up in them and overflow. Run a hose through the gutters so you can find and repair leaks. Also make sure the downspouts are not clogged; water should run freely through them.
Mulching around a foundation may help keep down weeds, but it can also create moist conditions that attract pests. Whenever possible, replace woodbased mulches bordering your foundation with either gravel mulch, or rubber mulch made from old tires. Studies show thick mulches, even gravel mulches, keep the soil under them moist and more conducive to pests, so whatever mulch you use around your foundation, just use a thin layer.
