Leaves are falling and clogging your gutters. When the time comes to clean/clear those gutters, it might be one of the most dangerous things you'll do around the house this fall.

Here’s what you need to know before you pull out the ladder.

Why you should clean your gutters

Gutters are made to channel rainwater away from your home and prevent water damage and basement flooding. When they’re clogged by leaves, they can’t do their job.

Water pooling around your foundation can cause cracks, which can be a costly repair and may lead to structural problems. That water can also damage your roof shingles, leading to rot, leaks and mold growth.

(MORE: Fall homeowner checklist: Do these 17 things before winter)

A clogged gutter is also the perfect home for unwanted pests, including mosquitoes, rodents and birds. These can carry dangerous diseases or lead to infestations.

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The dangers of cleaning your gutters

The most dangerous part of cleaning gutters is using a ladder and climbing up high, which can result in a painful fall.

Ladder falls are particularly dangerous for older adults, resulting in longer hospital stays, more ICU admissions and greater risk of death.

If the ladder is unstable — such as on uneven ground or slippery surfaces — an accident is much more likely.

(MORE: Wildfires, heat waves, hurricanes: Here are the weekend DIY projects that actually protect your home)

Overreaching is one of the main causes of ladder falls, too. Stretching too far can also cause strain on muscles and joints.

Some people also get dizzy at higher elevations or anxious if they have a fear of heights.

Coming into contact with pests, like wasps and bees, or mold poses health dangers, including bacterial infections.

Safety tips for cleaning your gutters

Ladder accidents can happen to anyone, so it’s important to take the right safety precautions.

If you have the budget, you can hire a professional to handle everything for you. However, the national average for professional gutter cleaning falls between $163 and $333, which isn’t an option for every household budget.

And if you want to do it yourself, here are a few tips to help you out:

• Practice ladder safety: Never climb above the second-highest step, and stay on the ladder rather than stepping onto the roof. Place it on solid, level, dry ground and don’t overextend your reach.
• Wear the right gear: Safety glasses will keep pieces of dried leaves out of your eyes. Wear rubber gloves under work gloves to keep your hands dry if the leaves are damp to protect them from mold and bacteria.
• Clean in phases: Start near the downspout. Clear large debris, like twigs, by hand, then use a gutter scoop for compacted debris and dirt. Use a garden hose to run water through the gutters and flush them clean. Check the downspout for clogs last and use a plumber’s snake to clear any blockages.
• Use the right tools: Get a ladder with adjustable legs if you know you’ll be forced to work on uneven ground. Use hooks to attach a bucket to hold your tools or to dump the debris into. Dropping the debris onto the ground is fine too — just make sure to clean up if you move your ladder so you don’t place it on top of slippery leaves.
• Install gutter guards: Save yourself the trouble of having to clean — which puts you in danger — more often with gutter guards. These protective screens block leaves and twigs while still allowing rainwater to flow through.

Content writer Ada Wood enjoys exploring the stories that science and climate teach us about our natural world and how it influences the way we live in it.