Actually, based on English Verb Hand book, Berlitz ( 0-5210607296-2), page 50, Avoid is always followed by a gerund.
The other verbs which are in this group:
Admit ( confess), appreciate ( being grateful ), avoid ( refuse), complete ( finish sth ), consider, delay, deny ignore),discuss, dislike, enjoy, escape, finish, image, mind= dislike, practice, recall, recommend, suggest, understand.