Are you expecting? How to pest-proof your house for your new bundle of joy:

Expectant moms spend a considerable amount of time preparing for their new babies. Decorating the nursery, stocking up on supplies, and buying baby clothes -- it seems like there is so much to do to get ready. As you run down your to-do list, don't forget to protect your home from pests, many of which can carry diseases harmful to humans. Bugs are especially prevalent in Tampa, where the temperatures are warm year-round. Here are some ways to pest-proof your home as you await your new arrival!

Maintain your yard to keep bugs at bay

A well-maintained yard is one of the best methods for keeping your home pest-free. Ticks, rodents, mosquitoes and other pests are attracted to lush vegetation and water sources on your property. By being proactive, you can remove potential hiding places and send pests scurrying. These are easy ways to maintain your yard and prevent pests:

• Mow your lawn, trees and ornamentals on a regular basis.
• Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes often breed.
• Unclog gutters and remove leaves and sticks from drainage routes.

Don’t give bugs a way into your home

The key to indoor pest control is preventing bugs from entering your home in the first place. With a little preparation, you can block pathways, turning tiny (and not so tiny) invaders away before they can create an infestation.

• Seal the door: Look for any unsealed gaps in each doorway. Add a sturdy threshold of steel or aluminum and a door sweep to cover the gap between the threshold and door bottom. Use weather stripping to seal the door frame's perimeter and clear caulk at the joint where the door touches the ground.
• Add screens: Fresh air is great for ventilation, especially in the warm summer months. But an open door or window is an open invitation to mosquitoes, fleas and other pests lurking nearby. Open your windows without worry after installing screens with a 20-mesh or finer, which will keep out most pests. They are easy to install and only require a few simple tools. Also, repair any holes in existing screens with clear nail polish.
• Repair cracks: Cracks in the foundation or anywhere else around your house make a clear path for ants, mice and other pests to gain entry. Inspect your home's exterior and seal areas of torn siding. We also recommend you replace rotting siding or trim, which make your home susceptible to termites and carpenter ants.

Hungry pests want your open food sources

Pests invade your home because they are looking for food and water. Remove potential sources and pests will move on to another location. For example, cover food in sealed containers after eating. If you spill food, clean up the area right away with vinegar and water. Pet food is just as attractive to bugs as people food. Put away your pet's food and water bowls after they finish eating or ants and cockroaches may show up for a snack.  Rodents look for warm places to spend the winters and they often bring in disease and other rodents with them.

Your Green Team takes a powerful, proactive approach against pests with our perimeter pest control services. Our technicians create a barrier around your home to keep pests from getting inside. Because the treatments don't require in-home applications, your loved ones and pets are never exposed to our already approved, safer products.