A s the cold weather begins to settle in Texas, mice and rats that have been living a happy, healthy life in the great outdoors start seeking warm shelter — unfortunately, that normally means people's homes. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) estimates that over 45% of rodent issues happen during the fall and winter. With the major health scare going on right now, it’s best to avoid a double scare from these pests, especially with the bacterial and viral diseases they can cause your family. PREPARE FOR FALL — BLOCK YOUR ENTRYWAYS FROM RODENTS
It’s best to close off all possible entry points that rodents could use to get into your house in the first place.
First, make sure that you don’t have piles of dead vegetation around your house.
Those beautiful orange leaf piles shouldn’t stick around for a good reason: They’re an ideal hiding spot for rodents! Keep your accumulated leaves about 2 feet away from your home, trim the weeds, and never allow debris to collect against the house.
EASY STUFFED SWEET POTATOES
Who says a loaded potato has to clog your arteries? In this healthy version that serves four, a sweet potato base is topped with fiber-rich bean salsa.
Second, inspect your weather- stripping, cracks, and other weak areas around the house. Even if you’ve repaired them fairly recently, weather stripping and caulking can crack with temperature changes. Third, check for holes and gaps around cable wires, plumbing, or areas around recent repairs and home installations.
INGREDIENTS
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4 medium sweet potatoes 1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed 2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 tsp coriander
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup sour cream
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1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp cumin
If the holes around these exterior inserts aren’t sealed properly, you’re leaving an open entry for mice. Rodents, in particular, are known to crawl up sewage pipes and plumbing. Make sure to fit frequently opened windows and vents with screens. Also, don’t neglect to check inside and outside of the garage, as well as the door sweeps (if you have them beneath your exterior doors). We know you can spot many of these red flags yourself; that’s why we’ll offer you a FREE house inspection, so when our experts do it, this still won’t cost you a thing. Our staff is highly skilled in finding weaknesses in home pest defense and knows how to remedy every hole and gap. Call QuickSumo, and our expert team will make sure you’re prepared to ward off rodents and other pests for the fall!
DIRECTIONS
1. With a fork, prick each sweet potato a few times. Microwave the potatoes on high 12–15 minutes, or until cooked through. 2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the beans, tomatoes, olive oil, cumin, coriander, and salt. When the potatoes are done, microwave the mixture on high for 2–3 minutes. 3. Cool potatoes slightly, then cut each potato open lengthwise. Pull the halves apart to create space to spoon the warm bean salsa inside. 4. Add a scoop of sour cream to each potato, garnish with cilantro, and serve!
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Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.TheNewsletterPro.com
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