Back To School Month…
SLOW DOWN!!

PLUG IN Pest Free August newsletter

For many in the USA, it’s Back-to-School month. Most States have returned to school already. After a long summer, it can be easy to forget school zones during your morning or afternoon commute. So as a reminder, be vigilant, pay attention to posted school zone speed limits, and stop for school buses* when they are stopped with their safety lights flashing and stop sign extended. Those few seconds of trying to get around a stopped school bus* or speed through a school zone are not worth it. Kids are kids and will be kids. There is always the risk of a child running across the road without looking. So pay attention.

Today, school kids are more distracted than ever thanks to mobile devices and headphones. Parents and guardians don’t escape this either, as many are also observed being distracted by mobile devices in the car. In addition, some drivers continue to practice unsafe driving methods, such as double parking or stopped in the middle of crosswalks, dropping kids off across the road from the school, or use unsafe drop-off and pick-up methods.

Morning and afternoon school hours are always going to cause traffic congestion. We all want to get our kids dropped off and picked up safely from school. A little patience can go a long way. Be courteous to other drivers around you, don’t be aggressive or force your way into a line when others have waited their time. Be mindful of your surroundings, and PUT DOWN MOBILE DEVICES!! Tickets issued by the police may have an impact on your driver’s insurance premiums.

Let’s get our kids to and from school safely this year and let’s reduce the number of injuries and fatalities.

*Check the school bus laws in your State.

Here We Go Again, New York City!

1. Ensure to secure trash cans tightly to avoid rodents climbing and gaining access, or trash falling out if toppled.
2. Keep trash areas clean and hose around them often. Hosing down trash areas also helps reducing foul odors associated with waste.
3. Consider spraying natural deterrents around trash areas like mint, vinegar, cayenne pepper etc.

Spinach & Ricotta Tortelloni Salad with Cherry Tomatoes, Arugula & Pine Nuts

• 1/4 cup good quality extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 cup shredded fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup finely chopped shallot
• 1 clove large clove garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 package BUITONI Refrigerated Spinach & Ricotta Tortelloni (20 oz.)
• 2 cups baby arugula, kale or spinach leaves
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup pine nuts

1. Whisk oil, lemon juice, basil, shallot, garlic, salt and pepper in large bowl. Add tomatoes; toss to coat.
2. Prepare pasta according to package directions; drain then add to bowl with tomato mixture. Toss gently to coat. Cover loosely with plastic wrap; refrigerate for 30 minutes or until at room temperature.
3. Add arugula, cheese and pine nuts to bowl with pasta; toss to coat.