The Milwaukee Post

16 • Milwaukee Post • July 12, 2013 DNR officials warn of invasive plant Japanese hedgeparsley found in southern parts of state By DARRYL ENRIQUEZ Special to The Freeman WAUKESHA – A relatively new invasive plant species has started spreading widely in southern Wisconsin and has now been found as far north as Portage County, a state Department of Natural Resources official announced Tuesday . State invasive species specialists say most populations are still small enough to be contained before they expand, said Nisa Karimi, a DNR plant pest and disease specialist. Submitted photo Japanese hedgeparsley, an invasive species that has alarmed DNR officials, is making inroads in southern Wisconsin. "Landowners who have finished pulling garlic mustard for the year may need to search their forests for Japanese hedgeparsley," she said. Japanese hedgeparsley was first reported in Wisconsin in 1976. It has started spreading widely in Green, Dane and Iowa counties in the last 10 years. It has also been found in the Kettle Moraine area, around Portage County, and in other locations. "It has the potential to spread to most regions of the state," Karimi said. The plant is a member of the carrot family . "The first year plants have finely divided fern-like leaves in a rosette near the ground. It can be easily hidden amongst other plants and generally isn't found until it flowers. In the second year, flower stalks 'bolt' and can grow anywhere from a few inches to six feet," she said. Most plants are found in the 2- to 4-foot range. Fern-like leaves along the flower stem give rise to thin branches that hold multiple umbrella-shaped clusters of small white flowers. Small patches are easily hand pulled. If the plants are already flowering or have seeds, they should be dried and burned or bagged up and put in the trash. Matt Zine, a DNR natural areas management specialist, said larger patches can be mowed when they are in the early flowering stage. Once a plant has been allowed to go to seed it is likely there will be new seedlings germinating for at least six years. As with most invasive plants, persistence and removing all flowering plants is the key to keeping this plant from taking over your forest, he said. Anyone finding Japanese hedgeparsley outside of the south central counties should send their report to invasive.species@wi.gov. More information about this plant can be found by searching the DNR website for Japanese hedgeparsley . Last year's drought makes mosquitoes less bearable this year But normal amount expected for summer By KATHERINE MICHALETS Special to The Post MILWAUKEE – This summer is already a lot wetter than the 2012 version, which is good for crops, lawns – and mosquitoes. Insect expert Phil Pellitteri said the mosquito population is at normal levels so far this summer, but feels worse because of the lack of the blood-sucking bugs last year due to the drought. Pellitteri, a distinguished faculty associate in the University of Wisconsin- Madison Insect Diagnostic Lab, said from his perspective of studying insects for 35 years, last year was unusually quiet. He said he has heard reports that the mosquito population levels around the state are "atrocious" and said the past three weeks have been quite active for the insect. "Definitely a lot worse than last year, but I don't see anything out of the normal," Pellitteri said. He said it takes about 10 to 14 days between when a mosquito egg is flooded with water to when an adult emerges. Those insects can also fly about 10 miles to 15 miles from where they were laid. While water is needed for mosquitoes to emerge, too much can also flush away the eggs. Preventing mosquitoes As a pre-emptive measure, 400 acres of pub- lic wetlands and floodlands in Brookfield were sprayed recently with a biolarvicide to prevent eggs from hatching. Bill Kolstad, director of Park, Recreation and Forestry for the city, said the larvae tests far exceeded the minimum threshold for the ability to treat the area. He said the city does weekly surveillance to determine when a treatment should occur. Each year, the city typically performs two partial treatments, Kolstad said. The mosquito management program has been in place since 1999. "We certainly have a substantial amount of habitat through the wetlands that we have in the community that will partially flood at times," he said. West Nile virus found Last month, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services confirmed that a dead crow found in Washington County tested positive for the West Nile virus. It's the first bird this year to test positive in Wisconsin. "Although very few mosquitoes actually carry West Nile virus, infected birds serve as an early warning that the virus is present in the area and that people should be more vigilant in protecting themselves against mosquito bites," according to a news release. The virus is spread to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Anti-skeeter strategies Measures to help decrease exposure to mosquitoes and prevent West Nile virus and other mosquitoborne infections include: ■ Limit time spent outside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. ■ Apply insect repellant to clothing as well as exposed skin. ■ Make sure window and door screens are in good repair to prevent mosquito entry. ■ Reduce mosquito breeding sites by properly disposing of items that hold water such as tin cans, plastic containers, ceramic pots or discarded tires. ■ Clean roof gutters and downspouts for proper drainage. ■ Turn over wheelbarrows, wading pools, boats and canoes when not in use so they will not collect water. ■ Change the water in birdbaths and pet dishes at least every three days. ■ Clean and chlorinate swimming pools, outdoor saunas and hot tubs; drain water from pool covers. Trim tall grass, weeds and vines since mosquitoes use these areas to rest during hot daylight hours. ■ Landscape to prevent water from pooling in lowlying areas. Source:Wisconsin Department of Health Services There were 52 cases reported that year in 2012. According to the state Department of Health Services, the chance of getting infected with the West Nile virus is low and most infected people do not have symptoms, which include fever, headache, and rash. Insurance broker opens in downtown Milwaukee Post Staff MILWAUKEE – Lockton, the world's largest privately held insurance broker and benefits consultant, has opened a temporary location in downtown Milwaukee at 250 E. Wisconsin Ave. John O'Connor and Bill Crowley have joined Lockton as senior vice presidents, according to a company statement. The company intends to open a permanent location in downtown Milwaukee by the end of the summer. "Many companies in Milwaukee and throughout the state of Wisconsin already work with Lockton, so this new office allows us to enhance our service and expand our capabilities for clients," said Casey Warnecke, chief operating officer of Lockton Chicago, adding that Lockton will expand and hire additional employee benefits and property-casualty insurance staff in the coming months.

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