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June, 2018

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C O N T E N T S When the shoemaker's children are the weed-ridden plants in your garden Six home décor trends to make a statement Keeping your air conditioner in good condition without pro service A publication of the Waukesha Freeman and Oconomowoc Enterprise • JUNE 2018 By Catherine Jozwik Special to Waukesha County Home Each summer, Japanese beetles cause headaches for gardeners and homeowners, feasting on the foliage of more than 300 plant species, including roses, and lin- den, elm, cherry and crabapple trees. But there are several ways to prevent infestations, profession- als said. Jesse Ziemienski, a board-certi- fied master arborist and owner of American Tree Experts, a busi- ness his father started in 1950, said the number of beetles varies depending on weather conditions. The fingernail-sized pests typi- cally make their appearance in early July, but the damage they do to trees and other plants isn't always apparent until they disap- pear. "Most people don't realize what's going on until they see their plants. You're not going to know what's going on until you see the aftermath," Zieminski said. A beetle pathology Japanese beetles first came to the East Coast in the early 20th century, most likely through imported plants and other goods. Ziemienski said beetles are still inadvertently shipped to the Unit- ed States through commerce. "They are hitchhikers and we're bringing them in," he said. Beetles have a relatively short life of one year. They spend most of their life as grubs and only three months as adults. They pre- fer hot temperatures. Female beetles feed early in the day and return in the afternoon to lay eggs, noted Ziemienski. "The best time to look for them is in the morning," he said. Japanese beetles: Coming to roses or trees near you Submitted photo See JAPANESE BEETLES/Page 2 The leaves on this linden tree are skeletonized due to Japanese bee- tle activity. These bugs can spell trouble for many trees and plants. How to prevent infestations

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