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Take Some of the Sizzle out of Summer
When it comes to weather here in Wisconsin, we are subject to extremes. February brings average lows of nine degrees Fahrenheit. Just four months later we're dealing with highs in the 90's.
Not that we mind. It's no big deal to stow the personal heat packs and snow shoes after Memorial Day. We made room for them when we pulled out our hydration packs and heat index monitor.
As grateful as we are for a break from the ice and snow, we are wary of how punishing the summer months can be. According to a National Weather Service report, in 2010 there were 592 injuries and 138 heat-related deaths in the United States. These sobering facts prompted us to remind you that it's vital to stay cool and properly hydrated when facing the heat.
Now that (in the quarter of a second since you read the last paragraph) you've created a plan to make sure you're safe and prepared to beat the heat—you have time to consider other important matters. That's why we've included an item about the emerald ash borer in this issue.
So, as we prepare for the start of another season, we advocate taking some of the sizzle out of summer. Just enough to stay safe and productive until it's time to look for those snow shoes again.
Gary Ben Meadows Team Leader g.clark@benmeadows.com
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Emerald Ash Borer
Emerald ash borers have killed millions of all species of ash trees since the insects first were spotted in the U.S. in 2002 in Michigan. However, there are ways of protecting your trees before and after you spot the invasive green pests.
Biologically, your best chance of destroying emerald ash borers might be with three species of tiny, stingless wasps that have been released in Wisconsin, West Virginia, Kentucky, Minnesota, Ohio, Maryland, Michigan, Indiana and Illinois. The wasps, which like ash borers are native to China, can kill ash borers without harming people or any other trees or animals.
It is too early to tell whether the wasps will be successful. However, if you have not yet seen emerald ash borers on your trees, you might be able to prevent them from showing up with a new product offered by Ben Meadows, Acecap 97 Insecticide Implants. This product is a cartridge, which can be placed in your trees in spring to help prevent an emerald ash borer infestation. Although this product will not help a tree that is already infested, it can protect an uninfested tree for up to six months. The cartridges also offer protection against budworms, cankerworms, gypsy moth larvae, mapleworms, pine whiteflies and other destructive insects.
Emerald ash borers were found in Michigan, and they since have spread, destroying millions of trees in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin, West Virginia and Canada. Emerald ash borer larvae damage ash trees by feeding in S-shaped tunnels on the inner bark. This activity blocks the flow of nutrients and water within the tree, and eventually kills the tree. Rely on Ben Meadows to help you stave off these infestations before they occur.
For more information on emerald ash borers, visit the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection’s website.
The Natural Resource Editor's Challenge! Last month we asked this question: What's the first name of the Wildlife Biologist featured on the cover of our latest catalog?
Shawn from Delaware knows that the biologist on our front cover is named, Brian.
We're sending Shawn a LEATHERMAN® Blast® Multi-Tool with Leather Sheath!
Take a look at our latest catalog or use our Web site (www.benmeadows.com) for help with this month's challenge. Don't have a catalog? You can get a free copy by clicking here. Now here's the question: According to the inside cover of our latest catalog, we stand behind the products we sell with what? If you know, send us the correct answer before July 12, 2011. All correct answers will be entered into a drawing. The winner will receive a LEATHERMAN® Blast® Multi-Tool with Leather Sheath (a $53.00 value)! Be sure to include your name, mailing address and how best to contact you. Send your answers to: editor@benmeadows.com
Complete contest rules available here. Government and healthcare customers are not eligible for free offers.
The goal of The Natural Resource is to provide accurate information on the subject matters covered. However, it is impossible to guarantee absolute accuracy of the materials. Therefore, the publisher cannot assume any responsibility for omissions, errors or misprinting contained within this publication. GHC Specialty Brands, LLC. P.O. Box 1368, Janesville, WI 53547-1368, USA Tel: 800-356-0783 Fax: 800-543-9910. *OWNERSHIP OF SUBMISSIONS By sending letters, e-mail, images, messages, suggestions, ideas, or concepts (each, a "Submission"), whether unsolicited or solicited, to Ben Meadows you are granting the Company a royalty-free, nonexclusive, perpetual, unrestricted, worldwide license to publish, transmit, perform, display and otherwise use the Submission for any purpose, including, but not limited to, advertising and promotional purposes. No credit or compensation is due to you for such use. The Company also has the right, but not the obligation, to use your name, city and state in connection with print, online or other use or publication of your submission. All submissions become the property of Ben Meadows and may be edited for use.
© 2012 GHC Specialty Brands, LLC. Reference Number: WB0000
