In this engaging episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, Mike addresses the early appearance of Asian lady beetles and their impact on our gardens and homes. He shares practical advice on how to manage these pests using safe and effective insecticides like Tempo and Ortho's Home Pest Control. Mike emphasizes the importance of creating a protective barrier around your home to keep these pests at bay.

Listeners will also learn about the fascinating history of Asian lady beetles, their introduction to the U.S. for natural pest control, and the unintended consequences of their proliferation. Mike explains the differences between these beetles and other similar-looking insects, and provides tips on identifying and managing them.

Additionally, Mike takes a live call from a listener who has questions about composting and dealing with high phosphate levels in compost. Mike offers expert advice on how to manage and utilize compost safely, ensuring a healthy garden.

Whether you're dealing with pesky beetles, curious about composting, or seeking advice on lawn diseases, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips. Tune in to Plant Doctor with Mike Meier for expert advice on keeping your garden and outdoor areas thriving and enjoyable.

In this engaging episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, Mike addresses the early appearance of Asian lady beetles and their impact on our gardens and homes. He shares practical advice on how to manage these pests using safe and effective insecticides like Tempo and Ortho's Home Pest Control. Mike emphasizes the importance of creating a protective barrier around your home to keep these pests at bay.
Listeners will also learn about the fascinating history of Asian lady beetles, their introduction to the U.S. for natural pest control, and the unintended consequences of their proliferation. Mike explains the differences between these beetles and other similar-looking insects, and provides tips on identifying and managing them.
Additionally, Mike takes a live call from a listener who has questions about composting and dealing with high phosphate levels in compost. Mike offers expert advice on how to manage and utilize compost safely, ensuring a healthy garden.
Whether you're dealing with pesky beetles, curious about composting, or seeking advice on lawn diseases, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical tips. Tune in to Plant Doctor with Mike Meier for expert advice on keeping your garden and outdoor areas thriving and enjoyable.

Join the Plant Dr. Mike Meier for help with your plants, lawn and trees, every Saturday morning from 10-11 on WIZM. Call with your questions at 608-785-7914.

Join the Plant Dr. Mike Meier for help with your plants, lawn and trees, every Saturday morning from 10-11 on WIZM. Call with your questions at 608-785-7914.

Plant Doctor with Mike Meier

Do you have a green thumb, but don't know where to start? Are all your plants dying, and you don't know why? If you need advice on how to take care of your lawn, trees, or house plants, the Plant Dr. Mike Meier can help!

Join Mike every Saturday morning from 10-11 on WIZMnews.com. You can also call in with your questions at 608-785-7914.

And if you miss an episode, you can always listen to this podcast later.

Do you have a green thumb, but don't know where to start? Are all your plants dying, and you don't know why? If you need advice on how to take care of your lawn, trees, or house plants, the Plant Dr. Mike Meier can help!
Join Mike every Saturday morning from 10-11 on <a href="https://www.wizmnews.com/">WIZMnews.com</a>. You can also call in with your questions at 608-785-7914.
And if you miss an episode, you can always listen to this podcast later.

Plant Doctor

Early Invasion: Tackling the Asian Lady Beetle Problem Before It Starts

In this eye-opening episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, Mike takes us back to the late 1960s and early 1970s when the East Coast was ravaged by gypsy moths. These pests decimated entire forests, leaving barren landscapes in their wake. Mike shares his personal experiences and vivid memories of this infestation, describing how the caterpillars' frass created a rain-like sound and how homeowners used a sticky substance called Tanglefoot to combat them.

Mike also delves into the controversy surrounding the renaming of gypsy moths to spongy moths, expressing his staunch opposition to the change. He explains the lifecycle of these pests, their lack of natural predators, and the innovative methods developed to control their population, including the use of fungal spores and mating disruptors.

Listeners will find practical advice on how to deal with these pests today, including the use of imidacloprid for ground drenching to make trees inedible to gypsy moths. Mike also answers listener questions on a range of gardening topics, from the impact of weed killer in grass clippings to effective rabbit repellents and dealing with tomato blight.

In this eye-opening episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, Mike takes us back to the late 1960s and early 1970s when the East Coast was ravaged by gypsy moths. These pests decimated entire forests, leaving barren landscapes in their wake. Mike shares his personal experiences and vivid memories of this infestation, describing how the caterpillars' frass created a rain-like sound and how homeowners used a sticky substance called Tanglefoot to combat them.
Mike also delves into the controversy surrounding the renaming of gypsy moths to spongy moths, expressing his staunch opposition to the change. He explains the lifecycle of these pests, their lack of natural predators, and the innovative methods developed to control their population, including the use of fungal spores and mating disruptors.
Listeners will find practical advice on how to deal with these pests today, including the use of imidacloprid for ground drenching to make trees inedible to gypsy moths. Mike also answers listener questions on a range of gardening topics, from the impact of weed killer in grass clippings to effective rabbit repellents and dealing with tomato blight.

Gypsy Moth Invasion: A Historical Perspective and Modern Solutions

In this episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, Mike addresses the dual nature of the lovely spring weather we've been experiencing. While the moderate temperatures and regular rains have given our gardens a head start, they've also benefited some of the most dangerous plants around. Mike dedicates this episode to identifying and managing these hazardous plants, providing essential advice to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Mike starts by discussing the rapid growth of plants and animals this season, noting the early blooming flowers and fledgling birds. However, he quickly shifts focus to the darker side of this favorable weather—poisonous plants like giant hogweed, wild parsnip, nightshade, and deadly hemlock. These plants, while not all common, pose significant health risks, especially to children who might be attracted to their appearance.

Listeners will learn how to identify these dangerous plants, understand the severe reactions they can cause, and get practical tips on safe removal. For instance, Mike explains that giant hogweed's phytotoxic sap can cause severe burns when exposed to sunlight, and wild parsnip can have similar effects. He also covers the deadly potential of nightshade and hemlock, which can be fatal if ingested.

Mike encourages listeners to visit his Plant Doctor of La Crosse Facebook page for photos of these plants and to stay informed. He also takes a call from a listener named Pat, offering personalized advice on her hibiscus plant and how to send him photos for better diagnosis.

In addition to poisonous plants, Mike briefly touches on the technical issues with the new phone system and reassures listeners that they are working on resolving them. He wraps up the episode by hinting at future discussions on lawn diseases and how to manage them during the upcoming hot and humid weather.

In this episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, Mike addresses the dual nature of the lovely spring weather we've been experiencing. While the moderate temperatures and regular rains have given our gardens a head start, they've also benefited some of the most dangerous plants around. Mike dedicates this episode to identifying and managing these hazardous plants, providing essential advice to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Mike starts by discussing the rapid growth of plants and animals this season, noting the early blooming flowers and fledgling birds. However, he quickly shifts focus to the darker side of this favorable weather—poisonous plants like giant hogweed, wild parsnip, nightshade, and deadly hemlock. These plants, while not all common, pose significant health risks, especially to children who might be attracted to their appearance.
Listeners will learn how to identify these dangerous plants, understand the severe reactions they can cause, and get practical tips on safe removal. For instance, Mike explains that giant hogweed's phytotoxic sap can cause severe burns when exposed to sunlight, and wild parsnip can have similar effects. He also covers the deadly potential of nightshade and hemlock, which can be fatal if ingested.
Mike encourages listeners to visit his Plant Doctor of La Crosse Facebook page for photos of these plants and to stay informed. He also takes a call from a listener named Pat, offering personalized advice on her hibiscus plant and how to send him photos for better diagnosis.
In addition to poisonous plants, Mike briefly touches on the technical issues with the new phone system and reassures listeners that they are working on resolving them. He wraps up the episode by hinting at future discussions on lawn diseases and how to manage them during the upcoming hot and humid weather.

Dangerous Weeds: How to Spot and Eradicate Harmful Plants

In this insightful episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, Mike dives into the topic of ticks, drawing parallels and distinctions between tick and mosquito prevention. He emphasizes that while some methods for keeping mosquitoes at bay also work for ticks, there are specific techniques unique to each pest. Mike also shares timely advice for those participating in "No Mow May," explaining the careful steps needed to transition your overgrown lawn back to a manageable height without damaging the grass.

Listeners will find practical tips on how to manage their lawns post-No Mow May, including the importance of gradually trimming the grass to avoid starving the plants. Mike also takes live calls from listeners, offering personalized advice on a range of gardening issues.

In this insightful episode of Plant Doctor with Mike Meier, Mike dives into the topic of ticks, drawing parallels and distinctions between tick and mosquito prevention. He emphasizes that while some methods for keeping mosquitoes at bay also work for ticks, there are specific techniques unique to each pest. Mike also shares timely advice for those participating in "No Mow May," explaining the careful steps needed to transition your overgrown lawn back to a manageable height without damaging the grass.
Listeners will find practical tips on how to manage their lawns post-No Mow May, including the importance of gradually trimming the grass to avoid starving the plants. Mike also takes live calls from listeners, offering personalized advice on a range of gardening issues.

Early Invasion: Tackling the Asian Lady Beetle Problem Before It Starts

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