Outdoor Hazards in Wisconsin a Guide to Insects, Plants, and Wildlife

G3564 Outdoor Hazards in Wisconsin A Guide to Insects, Plants, and Wildlife

Scott R. Craven Phillip J. Pellitteri Mark J. Renz Contents Introduction 1 Blood-feeding insects 18 Mosquitoes 18 WILDLIFE 2 Deerflies and horseflies 20 Amphibians 3 Blackflies 20 Salamanders 3 Biting midges 21 Toads 4 Ticks 21 Chiggers 22 Reptiles 4 Turtles 5 PLANTS 23 Snakes 5 Plants that are poisonous Birds 8 when ingested 24 Defending territory 8 Poison hemlock 25 Handling birds 8 Spotted water hemlock 25 Mammals 9 Bittersweet nightshade 26 Short-tailed shrews 9 Black nightshade 26 Bats 10 Jimsonweed 27 Skunks 10 Plants that are poisonous Porcupines 11 on contact 28 Coyotes 12 Poison ivy 28 Gray wolves 12 Poison sumac 29 Deer 13 Wild parsnip 30 Black bears 14 Stinging nettle 31 INSECTS & Plants that cause hay fever 31 other invertebrates 15 Common ragweed 32 Stinging insects 16 Giant ragweed 32 Bees and wasps 16 Thorny, barbed plants 33 Bull thistle 33 Beggarticks 34 References to products in this pub- lication are for your convenience Burdock 34 and are not an endorsement of Cocklebur 35 one product over similar products. Sandbur 36 isconsin’s bountiful natural resources—clear lakes and rivers, forests, rolling hills, and interesting land- Wforms—make the state an ideal place for outdoor recreation.

When you hike, camp, hunt, fish, or enjoy other outdoor activi- ties, you may encounter animals, insects, or plants that are capable of causing problems. While wild animals, swarms of biting insects, and poisonous plants do exist in Wisconsin, the risk of meeting them is actually quite low. In most cases, you can avoid these natural hazards altogether or handle them with little difficulty. Using common sense and having a healthy respect for Wisconsin’s wild creatures and plants will go a long way toward maximizing your enjoyment of the outdoors.

This guide will help you recognize, avoid, and handle potential problems caused by wildlife, insects, or plants.

1 Wildlife

2 isconsin’s wildlife includes more than 500 species of Wamphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Millions of dollars and hours are spent hunting, observ- ing, studying, and photographing these animals. The vast majority of Spotted salamander the species are absolutely harmless. Some, however, can inflict physical damage or, at the very least, cause a Salamanders bit of a fright! Most of Wisconsin’s salamanders are small, though some, such as the tiger or spotted varieties (Ambystoma Amphibians sp.),y ma grow to 10 or 12 inches in All amphibians found in Wisconsin— length. You won’t often see a solitary frogs, salamanders, and toads—are salamander since these reclusive nonvenomous and harmless. In fact, creatures seldom come into the frogs and salamanders make excel- open. But when environmental con- lent subjects for children to observe ditions are right, you may encounter and study. These creatures have no large numbers of them. For example, claws and do not bite. If you collect a warm early-spring rain may trigger them for study, please return them a mass movement of tiger or spotted quickly to the site from which they salamanders from their woodland came.e B familiar with Wisconsin homes to ponds used as breeding regulations about captive wildlife. Do sites. (Water is an essential part of not collect endangered or threat- the amphibian life cycle.) When these ened species for any reason! migrations occur, salamanders may literally fill window wells, Frog cover roadways, or otherwise create the general impression of an invasion. These animals are harmless and should be removed from natural traps and sent on their way. There is no harm in handling them except for the possibility of transferring their slimy skin secretions into your eyes, which may cause annoying—but not dangerous—eye irritation. 3 MUDPUPPIES The mudpuppy (Necturus sp.) is a large aquatic sala- mander (measuring up to 16 inches) found in rivers and lakes throughout Mudpuppy Wisconsin. Though not dangerous, mudpuppies can bite, and their size, on your hands, which usually causes bizarre external gills, and extremely you to drop the toad—exactly why slimy skin may startle an angler who it is done. inadvertently hooks one. Mudpuppies should be unhooked and released. They are rarely seen in the wild. Reptiles Toads Wisconsin’s reptiles—turtles, snakes, and lizards—are much better The amphibian that concerns people equipped to protect themselves most often is the toad (Bufo america- than amphibians are. Most reptile nus). This is mainly due to the myth species have sharp claws and power- that handling toads will cause warts. ful jaws, and two snake species are There is no need for concern—the venomous. Wisconsin’s lizards, which toad’s bumpy, warty skin is not con- include racerunners, skinks, and tagious to people or other animals. slender glass lizards, are quite rare The largest bumps on the toad’s and prefer to dwell in secluded spots. upper back are actually glands. You are much more likely to encoun- These glands secrete a foul-smelling ter a turtle or snake than a lizard. milky fluid that protects the toad Children are attracted to reptiles from being eaten by predators and as much as they are to amphib- can irritate humans’ eye and nose ians. And reptiles, like amphibians, membranes. The only real risk in can be examined or photographed holding a toad is having it urinate but should always be returned to the point of capture. Endangered or threatened species, such as the ornate box turtle, should be left alone!

Toad 4 Turtles Snapping turtles can deliver a painful All of Wisconsin’s turtles have claws bite, but according to Richard Vogt and strong jaws. You can protect in Natural History of Reptiles and yourself from a turtle’s claws by Amphibians of Wisconsin, stories holding the animal securely by the of people losing fingers or toes to shell,e but b sure to keep away from snapping turtles are “questionable.” the turtle’s head—its powerful jaws In fact, snapping turtles rarely bite deserve respect. when they are in the water, and the fear of losing a finger or toe left dan- A turtle may walk slowly on land, but gling in the water is unwarranted. its surprisingly long neck and head can move rapidly. Any turtle of more Snakes than baseball-size diameter can While some snakes are harmless and deliver a bite that is painful, particu- others can deliver a painful bite, only larly to a child’s fingers. two of Wisconsin’s 20-plus snake species are venomous: the timber Snapping turtle rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) and the massasauga, or swamp rattle- snake (Sistrurus catenatus). Through- out most of Wisconsin, the likelihood of encountering a venomous snake is very slim. VENOMOUS SNAKES The larger and more dangerous of Wisconsin’s two venomous snakes is the timber SNAPPING TURTLES Wisconsin’s rattlesnake, which sometimes snapping turtles (Chelydra serpen- reaches lengths of 4½ feet or more. tina) reach impressive size and are The timber rattler is a protected frequently seen in spring when species in Wisconsin. It is a yellowish females search for nesting sites on snake with bold, narrow dark bands; land. They are very aggressive out of an unmarked yellow to yellowish-tan the water! Stay away from the head head; a black tail; and tan rattles. end, and if you must carry a snapping turtle by the tail, hold it well away from your legs.

5 timber rattlesnake Timber rattlers live woodpiles. You should also know, territory mainly near cliffs, from consulting a first-aid guide, rock outcroppings, what to do in case you are bitten by a and steep, rocky venomous snake. hillsides along the The massasauga is a small- to Wisconsin and medium-sized, heavy-bodied snake Mississippi rivers that lives in low marshy or swampy and their tributaries in southwestern areas in west-central Wisconsin. It Wisconsin (see map). However, they tends to be grayer than the timber may occasionally turn up outside this rattlesnake and has distinctive primary range. stripes on its head. Timber rattlers are aggressive when The massasauga is an endangered cornered and are quite venomous. species and is rarely seen. It has If you are hiking or hunting in the disappeared from most of the 62 timber rattler’s range and habitat, Wisconsin townships in which it was be extremely cautious about where found before 1980, and now only a you place your hands and feet when few isolated populations are known you climb around rocks or walk near to exist in the southwestern third thick brush piles, fallen trees, and of the state, as far east as Walworth County. Massasauga The massasauga has lethal venom and humans have died from its bite, though no record of such deaths exists in Wisconsin. Its bite is seldom fatal, although it can be serious if left untreated.

Timber rattlesnake

6 NONVENOMOUS SNAKES Several Both of Wisconsin’s venomous nonvenomous Wisconsin snakes, snakes belong to the pit viper including the bull snake, fox snake, family, so-named because of a pit, or rat snake, and racer, can reach depression, in front of each eye (see lengths of 4 feet or more. All have diagram below). The pits are heat- numerous sharp teeth and can sensing organs that aid in locating deliver a painful bite. Rat snakes and seeking warm-blooded prey. (Pantherophis spiloides) and Northern Nonvenomous snakes have no pits. water snakes (Nerodia sipedon) have Venomous snakes have elliptical, ver- nasty dispositions and will strike with tical eye pupils, while nonvenomous little provocation, while hognose varieties have round pupils. Also, the snakes (Heterodon platyrhinos) will scales on the underside of the tails of rarely bite, even if provoked. Several Wisconsin’s venomous and nonven- of the smaller species, such as garter omous snakes differ (see diagram at snakes, can be handled safely with lower left). only the risk of provoking a foul- You can examine the characteristics smelling excretion. of a dead snake in more detail, but DISTINGUISHING VENOMOUS don’t kill a snake for this purpose. AND NONVENOMOUS SNAKES Be careful when approaching and There are several ways to distinguish examining an apparently dead snake. venomous snakes from nonvenom- It may only appear dead. A freshly ous snakes. In the field, the timber “killed”e snak can turn its head and rattlesnake and massasauga can be bite by reflex action. identified by their obvious rattles For more on snake identification, see and color patterns. In Wisconsin, any the University of Wisconsin-Extension snake that is solid colored or has publication Snakes of Wisconsin lengthwise stripes is nonvenomous. (G3139), the excellent Wisconsin Venomous snake Department of Natural Resources (DNR) publication by the same name (Snakes of Wisconsin), or a high- quality field guide. Single row of scales under end of tail Pit viper elliptical, vertical pupil Nonvenomous snake nostril

Double row of scales under end of tail pit

7 Bald eagle

Birds Birds should be a source of inter- est and wonder for the outdoors enthusiast—not a safety concern. Although some larger species have sharp talons or impressive bills, they use them only to obtain food or defend themselves. Birds can be dangerous in two situations: when they are defending their nests or territories and when they have been Larger birds can inflict some damage. injured or incapacitated. Large waterfowl (such as geese and Defending territory swans) and most raptors (includ- ing hawks, owls, and eagles) have Many birds, from swallows and powerful wings and strong, often blackbirds to hawks, owls, and swans, sharp, bills; and raptors have danger- become very aggressive and defen- ous talons. Cooper’s hawks nesting sive during the nesting season. Swal- in urban and suburban settings lows frequently dive at people who are especially aggressive. A sudden approach their nests, and some may strike at a bicyclist or jogger can even strike an intruder’s head. Such cause a fall and possible injury. Never behavior is annoying but is hardly a approach a raptor’s nest.t I is illegal, safety problem. potentially destructive to the eggs or young, and dangerous for you. Even experienced researchers have been injured by the blows or talons of such birds while working at nest sites. Handling birds People frequently attempt to aid injured birds. While their concern is admirable, birds must be handled properly to avoid further injury to the bird and injury to the person Red-tailed hawk helping.

8 Calm a large bird by covering it with habilitator, a biologist, or an animal a box or blanket. If you plan to move protection organization such as the bird by hand, restrain its wings the Humane Society if you believe and feet. The bill of a hawk or owl an animal needs help. may look threatening, but it is the • Do not encourage or allow chil- needle-sharp talons that must be dren to collect, touch, or make pets controlled. If the bird is in no immedi- of young or mature wild animals. ate danger or can be coaxed or put • Do not corner, grab, or threaten into a large box, leave the handling any wild mammal—even one as to an experienced rehabilitator or small as a mouse. Most will fight biologist. tenaciously to defend themselves. A rabbit, squirrel, or other mammal Mammals can deliver a nasty bite or scratch. Fears of “wild animals” are usually directed at mammals. Some Short-tailed shrews The short-tailed shrew (Blarina brevi- mammals have the teeth, claws, or cauda), found throughout Wisconsin, size to injure or even kill people, is a small, dark-gray animal about but they rarely do. By nature, wild 4 to 6 inches long, with a short tail. mammals avoid human contact, and Its fur is very short and sleek, and it outright attacks are almost unknown. has small eyes and a pointed snout. When attacks do occur, they almost Short-tailed shrews are often con- always involve cornered, sick, or fused with meadow mice (Microtus injured animals, or mothers defend- sp.). All shrews are carnivorous, ing their young. Only one Wisconsin and the short-tailed shrew uses its mammal is venomous: the short- venomous saliva to help subdue tailed shrew. prey (such as mice), which may be as A few facts and commonsense rules large as it is. The bite of a short-tailed should guide your actions when shrew may cause painful swelling dealing with any wild mammal: but is not life threatening. • Unusual behavior—such as tameness, erratic movement, and activity during unusual hours of the day—suggests that a mammal is sick or injured and should be avoided. Several diseases common in wild mammals are transmissible to humans and are potentially dangerous. Contact a licensed re-

9 Bats Skunks Bats are interesting, beneficial crea- Everyone recognizes the distinctive tures. Most common fears of bats are black and white pattern of a skunk as not based on facts. Not all bats are something to avoid, and with good rabid; bats do not bite to consume reason! Striped skunks (Mephitis blood (vampire bats do not dwell mephitis) are found throughout anywhere near Wisconsin); and bats Wisconsin in a variety of habitats, will not intentionally entangle them- including backyards and parks. An selves in long hair. However, bats encounter with a skunk often results should never be handled. The risk of in a smelly situation for people and rabies is small but real. If bitten by pets. a bat, seek medical attention. If you As a defensive strategy, skunks use have problems with unwanted bat powerful muscles to forcefully expel colonies, consult the UW-Extension an oily spray from glands on their publication Bats: Information for backside, and the strategy works Wisconsin Homeowners (G3096). rather well. They can project the spray rather accurately up to 10 feet before it becomes more of a mist, effective for about another 10 feet. A direct hit in the eyes creates an intense burning sensation. A hit anywhere else on the body or on clothes just creates a smelly mess. Even if you are not hit by spray, the entire area will smell “like skunk” for quite a while.

10 If sprayed, wash clothes and pets attached to the animal’s skin, so with a mixture of 3% hydrogen per- they fly about as the animal moves oxide solution (from the drugstore), suddenly or lashes out with its quill- ¼ cup baking soda, and a teaspoon covered tail. If a person or pet comes of liquid hand soap. Be careful not in direct contact with a porcupine, a to get this mixture in your eyes or large number of quills can become your pet’s eyes, and check for color embedded in the person’s hands or fastness on clothes. Once the smell the pet’s mouth. has been neutralized, rinse the pet or item of clothing thoroughly. Also, if storing extra mixture for future use, do not keep it in a sealed container, as it will become explosive if con- fined. Warm, soapy water and com- mercial skunk deodorizers such as Skunk-Off or Odor-Sol will also work. A variety of home remedies such as tomato juice may provide some relief, but don’t count on it. You can minimize the risk of being sprayed by giving any skunk a wide berth. Unless provoked, skunks Each quill has tiny barbs near its are quite docile. A skunk bite is tip (as on a fishhook), so once a potentially much worse than being quill is embedded, it requires some sprayed, as skunks are a main carrier force and a pair of pliers or forceps off rabies. I you are bitten by a skunk, to remove it. Any bits of quill left seek medical attention. embedded can lead to persistent pain or infection. A pet with many Porcupines quills in its face or mouth should Porcupines (Erethizon dorsatum) are be taken to a vet for treatment. large, slow-moving, forest-dwelling Porcupines move very slowly, are not rodents that are most abundant aggressive, and should be easy to in the northern half of Wisconsin. distinguish from any other animal. “Porkies”e ar well protected by a Thus they should be easy to avoid. dense coat of sharp, stiff quills— thousands of them. Contrary to popular belief, porcupines cannot throw or direct quills to defend themselves. The quills are loosely

11 Wolf

Coyotes Coyotes have become a concern in some urban and suburban areas in Wisconsin. They have been known to kill cats and small dogs and may attack larger dogs. Keep all pets under close supervision and do not allow them to roam freely, especially in areas known to be frequented by coyotes. Gray wolves Never feed coyotes or do anything Gray wolves, or timber wolves, have that causes them to loose their made a tremendous comeback since natural fear of humans. The risk of 1960, when they were considered a coyote attack on a person is low, extinct in Wisconsin. The comeback but it does exist. Young children started with a few individuals that should be closely supervised in moved into Wisconsin from Minne- areas coyotes are known to frequent, sota.y B 1980, there were perhaps 25 where coyotes have displayed little wolves in Wisconsin, and they were fear of humans, or where attacks on designated an endangered species. pets have been documented. From that point on, protection, In the presence of a coyote, shout, public education, and the wolves make noise, or throw something in themselves contributed to a steady its direction. Report coyote problems increase to about 700 animals by and encounters to local authorities. 2010. In Wisconsin, most wolves live in the northern half of the state, but Coyote there have been regular sightings of wolves in many counties all the way to the Illinois border. Wolf numbers and management are contentious issues, aggravated by wolf depredations on livestock, hunting dogs, and pets, and by the potential threat to humans as wolves become more habituated to humans and their activities. Wolves have been on and off the endangered species list in recent years, which complicates resource managers’ response to wolf problems. 12 While wolves do kill livestock and Deer dogs in Wisconsin, most dog inci- Deer are abundant throughout Wis- dents involve hounds or trailing dogs consin. Deer-vehicle collisions result running through wolf territories. The in human death and injury, millions risk to bird-hunting dogs or pets of dollars in property loss, death and under close control of their owners is injury to the deer (35,000 or more minimal but does exist. Dog owners annually in Wisconsin), and mental should know the general location anguish for the driver. There is no of wolf packs, especially those with foolproof way to eliminate deer- a history of aggressive behavior. vehicle collisions. Fencing, reduc- The DNR can provide you with this ing the deer population, intercept information. There have been docu- feeding, and mechanical gadgets all mented attacks on humans in North have limitations. America, but they are very rare. And The best advice on avoiding deer- not until recently was a fatal attack vehicle collisions is to recognize the documented, in northern Canada. risk and drive defensively. Know the Potential problems between humans seasons when the risk of encounter- and wolves are worsened by ill- ing deer is highest (fall and spring), advised feeding and other human the times of greatest deer activity activity that causes wolves to lose (early morning and late evening), their fear of people. It is legal to and the areas of greatest risk (often protect domestic animals on your marked by deer-crossing signs). property, and it is legal to protect Slowing down and being alert for yourself and others anywhere if deer will do more to reduce collisions threatened with a wolf attack. The than anything else. Motorcyclists DNR, the International Wolf Center, should be especially and other organizations provide cautious, as there is detailed information on living with little protection wolves. Please report encounters for the driver in with fearless or aggressive wolves a collision. to a local government office (DNR or USDA Wildlife Services).

13 Black bears Most bears will flee at any sign of Black bears are large, powerful humans, perhaps because they animals.e Lik the wolf population, the remain a popular game animal in bear population has been growing Wisconsin.f I you see a bear, yell, and expanding southward in Wis- wave, or bang on something to consin. Research in 2007 and 2008 alert the bear to your presence. suggests that there could be 30,000 A bear habituated to people at a or more bears living in Wisconsin— campground or park may be more twice as many as were previously reluctant to leave a food source. thought to live in the state. Back away from such an encounter. Eliminate any attractants for bears by Bears cause damage to some crops, properly handling and storing items beehives, and structures, and they such as food, garbage, and birdseed. annoy campers and homeowners in their persistent search for food. In the unlikely event of an attack, They are capable of injuring or pepper spray may repel the bear. killing humans, but attacks are rare. Remember that bears climb well, so When an attack does occur, it gener- a tree is not a good refuge from an ates headline news, resulting in a attack. Most experts recommend that distorted perception of the true risk you vigorously fight back against an posed by black bears. actual attack. For more information, see the Resources list at the end of this publication.

14 & other Insects invertebrates here are more than 20,000 differ- ent insects, spiders, and related Tcreatures that you could meet during a summer walk in Wisconsin. Over 95% of them are completely harmless, and less than 1% of the rest go out of their way to torment people. Insects and other inverte- brates attack people for two reasons: to obtain food and to defend Honeybee themselves. Some types of hairy or spiny caterpil- Mosquitoes, deerflies, horseflies, lars are covered with urticating, or blackflies, ticks, and chiggers require stinging, hairs. These hairs contain a animal or human blood as food. Any poison cell gland, and if rubbed, the other bite or sting is a defensive or hairs will break, releasing enzymes protective reaction by the insect. that cause blisters, burns, or rashes. Most insects, such as adult butter- The sensations feel similar to those flies,, moths and dragonflies, are not caused by a stinging nettle plant. capable of biting or stinging people. But if you are unfamiliar with an Bees and wasps insect, it is better to observe it rather Bees and wasps (and some ants) than pick it up. have a special defensive weapon— the stinger. By nature, these insects are not aggressive, but they can Stinging insects become so if their nests are dis- While some insects do sting, others turbed or if they are trapped or just seem as if they do. Some insects confined. have a bite that can feel like a sting. The honeybee stinger is barbed Many insects feed on each other much like a fishhook. The honeybee or similar small creatures, and such flies away after stinging but leaves predators have powerful enzymes its stinger and poison sac behind, and proteins in their saliva that which eventually kills the bee. The paralyze, kill, or digest their prey. If muscular poison sac will continue to one of these predacious creatures pump venom, so remove the stinger is mishandled, it can inflict a painful promptly by scraping it with your bite that may take time to heal. The fingernail, a knife, or a plastic card. bite may be mistaken for a sting, but Do not try to pick the stinger off with no stinger is left behind. The only your fingers because this squeezes treatment required is to put ice on the poison sac, injecting more the site if swelling develops. enzymes and poisons into your skin. 16 All other stinging bees and wasps Take care when eating or drinking have unbarbed stingers and outdoors during the late summer. can sting repeatedly if given the Keep food covered as much as pos- opportunity. The amount of venom sible, and dispose of food scraps after injected will affect the severity of the meals. To prevent yellow jackets from reaction. Most species of bees and foraging near garbage, put trash in wasps will sting if they feel threat- garbage bins with tight-fitting lids or ened but will allow you to calmly seal it in airtight bags. brush them away if you move slowly. STINGS Some simple measures can Yellow jackets are responsible for help you avoid stings from bees and a marked increase in stings and wasps: related problems from early August • Don’t wear perfumes, hair sprays, through September. This black and suntan lotions, or cosmetics that yellow wasp is slightly smaller than may attract unwanted attention. the honeybee. Some yellow jackets • Don’t walk barefoot outside. build nests of paper in rodent burrows or other cavities. In spring • Avoid outdoor cooking and eating and early summer, when colonies during the yellow jacket season. are small, they survive by feeding on • If a bee or wasp lands on you, stay other insects. In late summer, when calm and gently brush it away. the colonies have increased in size, Sudden movements increase your yellow jackets are forced to seek chances of getting stung. extra nourishment in the form of If you are stung, you will first feel sugar or protein. Thus, they compete intense burning at the site of the with anyone trying to eat a sandwich, sting, followed by swelling and pick a ripe raspberry, or drink a can of severe itching after several minutes. soda outdoors. Swelling may be localized or involve an entire limb. Applying ice or cold

Yellow jacket

17 compresses to the site will decrease of desensitizing people to various swelling and slow the movement stings. Consult a physician for more of toxins. Other treatments, such as information. household meat tenderizer or com- mercial preparations, will help reduce pain and neutralize the proteins and Blood-feeding amino acids in the venom. Far more serious are the allergic or insects systemic reactions experienced by Blood-feeding insects are known for about 1% of the population. Symp- requiring human or animal blood as toms such as throat or chest constric- food, but the males of many species tion, dizziness, labored breathing, in this group actually feed on nectar fever, confusion, wheezing, or uncon- and plant juices. In many cases, only sciousness indicate serious reactions the females require blood meals that require medical intervention. because they need the protein from Anaphylactic, or hypersensitive, blood to produce fertile eggs. reactions can be fatal. Such reactions often occur within the first hour Mosquitoes after a sting but may be delayed for More than 50 mosquito species live several hours. in Wisconsin. Only the females of the species require a blood meal. People who are sensitive to stings The most notorious mosquitoes should carry emergency medical kits come from the genus Aedes—the at all times during the spring and floodwater mosquitoes. If a pond or summer. A person who is sensitive to riverbank dries up, their eggs can one type of bee sting may not neces- remain dormant for months or years sarily be sensitive to the stings of all until they come into contact with bees or wasps. There are methods water again. Adults appear about two weeks after the eggs come into contact with water, and up to 100 mosquitoes can emerge per square foot of water surface per day in good breeding habitat. More than 60% of these adults will migrate approxi- mately 10 to 20 miles from their breeding site in search of a blood meal. Female mosquitoes live for 3 to 6 weeks and can take multiple blood meals during that time.

18 Mosquitoes are most active under 5 hours, depending on the product, low light conditions, yet some are formulation, and user’s amount of “day biters.” Winds above 10 miles physical activity. Not all repellents per hour force mosquitoes to land are safe for use on skin, and concen- and rest; when the winds die down, trated repellents should not be used they become active again. Avoid on small children. Some repellents brushy, shaded sites, which have the can dissolve or stain watch crystals, low light and poor air movement eyeglasses, and painted or varnished that attracts mosquitoes. Tempera- surfaces, including fishing rods and tures below 50˚F prevent mosqui- cars. Even coverage is important. toes from flying, but it usually takes Mosquito netting (23 to 26 meshes three or four killing frosts to end the per inch) may come in handy for mosquito season. overnight trips. Mosquitoes use carbon dioxide, The wound of a mosquito bite is lactic acid, and heat to find their minor. The intense itching and hosts. The more active you are, the swelling is an allergic response to more of these attractants you give the mosquito’s salivary secretions. off. Individuals differ in both their Various treatments such as rubbing attractiveness to mosquitoes and alcohol or mild ammonia will help the way their bodies react to a bite. relieve itching. Dark colors and some fragrances also Although mosquitoes transmit many attract certain mosquitoes. serious diseases throughout the Even if you sit on a sunny, windy world,e ther are only two mosquito- hillside and wear light-colored borne diseases seen regularly in clothing, you can still be bitten by Wisconsin: La Crosse encephalitis a mosquito. Other than covering and West Nile virus. La Crosse up, the only practical way to avoid encephalitis is a virus that can cause mosquito bites is to use a repellent complications in children under 12 spray, cream, or lotion, which does years old. West Nile virus affects birds, not kill mosquitoes but does prevent horses, and people and is most often them from finding you. The active a late summer and fall problem. Most ingredients in repellents include people do not become ill from these DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta toluamide), viruses, and the best way to prevent Picaridin [1-Piperidinecarboxylic problems is to reduce mosquito bites acid, 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-, 1-methyl- by avoiding infested areas, wearing propylester], soybean oil, citronella protective clothing, and using insect oil, and Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus repellent. [p-menthane 3,8-diol (PMD)]. Effec- tiveness can vary from 10 minutes to

19 Deerflies and horseflies Blackflies Deerflies and horseflies are large, Blackflies are small, weak-flying, gray robust, somewhat hairy biting flies or black humpbacked gnats, about that are up to 1½ inches long. Many the size of fruit flies. These day-biting species have bright green or purple flies breed in moving water in rivers, eyes; deerflies have dark bands on streams, and creeks. “Buffalo gnats,” their wings. These flies feed during as they are sometimes called, bite the day and are most abundant in painlessly on any exposed part of the low,, moist wooded areas from late body but often prefer the forehead, May until September. They breed hairline, or wherever clothing fits in the mud of ponds, swamps, and snugly, such as at collars, cuffs, and ditches. Adult female flies are very sock lines. They are persistent and strong fliers, and their bite is painful may crawl into your ears, nostrils, because they make a deep wound as or hair. they continually stab the skin with A blackfly bite appears as a small, knife-like mouthparts. red, central spot surrounded by an Deerflies and horseflies are most area that is red and swollen. Because active on warm, sunny days. To blackflies use enzymes that prevent protect yourself, reduce exposed skin blood from clotting, a small trickle by covering up with a light, long- of dried blood may remain at the sleeved shirt and wearing a hat or wound. The bite site often remains cap. Applying tick or mosquito repel- irritated for several days, and some lents to exposed skill will provide people develop swollen glands added protection. around the ears and neck. Wearing a hat will put a stop to scalp Horsefly bites. Repellents prevent biting but will not stop blackflies from flying around your head. Canoeists and people fishing in prime blackfly habitat may have to tape their cuffs shut and use head nets to remain comfortable. The numbers of most blackfly species peak over a 2- to 3-week period each year. Staying in areas with good air movement and away from stream banks will reduce attacks.

20 Biting midges To remove an attached tick, grasp it There is a group of tiny biting midges with tweezers as close to the head as known locally as punkies, sand- possible and pull gently and steadily. flies, and no-see-ums. The burning Take care not to break the mouth- and irritation their bites cause is parts.ft I lef behind, they can cause far greater than their size would infection. The use of home remedies suggest. Their weak flying ability such as petroleum jelly, lighter fluid, usually limits and localizes problem hot matches, and nail polish remover areas. Repellents will help protect do not help removal and can cause you from their bites, as will mosquito other complications. netting for tents and sleeping bags. Preventing tick problems starts with wearing long-sleeved shirts and Ticks pants. Tuck pant legs inside socks What is a May walk in the woods or boots to cut down on exposed without ticks? Ticks are eight-legged skin. Repellents containing DEET or blood-feeding relatives of mites. insecticides/repellents containing Their thick, leathery skin and slow permethrin can be sprayed on socks, movements allow them to “lie in pants, and shoes. wait” for months on the undersides AMERICAN DOG TICKS What most of leaves or on twigs. Tick habitat people call the “wood tick” is the includes long grass or brushy areas American dog tick, Dermacentor vari- near game trails, hiking paths, and abilis.e They ar reddish brown with sites with large small-rodent popula- silver or white markings and range tions. Both male and female ticks up to ¼ inch in length. American dog grab on to pants or socks and start tick activity starts in early May and searching for a place to feed. Often slows down in early July. Immature the first skin they encounter is the ticks feed primarily on rodents, and a neck area, giving people the impres- normal life cycle takes 2 years. sion that ticks drop from above. Tick feeding is much more compli- hypostome palp cated than a quick bite. Ticks attach painlessly by means of a barbed hypostome (see figure) and will remain attached for days if left undis- turbed. Only 2 of the approximately 15 tick species in Wisconsin normally bite humans.

21 American dog ticks transmit Rocky Chiggers Mountain spotted fever in other Chiggers are tiny, parts of the United States, but this red, parasitic mites disease rarely appears in Wisconsin. that are scarcely DEER TICKS The deer tick, Ixodes visible. They live scapularis, is smaller than the Ameri- on deer, mice, can dog tick and lacks the silver or and birds. On white markings on its back. Adults humans, chigger and immature deer ticks feed on bites cause humans and pets. Deer ticks seem to intense itching and small, be most common in wooded areas reddish welts on the skin. They most with a lush understory of brambles often appear where clothing fits and other shrubby material, and tightly against the body, such as the their season extends from early April ankle, waist, upper arm, or behind the through November. knee. Welts last for 3 to 10 days and Deer ticks are the only known carrier often become infected after being of Lyme disease in Wisconsin. It is scratched. Humans are not a suitable important to remember that it takes host, and often the mite leaves or the tick a number of hours of feeding dies before a skin reaction is evident. (24 or more) to transmit Lyme Chiggers are most numerous in disease. This means that promptly brushy sites or long grass that has removing the deer tick will prevent large rodent populations. If you have you from contracting the disease. been exposed to chiggers, take a Routine total-body tick checks hot,y soap bath or shower as soon should become a daily ritual. as possible. A vigorous rubdown If you experience flu-like symptoms with a towel will remove and kill or a spreading rash appears around a unattached larvae. Wash all cloth- tick bite site within 2 weeks, contact ing before wearing it again. Various your family physician. Prompt treat- antiseptics or local anesthetic ment with antibiotics has been very products can be found at drug stores successful in treating Lyme disease. for temporary relief of the itching. To prevent chigger bites, use mosquito repellents, especially along cuffs, waistbands, collars, and ankles. Avoid sitting or reclining on the ground in infested sites.

22 Plants isconsin is home to over 3,000 plant species. Some of Plants that Wthese plants have undesir- able traits that cause them to be labeled as unwanted plants, or weeds. are poisonous Most of these weeds compete with crop and landscape plants or are when ingested visually unattractive in places where Only eat plants that have been iden- aesthetics are important. However, tified as nontoxic. If someone ingests some Wisconsin weeds go beyond a plant that is toxic, call the Wis- simply being bothersome and have consin Poison Center immediately traits that are actually troublesome (1-800-222-1222) and follow the cen- to people. These traits include being ter’s instructions. For more informa- toxic (to both animals and people), tion on ingested plant poisons, visit causing skin irritation and blistering, the Wisconsin Poison Center website: producing pollen that causes hay www.wisconsinpoison.org. fever, and having thorns or spines that attach to clothing and hair. Poison hemlock People and animals can generally avoid the hazards imposed by these weeds simply by staying away from the plants. However, to avoid contact with poisonous plants, you must first be able to recognize them. There are many excellent publications avail- able to help you identify and control plants, usually found in the garden- ing or nature sections of bookstores and libraries. Consult these refer- ences for more detailed information on hazardous plants.

24 Poison hemlock Spotted water hemlock (Conium maculatum) (Cicuta maculata) Socrates was put to death by Spotted water hemlock belongs to drinking poison hemlock—a “cup the parsley family and is also referred of death.” All parts of this plant to as beaver poison, children’s bane, (a member of the parsley family) muskrat weed, musquash root, contain the toxic alkaloid coniine. spotted cowbane, and spotted Socrates’ last drink was made from hemlock.t I grows in swamps and unripe hemlock seeds. lowlands, often in or near shallow Poison hemlock has several common water. names, including deadly hemlock, Spotted water hemlock is a peren- poison parsley, poison stinkweed, nial plant that reproduces by seed and snakeweed. The plant grows in and tuberous roots. The stems are 3 moist sites, such as along streams to 5 feet tall and are streaked with and in wet ditches. purplish spots. Branching occurs Like other biennial plants, poison only toward the top of the plant, and hemlock produces a rosette of leaves leaflets are linear with saw-toothed and a fleshy, parsnip-like root the margins. Individual flowers are first year. In its second year, it grows small and white and are arranged in to a height of 7 to 10 feet, flowers, clusters. produces seed, and dies. There may All parts of the plant are poisonous be four or five leaves on a stem, with when eaten, especially the roots. finely divided, toothed margins. The Both roots and seeds have a distinc- leaves are arranged in an alternate tive parsnip-like odor. pattern along the stem. The flowers are white and look Spotted water hemlock similar to those of wild carrot. An individual flower may be no wider than 1/10 inch. Seeds are found in pairs and are pale brown, ribbed, and highly poisonous. A key characteris- tic in identifying poison hemlock is the presence of purplish blotches on the stem, which is also hollow and branches many times. All parts of this plant are poisonous when eaten.

25 Bittersweet nightshade Black nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) (Solanum ptycanthum) Bittersweet nightshade is also Deadly nightshade, garden night- known as European bittersweet, blue shade, and poison berry are other nightshade, climbing nightshade, common names for black night- woody nightshade, poison berry, and shade, a member of the nightshade scarlet berry. It grows in moist soils family. The plant grows in gardens, and on trees in woods and orchards. fields, and waste areas. It also climbs on shrubs, fences, and Black nightshade is an annual plant buildings. that comes up from seed in spring Bittersweet nightshade is a slender, or early summer and dies in fall woody vine. The plant has simple after the killing frosts. It has simple leaves with one or two lobes. It pro- alternate leaves, white flowers, and duces purple flowers, and the fruit berries that are green when imma- is a soft, round berry that is green ture and black when mature. when immature and bright red when The fruits contain a toxic alkaloid, mature. solanine, which makes them mildly A member of the nightshade family, toxic when ingested. bittersweet nightshade’s leaves and berries contain solanine, an alkaloid that is toxic when ingested.

26 Jimsonweed The plant grows to a height of 2 (Datura stramonium) to 4 feet, and the stem branches toward the top. Its large, coarse Jimsonweed, another member of leaves alternate along the stem and the nightshade family, is an annual branches, and they have a distinctive, plant that reproduces by seed. Other unpleasant odor. The funnel-shaped names for it include Jamestown flowers of jimsonweed are large weed, mad apple, thorn apple, and (2 to 5 inches long) and are tinted stinkwort. Jimsonweed grows in white to pink. The plant’s egg-shaped sunny locations and is often found in seedpod contains many seeds and feedlots,g ho yards, and barnyards. It is covered with short, stiff spines. It is common in the southern third of measures about 1 inch in diameter. Wisconsin. Both the foliage and seeds of jim- sonweed are poisonous, as the plant contains an alkaloid that is a stomach poison. Some people develop a rash from touching the leaves.

27 especially along rivers. The shrub variety grows out in the open, while Plants that the vine climbs trees and fences. are poisonous The leaves of poison ivy are divided into three leaflets, so heed the old adage, “Leaflets three, let it be.” The on contact lateral two leaflets are fastened While some plants are poisonous directly to the leaf stem, or petiole, when ingested, others are dangerous while the terminal leaflet is borne when simply touched. If you’re enter- on a short leaf stalk. The three leaves ing areas where plants that poison may vary in size, shape, and appear- on contact are present, wear pants ance: The edges may have a smooth and a long-sleeved shirt to protect margin or be toothed or lobed. The yourf skin. I you experience skin leaves may be smooth or slightly irritation, wash the affected area with hairy and appear glossy or dull. soap and water as soon as possible. They may turn yellow, orange, or red before they drop off in the fall. Poison ivy The flowers are greenish yellow and (Toxicodendron rydbergii) occur in clusters along the stem, Poison ivy, a member of the cashew frequently hidden by leaves. The family, grows as either a low, woody fruit is a yellowish-white round berry, shrub or a climbing vine. It is also with stripes that make it resemble a called poison creeper or three-leafed peeled orange. The berries are about ivy. Poison ivy is found in pastures, ¼ inch in diameter. road banks, fencerows, parks, beaches, All plant parts—roots, stems, leaves, campgrounds, and damp forests, flowers, and fruits—contain oils that are poisonous to about half the human population. Poison ivy causes dermatitis in the form of skin irrita- tion and blisters, followed by scabs. Symptoms usually occur within 24 hours of exposure.

Poison ivy

28 Poison ivy is toxic all year, which Poison sumac means that its dry, fallen leaves (Toxicodendron vernix) are just as poisonous as the green, Poison sumac is also called poison growing plant. Be especially careful ash, poison dogwood, poison elder, when burning poison ivy. Inhal- and swamp sumac. The plant grows ing the smoke can cause a severe as a shrub or small tree but never as reaction. at vine. I ranges in height from 5 to Birds, not sensitive to the plant, eat 25 feet. the berries and spread the seeds. For Poison sumac grows in wet areas, humans, eating a leaf, or any part of such as floodplains, swamps, and the plant, does not confer immunity. bogs.t I differs from staghorn sumac, If exposed to poison ivy, wash the the common sumac often seen on exposed area with water and regular highway banks. Staghorn sumac or specialized soap (such as Tecnu) has bright red berries, while poison as soon as possible. This is the most sumac produces greenish-white effective method to prevent a rash berries similar to those of poison ivy. from occurring. Birds eat and distribute the seeds. The plant’s leaves turn orangish red in the fall. Contact with poison sumac causes blisters within 24 hours. As with poison ivy, if exposed, wash the exposed area with regular or spe- cialized soap and water as soon as possible.

Poison sumac

29 Wild parsnip Everyone is sensitive to wild parsnip, (Pastinaca sativa) but you can brush against wild parsnip plants and not be affected. A member of the parsnip family, wild Parsnip is only dangerous when parsnip is a plant that reproduces by the plant sap from broken leaves or seed.t I is also known as bird’s nest, stems gets on your skin. hart’s eye, and madnip. Wild parsnip is very common in roadside ditches, In cases of mild exposure, affected wastelands, and ungrazed grasslands. areas turn red and feel sunburned. In more serious cases, the skin first The plant initially produces a rosette turns red and then blisters. The sap of large leaves that somewhat of wild parsnip can cause severe skin resemble celery leaves and a large, blisters in certain people if skin is fleshy taproot. In subsequent years, exposed to sunlight when the sap is wild parsnip develops a stem 3 to contacted. Blisters form a day or two 5 feet tall, produces flowers, gener- after sun exposure, and soon after ates seed, and dies. Leaves have the blisters rupture, the skin starts to toothed margins and alternate along heal. However, dark red or brownish the elongated stem. Flowers are scars can remain in the burned areas arranged in rounded clusters called for months to years. Animals can also umbels. Each flower has five small, get parsnip burns if they have little yellow petals. hair and lightly pigmented skin— characteristics that allow the sap and sunlight to reach the skin. If exposed to wild parsnip sap, wash the contaminated areas thoroughly as soon as possible. The burning sensation can be relieved by cover- ing affected areas with a cool, wet cloth.f I you experience blistering, try to delay the rupturing of the blisters as long as possible, as blisters protect the skin. In cases of extensive blister- ing, consult a doctor. To avoid exposure, wear gloves, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts. Plan- ning wild parsnip control activities for the early evening will minimize sunlight and thus minimize the likeli- hood of blistering. 30 Stinging nettle The stinging hairs on the stems and (Urtica dioica) leaves of the plant can cause welts, inflammation, and a burning sensa- Stinging nettle is also called slender tion when they come in contact with nettle or tall nettle, and it belongs to skin. The stinging sensation occurs the nettle family. It grows in full sun immediately, as the hairs act as in damp, fertile soil and is frequently syringes that inject several chemi- found along canals in muck soils, cals into the skin. If possible, try to around barnyards, and in fencerows remove the hairs with the use of tape throughout Wisconsin. or tweezers. Cooling creams, lotions, Stinging nettle is a perennial and anti-itch creams reduce most of plant that reproduces by seed and the symptoms soon after application. underground rootstocks. The plant grows 2 to 7 feet tall and is slightly branched near the top. Its stems are Plants that stiff, rigid, and covered with stinging hairs. Leaves oppose each other on cause hay fever the square stem and are very dark Ragweed pollen is carried many green. They are typically 3 to 6 inches miles by the wind, so it is difficult to long with saw-toothed margins avoid all exposure. However, you can and are covered with stinging hairs. significantly limit your exposure to The flowers lack petals and grow in pollen by avoiding ragweed plants clusters in the leaf axils. when they produce pollen in August and September.

Stinging nettle

31 Common ragweed Giant ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) (Ambrosia trifida) Common ragweed is a member of Giant ragweed, also a member of the the composite family, and its pollen composite family, is an annual plant is a major cause of hay fever. It is also that reproduces only by seed. It is called bitterweed, blackweed, hay- also called great ragweed, bitter- fever weed, hogweed, mayweed, and weed, crownweed, horseweed, king- wildt tansy. I grows in pastures and head, and tall ambrosia. This plant grain fields, and along roads. is a weed of floodplains and fertile Common ragweed is an annual plant farmland, and it frequently grows that ranges in height from 1 to 3 along the edges of cornfields. feet.t I grows upright and has many Giant ragweed ranges in height from branches. The stems are rough and 3 to 16 feet. The leaves have three to covered with hairs, and the leaves are five lobes and tend to be large and deeply cut, or lobed. The plant has slightly hairy, and the flowers have separate male and female flowers, all no petals. lacking petals. The seed is enclosed Giant ragweed produces pollen from in a crown-shaped woody hull. August until frost kills the plants. This plant produces abundant pollen, Like common ragweed pollen, giant which is shed from early August ragweed pollen is a major cause of until the first killing frost—about the summer hay fever. same time that goldenrod begins to flower.

32 Bull thistle Thorny, (Cirsium vulgare) Bull thistle, also called spear thistle, is barbed plants a biennial plant that reproduces from seed. Bull thistles grow in undis- Plants with thorny barbs are often turbed soil such as pastures, road- more of a nuisance than a danger— sides, and railroad embankments, they stick to hair, clothing, and fur and are common in lawns. They are and can be difficult to remove com- found throughout Wisconsin. pletely. However, seedlings of some of these plants can be poisonous to Unlike Canada thistle, which forms livestock, and burs can injure animals’ dense patches of plants, bull thistles mouths. grow as solitary plants. In the first year if its 2-year life cycle, bull thistle seed germinates and produces a rosette of spiny leaves and a fleshy taproot. In the second year, the plant sprouts a 2- to 4-foot branched stem, flowers, produces seed, and dies. Bull thistles produce reddish- purple- to rose-colored flowers in gumdrop-shaped heads at the tips of the branches. Spiny bracts surround the flowers. Bull thistle seeds are attached to a pappus, or parachute, which allows the wind to disperse the seeds.

Bull thistle

33 Beggarticks (Bidens frondosa) A member of the composite family, beggarticks is also called bur mari- gold, devil’s bootjack, pitchfork weed, and sticktights. The plant grows in moist soil such as wet meadows and along streams. It grows throughout Wisconsin, especially in muck soils. Beggarticks is an annual plant that reproduces by seed and grows to Burdock a height of 2 to 5 feet. Branching (Arctium minus) occurs only near the top of the plant. Burdock is a biennial plant that Leaves of beggarticks grow opposite reproduces by seed in waste areas, each other and are deeply divided around buildings, and at other in a featherlike formation. Flower undisturbed sites. A member of the heads are about 1 inch in diameter. composite family, burdock is also The outside flowers, or ray flowers, called clotbur, cockle button, and are bright yellow, while the inside cuckoo button. flowers, or disk flowers, are brownish In the first year of its life cycle, the yellow. The seeds are flat and brown plant produces a fleshy taproot and are equipped with two barbed and a rosette of large leaves that fishhook-type spines that attach look somewhat like rhubarb. The themselves to clothing, hair, next year, the plant grows a 3- to and fur. 6-foot hairy, grooved stem, produces These plants flowers and seed, and dies. The large are a particular leaves are heart shaped and are nuisance to arranged alternately on the stem. hunters and The flowers are small, reddish violet hunting dogs. in color, and surrounded by hooked bracts in the form of a bur. The burs, which are about ½ inch in diameter, hook into clothing, hair, and fur.

34 Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium) Cocklebur, also known as spiny clotbur, clotweed, dagger cocklebur, and Spanish thistle, is an annual plant that reproduces by seed. It grows in fields, abandoned lands, pastures, and roadsides, and can be found throughout Wisconsin. Cocklebur has a large, woody taproot and a stem that reaches a height of 2 to 4 feet. Stems are rough, hairy, and covered with reddish spots. The leaves, which are arranged alter- nately along the stem, are simple and triangular and have long petioles. The flowers are enclosed in a spiny bur covered with hooked spines and two prominent and curved spines, or beaks. The hard, prickly bur attaches to clothing, hair, and fur and is par- ticularly a nuisance to hunters and hunting dogs. However, the real danger cocklebur poses is that the seedlings are poisonous to cattle.

35 Sandbur (Cenchrus longispinus) Resources Sandbur is an annual warm-season Center for Wildlife Information grass that produces seeds in spiny www.BeBearAware.org burs. Other common names of the Living with Bears in Wisconsin sandbur include bear grass, burgrass, Wisconsin Department hedgehog grass, and sandbur grass. of Natural Resources Sandburs are associated with sandy dnr.wi.gov/org/land/wildlife soils and drought conditions. They /hunt/bear/ are found in pastures, fields, orchards, and cropland. Living with Wolves: Tips for Avoiding Conflicts Sandburs germinate after the danger International Wolf Center of spring frost passes. The plants www.wolf.org grow from 6 inches to 2 feet tall, and they flower in summer, producing a spiny bur. The spines on the burs have curved barbs that work into the flesh of humans and animals if they are not removed. Stems often lodge, or grow parallel to the soil surface, by late summer, forming large mats of sandbur. The burs of this plant stick to fur and clothing and injure the mouths of animals that have the misfortune to graze on them.

36 Photo credits: Frog (p. 3), mudpuppy (p. 4), pages 5, 6—Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Bureau of Endangered Resources; pages 16, 20—Phil Pellitteri; pages 25, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34—UW–Madison Weed Identification & Management website (weedid.wisc.edu); all other photos—iStockphoto.com. Copyright © 2010 by the Board of Extension provides equal opportunities in Regents of the University of Wisconsin employment and programming, including System doing business as the division of Title IX and ADA requirements. If you need Cooperative Extension of the University of this information in an alternative format, Wisconsin-Extension. All rights reserved. contact Equal Opportunity and Diversity Send copyright inquiries to: Cooperative Programs, University of Wisconsin- Extension Publishing, 432 N. Lake St., Rm. Extension, 432 N. Lake St., Rm. 501, 227, Madison, WI 53706, [email protected]. Madison, WI 53706, [email protected], Authors: Scott Craven is professor of phone: (608) 262-0277, fax: (608) 262-8404, forest and wildlife ecology, Phil Pellitteri TTY: 711 Wisconsin Relay. is distinguished outreach specialist This publication is available from your in entomology, and Mark Renz is county UW-Extension office assistant professor of agronomy and (www.uwex.edu/ces/cty) or from Extension weed specialist. All hold Cooperative Extension Publishing. joint appointments with the College of To order, call toll-free: 877-WIS-PUBS Agricultural and Life Sciences, University (877-947-7827) or visit our website: of Wisconsin-Madison and the University learningstore.uwex.edu. of Wisconsin-Extension, Cooperative Extension. Illustrations: Renée Graef. Cooperative Extension University of Wisconsin-Extension, Cooperative Extension, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Wisconsin counties, publishes this information to further the purpose of the May 8 and June 30, 1914, Acts of Congress. An EEO/AA employer, the University of Wisconsin-Extension, Cooperative

Outdoor Hazards in Wisconsin: Cooperative Extension A Guide to Insects, Plants, and Wildlife (G3564) R-09-2010