Dangerous Pests & Fungi: Don’t Touch These If You See Them on Your Plants! ☠️🌿


 

  • How to ID: Bright yellow blobs (Dog Vomit Slime Mold) or phallic-shaped mushrooms (Stinkhorns).

  • Why avoid? Some release toxic spores or vile odors.

  • Fix: Scoop with a shovel (bag and trash it).

5. Parasitic Dodder (Strangleweed)

  • How to ID: Orange, spaghetti-like vines choking plants.

  • Why avoid? Sap can cause skin blisters.

  • Fix: Cut infected plants and burn (don’t compost!).

6. Giant Hogweed Sap

  • How to ID: Towering plant with white umbrella flowers.

  • Why avoid? Sap + sunlight = 3rd-degree burns & blindness.

  • What to do: Call pros for removal (NEVER handle yourself!).

7. Brown Recluse Spider Nests

  • How to ID: Loose, off-white webs in dry leaves/plant debris.

  • Why avoid? Bites cause necrotizing wounds.

  • Fix: Spray with peppermint oil (spiders hate it).


First Aid for Accidental Contact

  • Skin rash: Wash with cold water + dish soap, then apply hydrocortisone.

  • Sap in eyes: Rinse for 15 mins, seek ER if burning continues.

  • Caterpillar sting: Use tape to remove spines, then ice pack.


Prevention Tips

  • Wear gloves + long sleeves when gardening.

  • Teach kids/pets to avoid fuzzy/colorful bugs.

  • Regularly inspect plants for early infestations.

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