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.