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How to identify or remove a Giant Hogweed safely? The first and very important step is to wear protective clothing to avoid direct contact with the plant. ( Leslie J. Mehrhoff | University of Georgia, Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health )
A teenager suffers third-degree burns after a brief encounter with a giant hogweed while he is in the middle of the day. he was gardening for his summer work. 19659003] What are the safety reminders to keep in mind when trying to identify or remove a giant bug?
Teen Third-Degree Burns
Last week, 17-year-old Alex Childress was working on his summer job when he cut what looked like a simple grbad, which briefly brushed his face and arm. Later in the day, the superficial layer of skin on his face began to detach from what he thought was a bad sunburn.
The family soon learned that Alex was apparently suffering from second- and third-degree burns. Giant Hogweed, so he had to be treated in a burn unit. Although he has been released from the hospital, he can not be exposed to the sun in two to six months, and the skin of his face may remain sensitive to light for two years.
Federal Noxious Plant
Alex Experienced All of this from a very brief encounter with a plant that is listed as a federal noxious weed under the Plant Protection Act. In fact, it is illegal to transport or import the plant between states without a permit, but the plant still persists in various states and counties because of its invasiveness.
As mentioned, giant hogweed is a dangerous species, a harmful plant, because contact with its sap can make the skin very sensitive to sunlight, causing burning of the skin within 15 minutes after contact. Just like Alex's case, this could lead to longer-term sensitivity to light, even after the skin has begun to heal. In addition, it can even cause blindness if it comes into contact with the eyes.
Identification of Giant Hogweed
How can a giant giant hogweed plant be safely identified and removed? First and foremost, it is important to remember to wear protective clothing when trying to identify or remove giant hogweed. This can include any outfit that covers the exposed flesh, and even goggles to protect the eyes from possible sap exposure.
Giant hogweed is very similar to other plants such as lace and parsnips. Its most defining feature, which is also why some people have deliberately planted giant hogweed in their gardens, is its group of often white flowers at the top of the plant, and its mbadive size that can reach 15 feet. 19659013] The hollow stem of giant hogweed is green but has white hairs and purple spots "title =" Giant Hogweed Stem "width =" 256 "clbad =" imgPhoto "/>
(Photo: Rob Routledge | of Georgia, Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health) purple spots.
The base of the plant has mbadive leaves that can take different shapes and sizes, which vary depending on the stage of life of Finally, these leaves develop into deeply incised leaves that can measure up to 5 feet in width.
Its hollow stem that can have a diameter of up to 4 inches is green in color, but with distinctive purple spots and white hairs 19659004] Safely dispose of giant hogweed
As mentioned earlier, the wearing of protective equipment is important enough to treat giant hogweed. is in all parts Therefore, it is very important not to cut the plant, either with the help of a lawnmower or any other cutting tool, as this could splash the sap. In addition, it would only remove the top of the plant but keep the roots for further growth.
To remove giant hogweed, you can dig up the plant to remove the roots and everything. However, it is important to remove all the roots in order to avoid regrowth and throw the flowers in the garbage cans so that the seeds do not fall off and spread. Again, this must be done with extreme caution as it involves handling the plant directly.
It is also possible to spray giant hogweed with herbicides, but this approach takes a long time to kill the plant. In fact, most research suggests that it takes about five years of intensive management to completely eradicate it.
It is important to note that it is important to contact the authorities to try to identify and remove the giant hogweed, in order to inform him of the discovery.
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