Knock Knock...

Who's there?

Oregon Department of Agriculture.

Just when I thought things couldn't get worse!

They visited our house yesterday and were informing us about something in our yard. They were aware that the previous owner had bought an ornamental version and they keep their eyes on such plants. What is it you ask?

Giant Hogweed

And it is apparently a public health hazard, a toxic plant that is very invasive. And the sap from it increases your sensitivity to the sun and uv rays. If it gets on your skin and you are exposed to the sun, it causes severe burning, blistering and black scars. If you get a little in your eye it can cause partial to permanent blindness.

Wow.

We first noticed this plant last spring. The thing creeped me out because it was ginormous. Gargantuum leaves, very thick stalks that were probably over 10 feet tall. I called it our "alien" plant, because that is what it looked like. We tried to research and figure out what it was.

I touched it, I broke the stalk open, I even lifted it to my face and smelled it. Boy was I lucky that I didn't get any of that poisonous sap on me! Or that puppy hasn't chomped on it.

We will promptly be removing it from our yard. Wearing the proper protective gear, of course.

The Ag lady was pleased by this. Apparently the previous owner refused to remove it because he liked how it looked. They routinely check on them, to make sure they don't become a problem in Oregon.

Sure am glad we know what it is now!

Oh and we just found out from the exterminator that the presence of those winged "swarmers", means the satellite nest has been in our house for at least 7-10 years. Vomit.

We are just having as much fun as we possibly can over here!! But it is all good because we will be getting rid of these dangerous things.