Giant hogweed

Do not:

• flail or strim Giant hogweed - fragments can cause as much damage as intact plants;
• put Giant hogweed material or soil containing seeds in standard green waste or dispose of at a local amenity tip; or
• cut down fully grown Giant hogweed plants (unless it cannot be avoided) - extra health risks are created by its height.

Do:

• avoid all contact by unprotected skin with live Giant hogweed material;
• wear as a minimum: long-sleeved overalls, gloves, hood/hat and protective eyewear. Clothing should be made from synthetic water-resistant materials, as hogweed sap can soak through such materials as cotton or linen. Giant hogweed sap-bearing hairs can also penetrate these materials;
• ensure there is access to soap and water and ensure at least 2 operatives are present at all times when conducting Giant hogweed works (if one person slips into a hogweed plant, their exposure to dangerous sap can be minimised if there is someone around to help pull them out quickly);
• take extra care when removing gloves and clothing after coming into contact with Giant hogweed plants - the sap is easily transferable. Be careful too about transferring the sap from hand to face - always wash hands even if protective clothing has been worn;
• report the presence of Giant hogweed immediately to the appropriate landowners if it is discovered growing on land where the public have free access (e.g. public parks, public buildings, schools, etc.);
• treat Giant hogweed as early in the growing season as possible - it is much easier and more effective to treat with herbicides when it is in its leaf stage and before it produces stems and flower heads; and
• if cutting down flowering Giant hogweed is unavoidable, bag flower heads to prevent the seeds spreading and dispose of the bags by prior arrangement at a licensed landfill facility.