Residents in Worcestershire have been warned about an invasive plant species that could "cause injury" this summer.
The Property Care Association (PCA) is advising the public to be cautious of Giant Hogweed.
The PCA said the sap of the invasive non-native weed is "extremely toxic" making it a danger to the public.
Contact with any part of Giant Hogweed, followed by exposure to UV light, including the sun, can cause severe discomfort and blistering to the skin.
Due to having two concurrent wet springs this year and in 2023, experts at the PCA said weather patterns are creating an opportunity for the plant to thrive and gain ground across the UK.
Daniel Docking, technical manager of the PCA's Invasive Weed Control Group, said: "Too often there are reports of people who have been injured after inadvertently coming into contact with Giant Hogweed.
"Children are particularly vulnerable as they can encounter the plant while playing outdoors in the summer.
"We reported last year that the wet weather was providing an optimum environment for the invasive non-native weed to thrive, and a repeat of those conditions this year means that plant will take hold once again.
"That means there is more chance of people being exposed to it."
Mr Docking said making people aware of its presence and health implications can help create a safer environment for residents.
The PCA has created an identification guide to help the public recognise Giant Hogweed.
This includes:
- Height - The plant can grow up to five metres high and has a stem that measures up to 10cm in diameter.
- Flowers - The plant produces a large, white umbrella-shaped flowering head.
- Leaves - It has sharply serrated or divided leaves which can reach up to three metres.
- Markings - The stem is covered in blotchy purple markings. Sharp bristles can also be found on the stem and under the leaves.
Mr Docking said: "Anyone unfortunate to come into contact with Giant hogweed can develop symptoms including a rash, itching and blisters where skin touches any part of the plant.
"In some cases, people need urgent medical attention because the blistering can be so severe.
"There can be longer-term complications too, as the condition can reoccur over a period of years, with the rash and the itching coming back every time the skin is exposed to UV light.
"Giant hogweed has distinctive features, which should help people to recognise it, although we urge the public not to get too close to the plant to identify it."
The plant can sometimes be confused with the UK's native Hogweed, Cow Parsley or Hemlock all of which are smaller in size and have leaves with a smoother outline.
The PCA provides a means of identifying specialist contractors and consultants with the expertise to control and manage invasive species such as Giant hogweed, as well as other invasive, non-native plants including Japanese Knotweed.
A full list of companies in the Invasive Weed Control Group is available in the ‘Find A Specialist’ section on the PCA website and more details on invasive weeds in general are available via www.property-care.org/homeowners/invasive-weed-control
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