Hidden Dangers In the Backyard

Wild Mushrooms
While mushrooms can be a tasty treat for dinner, many wild ones are potentially poisonous and even fatal in small amounts. Do a check around your home to determine any risks. Most importantly, inform children of their dangers as they can pick mushrooms and mistake them for the kinds they are able to eat.

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Bark Scorpions
These scorpions are found mostly on the West Coast of North America ranging from Southern California to New Mexico and can be very life threatening. They’re often times found in cool, damp areas such as under bark and under bricks and in houses. Beware of their ability to climb into sinks or dark closets. Call an exterminator immediately if you encounter any.

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Treated Wood
While treated wood decks look gorgeous, the arsenic in treated wood can be very dangerous. It’s best not to store anything under treated wood, as the arsenic tends to drip off in rainstorms and sit on the stored items such as children’s toys or play sets. Also, make sure to sand the wood often in case of splinters small children may encounter.

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Lawnmowers
It’s so important to clear your yard of debris and rocks before using a lawnmower. The blades can often times kick up these debris and make them a danger to all standing around. Do a sufficient check around your lawn before any lawn mowing and be sure to keep children out of reach.

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Oleander
These plants are extremely toxic even to the touch and very harmful to ingestion. While they blossom into pretty shades of white, pink, and red, these clusters of flowers are not to be taken lightly. Handle these plants with the proper protection of gloves and keep away from infants and toddlers.

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Swimming Pools
Pools may seem out of place on this list, but swimming pools without fences or any enclosure can be extremely dangerous to children. Consider installing a sufficient fence height or locks to keep little ones and even adults safe, especially in when it gets dark outside.

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Grills
Grills are the quintessential backyard item, but if not placed at the proper distance from your home they can pose a great threat. It’s recommended to keep your grill at least 3 feet away from your home to prevent a house fire. Check your propane grill’s lines to the tank before every use as well as a crack could pose a serious fire hazard.

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Pesticide Residue
Too many pesticides applied incorrectly open the risk of high levels of chemicals in your outdoors. Naturally allowing birds and other insects to keep other bugs at bay are the safest way to keep your outdoors safe. Too many bug-killing chemicals may make you sick.

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Pools of Water
Small pools of standing water are a breeding ground for mosquitoes to multiply. Check around your home for any collections of water in buckets and plastic covers and be sure to dump the water often to keep those bugs away with their annoying bites.

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Animal Stool
Do a thorough check of your garden and outdoor area for animal stool that is often times contains toxicity and parasitic diseases. Make sure to keep kids out of areas that are soiled and cover sandboxes when they’re not being used to be mindful of all contaminates.

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Lawn Equipment 

It's very important when using lawn equipment, like lawn mowers and snow blowers, to be extra cautious as they are a piece of machinery. However, you should be even more cautious if you're device does not need a key to start. One of the most common backyard injury is a result of machinery going out of control.

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Charcoal That Isn't Extinguished

Barbecuing is a great activity for enjoying time with those you love in your backyard. However, whoever is manning the grill should pay extra attention before tossing the used coals away. Make sure that the coals are fully extinguished to prevent the chance of a fire sparking. Dousing the coals in cold water will help hasten the process.

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Rodent Holes

You may think if there is no sign of rodents, there is no need to close up holes in your yard. Yet, before you know it, rodents will find there way into your yard. Remove all sources of food sources including bird feeders and garbage cans from your yard to help keep them away. And close those dirt holes! 

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Pet Waste

We all love our pets, even though some times they require a little extra care. Be diligent when it comes to making sure your yard is free of their debris, especially if you have young children. If your children unknowingly come across the waste in a backyard sandbox, for example, it could put them in danger of disease causing parasites.

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Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac

It's called poison for a reason. Poison Ivy, Poison Oak and Poison Sumac can often be hard to identify if your yard is filled with greenery. For those who are unsure, these plants have three leaves grouped together. When touched, these plants can cause rashes and blisters on skin. If you are still worried your yard isn't safe, call in a professional for a second opinion.

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