They can create a kind of damage that would somehow make us think that the gods are punishing us. Which among the following pest species is the most destructive of all?
Bed Bug
No human can ever fail to acknowledge bed bugs as the tiniest vampiric insects in existence. Thanks to widespread use of pesticides, there was a time when these blood-sucking bugs had been eradicated in some countries. However, international travelers and the banning and regulations of some pesticides made them increase in number again.
This makes the current infestation even more difficult to handle. Bed bugs have been known as human parasites for thousands of years, and will most likely stay for many years to come.
Cane Toad
It is declared as an invasive species primarily due to the toxicity of its skin, which kills many animals, both wild and domesticated. It is a prolific breeder with females lays single-clump spawns with thousands of eggs, which makes them very hard to neutralize.
These huge toads were introduced to Australia and the Caribbean as a way to eat pests in sugar cane fields. Because of their huge appetite, these aggressive predators can eat everything else that comes their way as well, making them one of the worst invasive species in the world.
Japanese Beetle
The Japanese beetle doesn’t do much damage in its Asian homeland, but once it got to some western countries, it acquired a taste for roses, crepe myrtles and countless other leaves. These insects are greedy in nature, they would never leave a plant unless it appears to be skeletal in appearance – they consume only the leaf material between the veins. They are very difficult to kill, and some methods used by people actually backfired on them, creating more damage and problems in addition to the ones they have triggered.
Asian Longhorned Beetle
As a native species from China, Japan and Korea, these beetles were accidentally introduced into the US just recently. They are known to cause tree devastation as their larvae dig their way between the bark and wood of the trunk, where their large numbers gradually destroy the tree.
The only way to clear the infestation is to cut down and burn the tree. This makes it clear that any infestation of the Asian Longhorned Beetle can be a death sentence to any plant life it chooses to invade.
Desert Locust
It is estimated that a typical desert locust consumes an amount of plant material equivalent to its body weight every day. This is a clear indication that they are among the greediest species this world has ever hosted.
Plagues of desert locusts have threatened agricultural production in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia for centuries. They have been around even during Biblical times and although they can never kill a human directly, they can still do the same by being one of the most notorious causes of hunger and starvation.
And now, let’s talk about some medicinal, yet really dangerous plants.
They are helpful, but lethal when used the wrong way. Which among these herbal agents is the most dangerous?
Persian Lilac
Capable of growing up to 12 meters high, it is a native tree in the southwestern part of Asia. This lilac species have flowers that are purplish in color and has a distinct mild fragrance. You may gather its leaves and berry fruits, pound them, and use the juice as a tonic, or in treating tumors. It can also be used against leprosy and tuberculosis.
But its medicinal value may cause internal damage due to the toxins that come with it. It can trigger vomiting, internal bleeding, and food poisoning. Findings in gynecology even suggest that the Persian Lilac can disturb and impair the female reproductive system. This means that the tree might be a beauty, but can also kill an unborn baby.
Opium Poppy
The name of this plant already gives the danger away– it has narcotic properties and is declared illegal in many countries. However, its medicinal value can be quite hard to ignore which makes it a staple herbal alternative as well in some parts of the world. It can be used as an energy concoction, as an appetizer, a pain reliever, as a sedative… the list could go on and on.
But great caution must be exercised upon the processing and preparation of the poppy as it is very poisonous and well, very addictive. Cultivation and farming of Opium must be done under the strict supervision of the government as some people may create lots of reasoning just to have an excuse for growing it for illegal purposes.
Indian Beech
Anything that is taken in excess is harmful, and this member of the Indian vegetation is of no exception to the rule. When taken in great doses, it can’t only make one sick, but can cause a person to bleed internally and vomit blood unexpectedly. But when used sparingly, it can offer the following benefits: proper digestion, ulcer-regulation, tumor prevention, and fever dissipation.
Externally, it can also serve other benefits as it can be used against itches, rashes, and a variety of skin problems. Hanging from its branches are fruit pods that has kidney-shaped seeds — a symbolic indication that it can be greatly used for healing internal organs that are in pain, and help those that may need an immediate, low-cost natural cure.
Castor
A common vegetation element that grows in most tropical countries, it has bark and leaves that are known for their high medicinal content. The former is good for treating ulcers and sores, while the latter is ideal for lots of skin problems, wounds and boils. Its fruit is a spiny capsule, split into 3 parts when dry.
The seeds inside it can be crushed to extract a special glossy oil that can be used for treating inflamed eyes and for removing warts. The oil is the only element of the plant that can be taken internally because Castor is still marked as a poisonous plant by experts. Externally, it is a good ally, but internally, it can be your worst enemy.
Garden Rue
Blossoming with a yellow flower, it can be any woman’s best friend due to the following reasons: it promotes proper menstrual flow, it can improve skin tone, and can solve scalp problems resulting in healthier hair. When employed within one’s bowels, it is also capable of eradicating intestinal worms, in addition to its detoxification capabilities.
This suggests that the Garden Rue can also be every man’s best friend as well. But why does the word “Rue” which is synonymous with “sorrow” included in its name? It’s because when used by pregnant women, the chemical content in its oils and juices could trigger an abortion, or worse could kill the mother as well. The Garden Rue– a mother healer, but a baby-killer.
