Ouch! These spiky balls scourge of bare feet in sandy SC areas. What are they?
If you live in the coastal areas of the Carolinas, spiky balls that show up in sandy areas, especially near the beach, is a scourge on bare feet and paws alike.
They’re called sandspurs and usually emerge in the fall in hot, coastal areas such as South Carolina.
These prickly seedpods are common for those living close to the beach and can be painful when stepped on, especially for pets which can get the spurs in their fur or paws.
The summer annuals germinate in the spring, grow during the summer and early fall and die with the first, heavy frost, according to Clemson University. They are considered a weed and blend in well with the grass, making it hard for people to see until they step on them.
And it’s not just the pain you need to worry about, sandspurs are hard to remove, especially from your clothes and even your foot. Once pulled out of a foot or hand, a spike or two could remain, which could lead to infection if not removed. It’s suggested to soak the affected body part in warm water to soften the skin and then pull the spike out with needle-nose pliers or tweezers.
When walking in areas where there are sandspurs, it’s suggested that you wear appropriate clothing and close-toed shoes.
Getting rid of the invasive weed takes some work. In small areas, handpulling with gloves is a good approach.
In larger areas, the plant can be controlled with pre-emergence herbicide applied in early spring, beginning March 1 in coastal areas, according to Clemson University. Also, fertilizing your lawn at the right time will help in dealing with the plant.
