I don’t know about you but, when I’m out walking at this time of year, I’m often tempted to pluck and devour one of the luscious-looking blackberries growing on the bramble-covered fences and hedgerows.
Well, not any more. Not now I’ve seen how many flies like to suck at them and run their dirty little feet all over them. Just look at all those fly bottoms!
And let’s not even mention the very real possibility of getting stung by a wasp that’s jealously guarding ‘its’ berries. From now on, the berries are all for the beasties!
earthstar 
I still pick and eat the better looking ones as I pass, but always above the level where a passing dog might relieve itself and nowhere near busy roads or where dog or other faeces was evident. No known problems to date. Sure you might swallow a maggot or some “fly spit” but these hazards seem -to me – rather minor compared to other risks we face, and foraging is so satisfying and instinctive.
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Ah, yes, the hazard of far-reaching dog pee – forgot to mention that! And, yes, I take your point about the relative hazard levels. 🙂
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I sometimes pick, but I take them home. If I am going to eat fly spit (and the other end) I’d certainly rather have it well cooked. 🙂
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Very wise!
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