It's an Indian herb/root called asafoeteda:
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IT IS foul smelling stuff! I'd gotten it ground for indian cooking kept in a tightly sealed jar, double bagged [it's that bad]. I never used it for that, but we'd had dog problems in our yard so I tried it on 'their spots' after cleaning them up. One whiff and never got a dog there again! You mite have to do another 'dusting' after a good rainfall, but as I said? One whiff and they're gone! Believe me, IF you get it locally or on line? Be sure to quadruple seal it and maybe more! It is potent and pungent! Good luck! - j