A slightly more modern expression could be to

not touch it with a 10ft pole

 

(idiomatic) To avoid something at all costs; to refuse to associate with something; signifies a strong aversion.

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/not_touch_something_with_a_ten_foot_pole

It is about as old as Electricity, possibly coming from

This expression may have been derived by the 10-foot poles that electricians and other utility workers use to de-energize transformers and other high voltage utility equipment before performing maintenance.

(from the Wiktionary link)

A slightly more modern expression could be to

not touch it with a 10ft pole

(idiomatic) To avoid something at all costs; to refuse to associate with something; signifies a strong aversion.

https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/not_touch_something_with_a_ten_foot_pole

It is about as old as Electricity, possibly coming from

This expression may have been derived by the 10-foot poles that electricians and other utility workers use to de-energize transformers and other high voltage utility equipment before performing maintenance.

(from the Wiktionary link)