About 85 percent of people who come in contact with poison ivy develop a rash. When the plant is young and abundant in spring and summer, it is more likely that a property owner will come in contact with the persistent urushiol that causes the rash. It is in the leaves, vines, and roots and many have developed the rash from handling dormant and even dead plants no matter what season of the year. Because the active ingredient remains active for years, a person may even get poison ivy rash from wearing clothing or gloves exposed to urushiol a year or two earlier.
Commercial Products
Most who have suffered the itchy rash want to be sure they know how to identify it in the future and they want to be able to eliminate it from their property. The Food and Drug Administration recommends the two most commonly used products: Roundup (active ingredient glyphosate) and Ortho Poison Ivy Killer (active ingredient triclopyr) to rid gardens, orchards, and yards of the ivy. However, if the poison ivy vine is climbing on a shrub or in an area filled with plants the property owner wants to flourish, this is bad news. Roundup or Ortho sprayed on the ivy will also kill plants that it touches.
If the chemical is used sparingly, however, the wanted plants may survive. Use of a shield to prevent spray from contacting plants other than the ivy is recommended. Also, instead of spraying, herbicides can be painted on leaves. Use herbicides with respect. Read labels and follow directions carefully.
Such products will probably have to be reapplied in order to kill poison ivy roots and vines. Environmentally-responsible landscape and plant specialists largely agree that the attentive and persistent use of herbicide is the best means to remove poison ivy from the lawn and garden.
Organic herbicides are sold under the brand names AllDown and Matran.
Other Removal Methods
Pulling up the plant and grubbing out vines and roots is effective, but dangerous since close contact is necessary. Wear long clothing and gloves. Cover all skin that may become contaminated. As with herbicide, once is never enough. Another season or two of pulling up the plants may be necessary.
If only a few plants are seen, remove them by grasping through a plastic garbage bag and pulling up root and all. Turn the bag inside-out over the one or two plants and place the bag in the garbage.
Poison ivy may also be smothered by covering with black plastic, which may be covered with mulch. A thick layer of hay or mulch alone may do the job. The covering must be left in place for several months.
Poison ivy should never be burned or mowed since these methods spread rash-causing oils. Goats are known to do an excellent job of eating up poison ivy brush. Poison Ivy will only be removed when its root system is devoured, however, so the systemic herbicides and pulling are best.
Household Mixtures
Some homeowners have mixed salt, vinegar, and soapy water to create a mixture that kills poison ivy. Recipes vary, but solutions are strong. Some prefer to alternate the use of herbicides and natural methods to reduce the impact of chemicals.
Remember, Poison Ivy is for the Birds
Poison Ivy seeds are enjoyed by birds. This is why so many new plants continue to pop up under trees. Enjoy your property as you learn more and are confident about identifying toxic and healthy plants.
