Poison ivy is one of those plants that grows just about everywhere across the United States, and no one wants it in their yard or garden. While it is not physically difficult to remove, you must strategically plan your attack and be prepared to return more than once. Poison ivy is tenacious, and completely removing a large infestation can take more than one season.
Before you begin, make a point of showing your children what the plant looks like. Once you have begun removing it there will be no good samples to show, and all children should be able to identify and avoid this poisonous plant.
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There is no such thing as a person who is not susceptible to the nasty effects of poison ivy. Consider yourself lucky if you have not yet been affected, but plan to protect yourself while removing it. All parts of this plant, including the roots, contain oils that can cause skin rash and can be very dangerous if they get into the eyes or are inhaled. Better safe than sorry is always the rule. Before you start, have the following items:
- A closely woven long sleeve shirt with a collar that can be buttoned high around the neck.
- Long pants
- One or two pair of heavy rubber gloves (minimum) with long cuffs
- Heavy shoes or boots that can be washed down
- Wide brimmed hat
- Close fitting goggles and a respirator mask. Have multiple masks if you plan on working in several sessions as you will want to discard a mask when you take it off.
- Large heavy plastic bags
- Rubbing alcohol
- Lightweight oil
- A bar of strong soap such as Fels Naptha or other specialty soap for removing plant oils from the skin
- A glyphosate herbicide such as RoundupA spray applicator that will be used only for herbicide application
How Glyphosates Work
Glyphosates are "non-selective" herbicides that will kill any actively growing plant when they come into contact with leaves or stems. It is not active in the soil. Because the product is taken up by leaves and stems, its effect is not immediately visible. For perennial plants such as poison ivy, the results should be evident as the plants begin to turn yellow and wilt after approximately seven to ten days. At the same time the above-ground part of the plant is dying, the roots are also deteriorating.
Applying a Glyphosate to Poison Ivy
Choose a day in late spring or early summer that is not windy and when no rain is expected for at least 48 hours. You do not want the product to be either washed off by rain or blown on to desirable plants or your lawn grass.
Mix a strong solution of glyphosate liquid according to label directions and spray directly onto the poison ivy, wetting it thoroughly. In spots where your sprayer will cast too wide a spray, use a small foam paintbrush to apply the poison directly on to the leaves.
When the visible parts of the plants appear to be dead, dig down and remove any roots you can identify. Poison ivy roots are just as dangerous as the top growth. Although they may no longer be growing, they still contain dangerous oils. Cover up and protect yourself. Dispose of all plant parts in your strong plastic bag.
Mark the area where you removed plants with a stake or other marker so you can return regularly to check for any plants you may have missed. Poison ivy does produce berries which can sprout the following year, so this may be a multiple-year project.
If the vine has climbed up into trees do not spray the tree. A glyphosate can damage or kill the tree. Instead, cut the stems with an axe approximately a foot off the ground. Spray the portion of the plant remaining in the ground carefully with your glyphosate, using a cardboard barrier to protect the tree trunk if necessary.
Allow the upper part of the vine to remain in place. Over several months it will die and eventually fall from the tree, at which time you can carefully bag and dispose of it.
Cleaning Up
Place everything you are removing into a strong plastic trash bag. While mulching and composing are generally recommended in the garden, not in this case. Shredding or burning will release toxic oils into the air, where they can easily be inhaled.
Wash all tools down carefully with rubbing alcohol, including the handles. Allow them to air dry, and then oil them carefully to prevent rust.
Wash your boots or shoes thoroughly with soapy water, and discard your rubber gloves.
Shower with a soap designed to remove poison ivy oils from the skin, just in case. Don't forget to thoroughly wash your hair. If your skin did come in contact with poison ivy, wash thoroughly with your strong soap in COLD water (to keep pores from opening).
Wash all clothing separately at least twice.
How to Eliminate Poison Ivy
After you have showered, wash down the tub to remove any remaining oils. When your little one climbs into the tub with his baby water toys, you don't want any poison ivy oil left on the sides or bottom. This is especially important if your small person will be splashing with her favorite Alex Bath Toys.
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