6 Tips For Removing Poison Ivy Plants
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This is the time of year when just about everything grows. That includes poison ivy, poison oak, poison sumac, and other undesirable plants. Poison ivy is particularly annoying and difficult to remove from your property.
Nearly 85% of the population is allergic to these plants — and the reaction to the plant’s urushiol (the oily substance that causes the rash) can vary. In some cases, highly-sensitive people can get a reaction simply by standing near the plant (a breeze carries it), while others can roll around and be perfectly content. So what can you do? We have some non-chemical solutions.
Here Are Some Non-Chemical Methods To Remove Poison Ivy From Your Property:
- Remove the entire plant — leaves, stems and root. You have to be sure to get it all. And, wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and thick gloves—plastic or heavy cotton. Be sure to wash all clothing afterward.
- Put the entire plant in a plastic bag and dispose of it.
- Make a poison ivy killer spray. Some folks have had luck with this remedy: Combine 1 cup of salt and 1 gallon of vinegar in a pot and heat to dissolve the salt. Allow it to cool, then add and 8 drops of liquid dish soap and put the mixture in a spray bottle. You can spray the poison ivy or pour it directly on the plant. This will kill all vegetation, so be sure to only apply it to the poison ivy. It takes a few applications.
- Some have claimed that pouring bleach on the plant will have the same effect, however, this classifies as a chemical method.
- If you happen to have a goat or cow handy, they just love to eat it—without any side effects!
- Another technique to clear the area of poison ivy is by planting grass seed. Ivy will not grow where there is a lawn. I tried this at my cottage and it worked. The only downside is that it takes time, but, once you have grass, you won’t have poison ivy.
Peter Geiger is the Editor of the Farmers Almanac.
This article is reprinted courtesy of Farmer’sAlmanac.com.
