Poison ivy is found throughout southern Canada and most of



the United States except Alaska and Hawaii. It is readily

found along road sides, fences, railroads, and streams.

But it can also be found in your own back yard. It is

planted there in bird droppings from the birds who eat the

berries of the plant.

So how does one get rid of the rash producing plant? Here

are some tips:

* Poison Ivy control is most effective May through July

while the plants are flowering.

* Pulling out the plant with rubber gloves is temporarily

effective but the plants roots will regrow.

* Never burn it as the smoke from the burning plant can

cause very serious respiratory and eye problems.

* Mowing the plant will eventually kill it but be sure to

use a mower with a collection bag and don't touch the

remains when emptying it. This method will take several

years to completely eradicate the plant from your yard.

* Don't use a weed-eater as that will only spread the

broken pieces of the plant everywhere. Dried poison ivy is

just as poisonous as fresh. It is said that even 100 year

old leaves can still cause a reaction.

* Suffocation with black plastic has been known to work.

This too takes time.

* An organic method consists of spraying the plant with

salt water. A ratio of one cup salt to a gallon of water

with a few drops of liquid soap added to help the mixture

adhere to the plant.

* Broadleaf herbicides work but will kill any neighboring

plants. Usually poison ivy is intertwined among plants that

you want to keep, including trees. Using selective

herbicides like Roundup can be applied to the plant stems as

they are cut off to prevent resprouting.

No matter what control method you use, be careful to avoid

exposing your skin to the plant. Wear gloves, long pants,

socks and shoes, and a long-sleeved shirt.