How to Get Rid of Poison Ivy

Identify and Get Rid of Poison Ivy

Identify poison ivy plants using the famous rhyme "leaves of three, let it be." Look for poison ivy just about anywhere—it isn't picky about soil, light, or water since it's somewhat drought-tolerant. Watch for slightly serrated leaves, a vining or small shrub shape, and color that changes according to season.

Ivy plants, in general, have an unyielding spreading root system and poison ivy is one of the most stubborn of the ivy plants. Pulling it out even when the plants are small is unlikely to capture all the tiny fibrous roots. Pulling it also requires fairly close contact with the plant. Digging is safer and much more effective.

1. If the vine is climbing or has run out along the ground, begin by using snippers to cut back to the crown.
2. Use a shovel or garden trowel to dig out a circle of soil at least 8 inches in diameter and 8 inches deep around the crown.
3. Carefully lift the soil and plant with the shovel or your gloved hands.
4. If roots remain attached to the ground, dig out another 2 to 3 inches of soil until the roots come completely free.
5. It's okay to shake off excess soil in a traffic-free area where pets and children aren't likely to come into contact with residual urushiol.
6. Bag the poison ivy plant and dispose of it. Do not compost or burn.
7. Clean any tools used with isopropyl alcohol to remove urushiol residue.

Smother the Plants

Although poison ivy can grow in shaded spots, it needs filtered light to thrive. Starving the plant of air and light is an effective removal method. Here's how:

1. Cover the poison ivy with a piece of heavy cardboard for small areas or a large opaque tarp for larger areas.
2. Weight the cardboard or tarp down firmly with wood chips, and rocks, or secure with stakes.
3. Poison ivy creeps so it's important to ensure the plant is covered and completely weighted down at the soil level.
4. Leave the cardboard or tarp in place for six to eight weeks.
5. If the plants are brown and appear dead, continue to wear protective gloves and clothing while pulling poison ivy roots.
6. Discard the pulled roots appropriately in a heavy, sealed garbage bag.

Make a Natural Spray

Here is a simple spray using common household ingredients that may also eradicate poison ivy.

1. Dissolve 3 pounds of salt in a gallon of water.
2. Add 1/4 cup of liquid dish soap.
3. Fill a garden sprayer with the solution and spray the leaves thoroughly.
4. Repeat until dieback occurs.

Spray White Vinegar

White vinegar contains acids that can alter soil pH and damage other plants so practice care when using this solution to get rid of poison ivy. Here's what to do:

1. Fill a garden sprayer with undiluted white vinegar.
2. Spray the poison ivy leaves and crown.
3. Avoid overspray on the surrounding soil.
4. Repeat every few days until poison ivy dieback occurs.

Try the Boiling Water Method

You can safely pour boiling water over poison ivy to kill it. This method requires several applications but eventually, you will see wilting and dieback. Take these steps:

1. Fill a tea kettle or another heat-proof vessel that has a spout with boiling water.
2. Pour the boiling water over the crown of the poison ivy plant.
3. Repeat applications every few days until the poison ivy dies back and disappears.

Cut Back and Repeat

This method requires diligence and will take longer but it will eventually starve the ivy of necessary nutrients, causing the plant to die. Here's what to do:

1. Use a snipper or hand pruner to cut back the vines to the crown.
2. Watch for new growth and cut that back to the crown each time it appears.
3. Be sure to disinfect your tools after each cutting.

Use Herbacide

Using commercial herbicides (weed killers) will be the fastest solution to killing poison ivy. Here are buying guide tips to help you purchase the right product. Follow the directions on the label carefully to use the product correctly.

Buy an herbicide specially formulated to eradicate poison ivy or woody plants. The timing of application for each ingredient in a herbicide is important. The best types of herbicides contain glyphosate, 2,4-D amine, or triclopyr. Consider these factors:

• 2,4-D amine works during the plant's active growth stage in late spring or early summer.
• Triclopyr works best in the spring when leaves are fully developed and after leaves turn color in the fall.
• Glyphosate controls poison ivy in early summer after it's grown.

Get Help From a Goat

This may be an impractical and atypical method for most homeowners who aren't homesteaders or farmers. But if you have goats, they will eat just about anything, including poison ivy. The leaves and vines might be eaten, but the roots will remain to grow back yearly.