Kill Poison Ivy
A Few Valuable Tips to Kill Poison Ivy
You have made the identification in your yard, now all that remains is to kill the poison ivy plants before one of your family members or pets comes into contact with it. This can be a very difficult venture, and one that may require professional assistance.
Poison ivy plants are common in southern Canada as well as the US Midwest and east coast. They can be identified by the three leaflet clusters per stem on the plants, as well as tiny green flowers during the summer and white colored fruit/seeds at the end of summer. They can grow as small bushes in an upright position, or as a vine that twines around trees and bushes. No matter how it appears, this plant is dangerous; causing allergic reactions, sometimes severe, in over half of the population if direct contact is made. Trying to kill poison ivy will require great care and diligence.
A commercial preparation, such as Round Up or Ortho Poison Ivy Killer, can be applied as directed on the containers. These applications are herbicides, so surrounding plants will most likely be affected as well. While any time of the year will be effective for applying the herbicide, best results are seen if used between August and October. Even after this method is used to kill poison ivy, keep in mind that the plants could possibly grow back.
One method used to kill poison ivy to ensure it does not return is to dig the plants, root and all, and disposing of them. This method can be quite dangerous, as it involves handling the plant. If this option is chosen, gloves, long sleeved shirt, long pants, socks and shoes will be required to be worn. Extreme care needs to be taken to not touch your face or hair during the process. Disposing of the plant is equally dangerous, as the urushiole oil can become airborne if burnt. Even dead plants still contain active oil, for up to 5 years, so it is important to put the plants in an area where they will not have human contact.
An interesting method used in some areas to kill poison ivy is to bring in sheep and goats to graze the area where the plants are found. The urushiole has no effect on these animals, and they will readily eat the plants. Many communities may not allow keeping farm animals, so it pays to check ahead. If it is allowed, it would seem to be a very ecological means of eliminating the plant.
It may be best to call a professional landscaper to take care of the problem. They will be knowledgeable in handling the plant and disposing of it as well.
Especially when children play in the yard, it is important to kill poison ivy to avoid any contact and outbreaks of rash. Whether you handle the removal yourself or hire a professional to remove it, this toxic plant cannot remain where your family may be affected.