How to Control Poison Ivy
Marilyn Pokorney

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.

For more information about ridding your yard and garden of this
pesky plant:
http://www.apluswriting.net/garden/poisonivy.htm

Copyright © 2005 Marilyn Pokorney
Marilyn Pokorney is a freelance writer of science, nature,
animals and the environment. She also loves crafts, gardening, and reading.


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