I know that you’re coming here looking for an easy, fast, organic and problem-free way to get rid of poison ivy. The truth is, there is no one magic method but only a combination of strategies depending on how much poison ivy you have and where it is. Bottom line? You can spray it with herbicides (Read labels and consider always that it’s important to “first do no harm”) , pour boiling water on it (Careful! Don’t splash and get burned!), dig it up (Small plants only – toss it in a location where the roots will be suspended in air and will shrivel and dry in the sun.), or pull it out (Small plants only – see photos below.). Those recipes that you read online for a vinegar and salt solution? Forget about it. That will cause this plant to shrivel back for a couple of days before it returns to rejoice in it’s new lease on life.
Note: if you’re highly allergic to poison ivy oils, hire someone else to do the PI removal.
Additional note: Get some Zanfel and keep it for times when you notice that you’ve got the poison ivy rash. Zanfel Poison Ivy, Oak and Sumac Wash, 1 oz Tube
This is a miracle product: use it according to directions as soon as you get the itchy rash and your discomfort will be gone in two days. Yes, it’s kind of pricey, but it’s worth twice the price if you already have the rash. I wouldn’t be without it.
Here’s how to safely pull small poison ivy plants from your gardens. When you’re working outside, keep two plastic bags in your pockets at all times.
You’re working in the garden, pulling weeds or deadheading, when suddenly the brain shouts “STOP! Poison Ivy!”
Put the two bags over your hand, one inside the other so you have two layers of protection. Reach your bag-covered hand over the PI plant and grab it.
Pull the plant out of the ground. With your other hand, avoiding the roots and leaves of the PI of course, take the edges of the bag and pull them back over the plant you’ve just pulled so that the poison ivy is now in the bag.
Now you have the plant inside the double bag and it hasn’t made contact with your skin. Throw it in the garbage.
