Natural and Chemical Methods for Complete Poison Ivy Removal

Understanding Poison Ivy

Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a common allergenic plant found throughout much of the United States and Canada. Contact with poison ivy can cause an itchy, irritating, and sometimes painful rash in most people. The rash is caused by urushiol, the oily resin within the plant that triggers an allergic reaction when it comes into contact with skin.

Poison ivy grows as a vine or groundcover in a variety of environments, including forests, prairies, along fence lines, and in backyards. The plant has green leaves that grow in groups of three. Poison ivy can be found growing on the ground, climbing up trees and other plants, or in shrub form.

Getting rid of poison ivy is important to prevent painful rashes. Care must be taken when removing poison ivy due to its urushiol resin. Protective clothing, tools, and proper disposal precautions should be used to avoid further contamination.

Natural Ways to Get Rid of Poison Ivy

Many homeowners want to get rid of poison ivy using natural methods instead of chemical herbicides. There are several effective options for natural poison ivy control:

Physical Removal

Manually pulling out poison ivy is an effective removal method. Use thick rubber gloves and long clothing to protect exposed skin. Carefully grasp the plant at its base and pull up the entire plant, including the roots. Seal pulled plants in plastic bags for disposal.

For climbing vines, cut the vine near the ground and carefully peel it off the surface while wearing protective gloves. Remove any roots still embedded. Dispose of all plant parts in sealed plastic bags.

Repeated weeding and monitoring is required, as any remaining roots can resprout. Be diligent about removing new seedlings as soon as they appear.

Smothering

Smothering poison ivy plants with materials like mulch, cardboard, or tarps can eliminate them over time. Cover the plants, creating a barrier to block sunlight. Leave covered for at least a full growing season. The lack of sunlight prevents photosynthesis, eventually killing the plant.

When the poison ivy appears dead, wearing gloves, remove the covering material and discard the plants. Check regularly for new growth. Smothering may take several applications to fully eradicate poison ivy.

Goats

Goats can provide natural poison ivy control through grazing. Goats will eat the leaves and stems of poison ivy without being affected by the urushiol. Goats can be rented to clear large overgrown areas. Ensure the goats are contained in the target area until all poison ivy is consumed.

The goats' grazing must be monitored and they may need to be reintroduced periodically to control regrowth. While very effective, goats are not a practical long-term solution for the average backyard.

Boiling Water

Pouring boiling water directly on poison ivy plants can effectively kill them. Boil a large pot of water and carefully pour it over the plants. The water must contact all leaves, stems, and roots, so several applications may be needed for larger plants.

Take care when pouring boiling water and wear protective rubber gloves. Monitor the area and repeat as needed for any regrowth.

Flame Weeding

Using a small handheld propane torch to scorch poison ivy is another natural removal method. Focus the flame on all parts of the plant until leaves and stems are burnt and blackened. Wear protective clothing to avoid exposure to urushiol in the smoke.

The flame must destroy all plant parts and roots to prevent regrowth. Repeat as needed for any re-sprouting.

Vinegar

Household vinegar can be an effective natural herbicide for poison ivy control. Use full strength white vinegar and spray thoroughly on leaves, stems, and roots. Vinegar dries and kills plant tissues.

Reapply weekly to new growth until the plants are gone. Like other natural methods, monitoring and spot treatment will likely be needed long-term to control any new seedlings or regrowth from roots.

Corn Gluten Meal

Applying corn gluten meal can inhibit poison ivy seed germination and growth. It does not kill established plants. Corn gluten prevents plant root development, eventually killing the plant. It must be reapplied regularly for long-term control.

Monitor for any regrowth from mature plants and either manually remove or use another method like vinegar spraying to control. It works best on smaller infestations.

Solarization

Solarization uses the sun's heat to kill plants and seeds under clear plastic sheeting. Cover poison ivy thoroughly with UV-stabilized plastic in summer months. Leave in place for at least a full growing season. The heat under the plastic can reach temperatures lethal for plants.

This is effective mainly for controlling new seedlings and smaller plants. Established or mature poison ivy is likely to regrow from extensive root systems.

Chemical Control Options

While natural methods are preferred by many homeowners, chemical herbicides may provide more thorough and long-lasting poison ivy control. Always follow label safety directions closely when using any herbicide product.

Glyphosate

Glyphosate products like Roundup are systemic, non-selective herbicides that kill the entire plant. Spray over actively growing ivy. It translocates down through the plant's system. Within several days to a week, the poison ivy will brown and die.

Glyphosate is most effective when temperatures are above 60F. Repeat applications are likely needed for complete control and to manage any new growth.

Triclopyr

Brush killer herbicides containing triclopyr target woody plants like poison ivy vines. It mimics naturally occurring plant hormones to disrupt growth. Products containing triclopyr can selectively kill poison ivy mixed among desirable plants.

Triclopyr is very effective against poison ivy but requires careful application to avoid harming wanted vegetation. Multiple applications may be required.

Imazapyr

Imazapyr is a systemic herbicide absorbed through plant leaves and roots. It inhibits plant cell growth leading to death over 1-4 weeks. Imazapyr provides extensive root kill to help prevent regrowth.

Carefully follow label instructions, as imazapyr can linger in the soil for some time. Imazapyr is useful for large infestations where bare ground treatment is preferred.

Tips for Safe Removal and Disposal

When removing and disposing of poison ivy, special precautions are needed to avoid painful rashes from urushiol contact:

Protective clothing

- Wear long sleeves, pants, gloves on hands and feet to prevent skin exposure.

- Layer clothing to prevent plant contact with skin.

- Do not burn poison ivy plants, as inhalation can cause reactions.

Tools

- Use long handled weed removers and pruners to avoid close contact.

- Clean tools afterwards with rubbing alcohol to remove urushiol resin.

Disposal

- Place entire poison ivy plants in heavy duty garbage bags.

- Double bag and seal tightly to contain urushiol.

- Dispose of in regular trash pickup, not yard waste collection.

- Wash protective clothing separately after each use to prevent secondary exposure.

Aftercare

- Carefully remove gloves/protective wear to avoid skin contact with outer surfaces.

- Wash exposed body areas, tools, and gloves in soap and cool water soon after finishing removal.

- Hot water or harsh scrubbing can spread the urushiol, worsening irritation.

Following safe handling guidelines is critical to avoid painful, lingering rashes when removing and disposing of poison ivy plants. Using natural control methods or chemical herbicides can help eliminate and manage poison ivy while protecting yourself and the environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best natural poison ivy killer?

Manual removal, smothering with mulch/tarps, using goats to graze, and application of household vinegar provide effective natural poison ivy control. Combining methods helps ensure eradication of both above ground and root systems.

Does salt kill poison ivy?

Salt can damage and potentially kill poison ivy when heavily applied directly to the leaves. However, it may take very large amounts over an extended period. Salt also negatively impacts soil quality. Vinegar is typically a more effective option.

Does bleach kill poison ivy?

Bleach can damage poison ivy foliage but it is not systemic so it does not kill the roots. The plant often regrows after bleaching. Bleach can also harm desired plants, soil, and aquatic life so more targeted methods are recommended.

Does poison ivy stay gone once removed?

Poison ivy removed manually or chemically can regrow from any remaining roots or seed banks in the soil. Monitoring and repeated removal of any new growth is key to keeping it away long-term after initial eradication.

How do you get rid of poison ivy naturally and permanently?

Completely removing all root systems is the key to permanent control. Combining manual digging, smothering, and herbicides like concentrated vinegar provides the best chance of long-term poison ivy removal. Monitoring and quickly treating regrowth is also critical.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.