Herbicides by nature are designed to kill living things, thus, in some sense all herbicides can be “dangerous” if used improperly. However, if you follow label directions and wear proper protective clothing including gloves, herbicides can be used safely. This includes the two recommended herbicides for control of poison ivy: triclopyr or glyphosate.

Both these herbicides are considered safe by the EPA for home use, however, there may be some toxicity to fish and birds so use proper cautions.

Poison ivy has an extensive root system, so multiple applications may be necessary. Look for products that are labeled as brush killers that contain either triclopyr or glyphosate; one example is Ortho’s Brush-B-Gon .

If you are controlling a mature vine, cut it off from the roots and then apply concentrated herbicide with a paintbrush to the remaining stem connected to the roots. It is best to apply on a warm sunny day when plants are actively growing. Excessive heat may hinder the ability of the herbicide to act efficiently as the plant’s growth may be slowed. Make sure that there will be a rain-free period of at least an hour.  

Both Triclopyr and Glyphosate can injure desirable broadleaf plants by spray drift so if spraying, do not use on windy days. Unlike glyphosate, triclopyr can be absorbed through the bark of some tree species and cause severe injury.