Poison Ivy - Ask Extension
What is the best way to get rid of poison ivy plants?
Knowledgebase
Poison Ivy #878999
Asked July 27, 2024, 10:39 AM EDT
What is the best way to get rid of poison ivy plants?
Calhoun County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Jennifer,
Here are control options from MSU Extension bulletin—https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/resources/plant-and-weed-identification/PoisonIvy_E3438_AA%20(002).pdf
”Eradication of poison ivy without the use of herbicides will require multiple efforts over time due to the extensive root and rhizome system. Careful physical removal of all above- and below-ground portions (taproot and rhizomes) of the weed will eventually deplete the remaining root system that cannot be reached.
When removing the plants, take care to cover exposed skin. Wear waterproof gloves. Bag plant material and dispose of it with the trash. Never burn poison ivy as the allergen, urushiol, is volatile and can be inhaled. Do not mow poison ivy as airborne particles may reach uncovered skin or be inhaled.
Wash all tools used in eradication efforts to remove any urushiol. Urushiol does not break down quickly and can remain on dead plant material, gloves, and tools for over a year. If you have a lot of poison ivy or it is hard to reach, consider hiring a certified professional to remove it.
Chemical control options:
The two most effective herbicide active ingredients for poison ivy control are triclopyr and glyphosate, though 2,4-D has also been shown to be effective…
Triclopyr and glyphosate are most effective when carefully applied as a concentrate to cut stumps (if large enough, drilling holes in the cut stump also aids in uptake). You can apply in any season, except early spring when sap flow may reduce movement to the below-ground tissues. Applying the herbicide as a concentrate to the cut stump(s) can minimize any off-target risks. Glyphosate is a nonselective herbicide and can kill or injure any nearby desirable plants if contacted, whereas triclopyr and 2,4-D are selective and will not kill grasses. Triclopyr is often more effective than glyphosate in controlling poison ivy; however, it can persist in the soil for up to 30 days or more depending on the environment and can therefore potentially injure sensitive species planted into the treated area within that time.
Glyphosate does not pose a risk to re-planting once dry due to binding with clay and organic matter in the soil. Use caution with these products as they will kill or injure other plants with which they contact green foliage, green bark (non-mature), injured bark, or exposed roots. Triclopyr can also be absorbed through mature bark.
Always read and follow the label when using any herbicide. Herbicides may require reapplication, depending on the size and establishment of the plants.
If you are attempting to control a large population of poison ivy, consider hiring a certified professional. Remember that dead poison ivy plant tissue still contains urushiol, and therefore, take protective measures if removing it.”
The bulletin does not specifically say so but, you should wash all clothing, gloves if they have come in contact with the plants. Also wash shoes or wipe them down with isopropyl alcohol if the came in contact with poison ivy.
If your skin comes in contact with plants, wash in cool soapy water or wipe down with isopropyl alcohol within 5 minutes.
Here are control options from MSU Extension bulletin—https://www.canr.msu.edu/pestid/resources/plant-and-weed-identification/PoisonIvy_E3438_AA%20(002).pdf
”Eradication of poison ivy without the use of herbicides will require multiple efforts over time due to the extensive root and rhizome system. Careful physical removal of all above- and below-ground portions (taproot and rhizomes) of the weed will eventually deplete the remaining root system that cannot be reached.
When removing the plants, take care to cover exposed skin. Wear waterproof gloves. Bag plant material and dispose of it with the trash. Never burn poison ivy as the allergen, urushiol, is volatile and can be inhaled. Do not mow poison ivy as airborne particles may reach uncovered skin or be inhaled.
Wash all tools used in eradication efforts to remove any urushiol. Urushiol does not break down quickly and can remain on dead plant material, gloves, and tools for over a year. If you have a lot of poison ivy or it is hard to reach, consider hiring a certified professional to remove it.
Chemical control options:
The two most effective herbicide active ingredients for poison ivy control are triclopyr and glyphosate, though 2,4-D has also been shown to be effective…
Triclopyr and glyphosate are most effective when carefully applied as a concentrate to cut stumps (if large enough, drilling holes in the cut stump also aids in uptake). You can apply in any season, except early spring when sap flow may reduce movement to the below-ground tissues. Applying the herbicide as a concentrate to the cut stump(s) can minimize any off-target risks. Glyphosate is a nonselective herbicide and can kill or injure any nearby desirable plants if contacted, whereas triclopyr and 2,4-D are selective and will not kill grasses. Triclopyr is often more effective than glyphosate in controlling poison ivy; however, it can persist in the soil for up to 30 days or more depending on the environment and can therefore potentially injure sensitive species planted into the treated area within that time.
Glyphosate does not pose a risk to re-planting once dry due to binding with clay and organic matter in the soil. Use caution with these products as they will kill or injure other plants with which they contact green foliage, green bark (non-mature), injured bark, or exposed roots. Triclopyr can also be absorbed through mature bark.
Always read and follow the label when using any herbicide. Herbicides may require reapplication, depending on the size and establishment of the plants.
If you are attempting to control a large population of poison ivy, consider hiring a certified professional. Remember that dead poison ivy plant tissue still contains urushiol, and therefore, take protective measures if removing it.”
The bulletin does not specifically say so but, you should wash all clothing, gloves if they have come in contact with the plants. Also wash shoes or wipe them down with isopropyl alcohol if the came in contact with poison ivy.
If your skin comes in contact with plants, wash in cool soapy water or wipe down with isopropyl alcohol within 5 minutes.
