Poison Ivy, Oak, Sumac

[ktsmama]

Does anyone have any tried and true ideas on how to get rid of poison ivy, oak or sumac? I would like to try to get rid of them without harsh chemicals.

[Contrary Housewife]

If it is really bad you should see a doctor, who will give you either a small steroid or cortizone shot to keep your immune system from going nuts. DH had to do this because his went systemic and no topical lotion was going to help.

Otherwise, wash the area very well with cool water and DISH soap. It is important to get all the poison oil off. Thoroughly wash any shoes, clothing or tools exposed to the poison as they can carry the oils and reinfect you days or weeks later.

I'm told antihistamines (cold medicine) can help you get through the night.

You can try soaking in epsom salt water to help with the itch. Cold compresses may also help temporarily. Try calamine lotion, it's probably your cheaper option. There are a number of products which claim to help get rid of the rash but the reality is -- like a cold-- it takes 10-14 days for the skin to to completely heal.

[Durgan]

Does anyone have any tried and true ideas on how to get rid of poison ivy, oak or sumac? I would like to try to get rid of them without harsh chemicals.

Use anything that works. My experience is with poison ivy. My view is anything the works is OK. Just be cautious and don't get exposed.

[lparker]

I read it that she wants to get rid of the plants. GOOD LUCK! I use Roundup...have to hit the same spot a couple times to do it a month or so apart. - If you want to see poison ivy & want it can do to you - google my blog - Chautauqua Barefooter - and check out my video...not for the squeamish.

Lee

[Russ]

Does anyone have any tried and true ideas on how to get rid of poison ivy, oak or sumac? I would like to try to get rid of them without harsh chemicals.

Do you mean to get rid of the plant or to treat yourself?
To get rid of poison ivy the plant.. I think you will need to use heavy duty stuff..like brush killer.

[ktsmama]

Do you mean to get rid of the plant or to treat yourself?
To get rid of poison ivy the plant.. I think you will need to use heavy duty stuff..like brush killer.

Yes, I mean the plants! Sorry for the confusion. After dealing with the actual body reactions for nearly a month, I am getting rid on anything I can not identify in my yard!!

[frugalfranny]

Does anyone have any tried and true ideas on how to get rid of poison ivy, oak or sumac? I would like to try to get rid of them without harsh chemicals.

If you don't go the brush killer route...........you might try the vinegar route.......but you could be fighting it for a bit. And it will kill any other 'good' plants..........

This is the recipe:


Vinegar.

The acetic acid in vinegar kills many weed plants. Just be careful you don’t get it on your “good plants,” because it can kill them too! To make an extra powerful weed killer, mix 1 gallon of white vinegar, 1 cup of salt, and 1 tablespoon of dishwashing soap. Put the mixture into a spray bottle, and apply it to the plants you want to kill. Note: this is a very strong weed killer, and will even work on poison ivy! If you use a lot of it and it gets in the soil, nothing will grow in that place for a few months, so be careful not to overdo it.

[Contrary Housewife]

Ah, sorry, I misunderstood.

I was talking last week with a business acquaintance who was clearing out her back acreage. They covered themselves with protective clothing (which mostly worked) and went at it with brush cutters and weed wackers and a machete. There are sprays you can apply now which supposedly protect your skin against contact with the plants.

Once you get it down to ground level you can try a heavy layer of mulch to kill any remaining growth.