How to Remove Poison Ivy

Poison ivy is a type of plant that is commonly found growing in wooded areas or in your backyard. The plant releases a potent oil called Urushiol. Unfortunately this oil causes an allergic reaction in 85 percent of people who come in contact with it. If you think you have poison ivy in your yard, you'll want to remove it as soon as possible; however, don't remove it without taking a few precautions.

Things You'll Need

• Old shirt with long sleeves
• Old pants
• Socks
• Boots
• Goggles
• Breathing mask
• Shears
• Shovel
• Plastic bag
• Alcohol
• Herbicide
• Hose

Instructions

1. Cover yourself completely. Wear an old shirt with long sleeves and old pants. Tuck your pants into a pair of old socks and put on boots. Cover your hands with a pair of thick rubber gloves. Tuck the sleeves of your shirt into gloves. Your wrists should not be exposed.

2. Protect your eyes with a pair of goggles and wear a breathing mask. A person can acquire poison ivy through inhalation.

3. Check weather conditions and select a day when there is no rain or wind.

4. Use a pair of shears to cut the poison ivy plant at its base. Be careful not to break the stem of the plant as this will release the harmful oil into the air. Place the cut poison ivy into a plastic garbage bag.

5. Dig out the root of the poison ivy using a shovel. Spray remaining roots with an herbicide.

6. Finish by rinsing all tools and then cleaning with alcohol. Clean clothes outside using a hose and soap. Clean boots with soapy water.

Tips & Warnings

• Be cautious when using herbicide as it will kill any plants it comes in contact with.

• Save time by wearing old clothes that you can discard after removing the poison ivy.