How to Kill Poson Ivy
Many people don’t know what poison ivy plants looks like. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, poison Ivy is a plant with three almond-shaped leaves wherein the center leaf is attached to the longest stem. It bears waxy white berries and the clusters of leaves alternate on the stem growing as a shrub or a vine. If you come in contact with poison ivy, immediately wash your skin and clothes using soap and water. Clothes that have been contaminated by poison ivy oil can also pollute other clothing. Fortunately, killing poison ivy is a simple process. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Poison ivy herbicide
- Spray can and pump
- Gardening shears
- Face mask or surgical mask
- Gloves
- Goggles
Instructions
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Wear gloves, a face or surgical mask and goggles when you use any herbicide. Do not breathe in or come in contact with the chemical. Read and follow the instructions on the product before pouring it in a spray can.
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Mix the herbicide if the instructions on the product require it. If so, carefully transfer the content of the chemical to a spray can so you can apply it on the poison ivy.
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Spray the poison ivy plant directly with the herbicide. It is much more effective when there are flowers present. Be careful not to over-spray the plant: The chemical might also affect surrounding plants and could kill them.
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Wait for the poison ivy vine or shrub to dry up and cut down the plant using the garden shears. Using your gloves, place the plant in a trash bag and dispose of it afterwards. Make sure the plant doesn’t come in contact with anything.
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Use the herbicide solution to spray the ground area where the poison ivy plant was growing. Be careful not to drench the area as it may affect surrounding grass, plants or flowers.
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Tips & Warnings
Purchase an herbicide that particularly targets poison ivy.
Avoid burning poison ivy, which releases its oil in a vapor.
Avoid spraying chemicals when children or pets are around.
Ensure that no one goes into the treated area until the ground has dried.
References
- Photo Credit poison ivy image by Predrag Marcikic from Fotolia.com
