What Could I Use to Kill Poison Ivy at Home?

Identification

• Accurate identification is the first step to preventing exposure and reaction to poison ivy. The plant frequently grows as a vine but may also grow as a shrub. It typically does not exceed 3 feet in height. Each compound leaf has three leaflets, approximately 2 to 4 inches long, with varied edges. It produces a small, white berry that is a favorite among many bird species. As the old adage states: "leaflets three, let it be; berries white, out of sight." Birds consume the fruit and, through defecation, spread seeds readily, often near trees where they perch.

Mechanical Control

• You can consider mechanical methods of eradicating poison ivy when it grows close to valuable plants or in places where using herbicides is otherwise not desirable. Small infestations of poison ivy may be effectively controlled by hand pulling the plants while the soil is moist. Mowing is generally less effective unless it is frequent. The entire root system of the plant must be destroyed, otherwise, new plants can resprout from pieces left in the ground. In general, hand removal is less feasible with large, established stands or stands that are entangled in the roots of trees.

Nonselective Herbicides

• Several herbicides options are available to home gardeners that will effectively eliminate poison ivy. Repeat applications are often required due to the extensive root system. Non-selective herbicides containing glyphosate can be effective against poison ivy. Be advised, nonselective herbicides will injure or kill all vegetative parts of plants in the vicinity, particularly turf, in addition to the targeted poison ivy.

Growth-Regulator Herbicides

• Growth-regulator herbicides, such as 2,4-D, MCPP, dicamba and triclopyr can be very effective against poison ivy and will not kill grass when applied properly. Many commercially available products combine two or more of these chemicals. Brush-B-Gon, Weed-BGon, Weedmaster and Banvel are a few herbicide trade names that are specially formulated to help home gardeners combat poison ivy.

Recommendations

• Poison ivy is most vulnerable after the leaves have fully expanded but before it has flowered, during the late spring. Herbicides work especially when sprayed on the foliage of mature plants. Wear gloves while handling poison ivy and immediately wash clothing and all tools. Do not attempt to remove poison ivy by burning. The soot produced can be carried into the air, potentially poisoning anyone that inhales the fumes.