By the end of summer, poison ivy had disappeared (and never returned) and the hens had discovered piles of bricks, tires, 2x4s and other waste. He almost killed me last summer, now he has come back wanting revenge and I had paid someone to finish cutting him, bagging him, dragging him. Although birds and animals are not affected by the effects of Toxicodendron radicans (poison ivy), reactions to contact with the plant by humans can range from an itchy red rash to blisters or even anaphylaxis. I learned the hard way that just because you're not affected by poison ivy doesn't mean you can develop a reaction.
There are specially prepared cleansing agents (such as Tecnu Skin Cleanser, Tecnu Extreme Medicated Poison Ivy Scrub and Zanfel) that remove much of the oil that causes the rash if applied to the skin between 4 and 8 hours after contact. This five-step plan is a smart and sustainable way to eliminate poison ivy, prevent it from returning, and replacing it with desired and useful plants. If poison ivy or poison oak grows among the plants you want to save, you can cut poison ivy or poison oak and spray or paint the herbicide only on freshly cut stems or stumps. Wood chips neutralize chemicals and heavy metals, improve soil fungal biomass, reduce erosion, and absorb thirsty water, which means that wood chips replace the function of poison ivy to protect the soil.
Identify poison ivy and a similar plant, poison oak, by the memorable rhyme leaves of three, let it be. This is a 5-step ecological approach based on permaculture principles to eliminate poison ivy. This is all very interesting and encouraging as I contemplate my garden on the terrace and its invasion by poison ivy. As long as you have a good pair of work gloves (and a full sleeve set of clothes), the answer to your problem can be as simple as digging up poison ivy with a garden trowel.
Try any of these methods for successful eradication, but always wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and gloves when working near poison ivy.
