It’s hard to imagine, but poison ivy does have a place and purpose in the environment. It’s a food source for birds and other wildlife. In fact, seeds dropped by birds are usually responsible for the plant’s spread. With the exception of primates, other animals show no sensitivity to poison ivy. Your pup may not have any problems, but she can carry the oil on her coat and urushiol can remain active for as long as ten years. Poison ivy’s twisting, clinging roots make it difficult to eradicate by pulling it out. This characteristic, though, provides a measure of erosion control. When poison ivy takes root in your yard the best option is to remove it quickly to avoid accidental contact and spread. If left uncontrolled, it can even grow to the size of a small shrub, although this is a more common form for poison oak (Rhus toxicodendron). Unfortunately it often shows up in places where synthetic herbicides may not be the best option. If you find poison ivy in your prize rose bed or along walkways and other high-traffic areas, it’s helpful to know about natural ways to kill it (i.e., ways that don’t involve store-bought herbicides). Here are seven methods to get rid of poison ivy naturally. Some are more practical than others but options include at least one or two that will work for everyone.
Remove Poison Ivy Safely
Always wear protective clothing when working around poison ivy. Long sleeves and pants, boots, water-proof gloves and eye protection are recommended. Wash your hands, gloves and clothing if you think you may have contacted the plant.
