Re: Poison ivy

Eileen in Virginia · ‎08-25-2010

It's worth it to hire professionals to remove your poison ivy. If you decide to remove it yourself, make sure you're covered so you don't get the oil on your skin. I'd buy some cheap clothes and just throw them away when you're done because the oil will stay in your washer and dryer for a long time, spreading it to other clothing. DO NOT burn the poison ivy or any other plants that it's touched. I've read about people who did this and breathed the oil in through the smoke, resulting in serious lung problems. Poison ivy can spread quickly, so it's important to stay on top of it. Good luck!

Tigriss · ‎03-12-2010

If I knew what I was doing, or could YouTube it, I would do that. Get poison, get those disposable coveralls (the kind you use to get under a house at Lowe's), face masks, shoe covers, goggles, and gloves. Then spray, let it die and then dig it up! I double black bag the dead plants, just put a bag in a large outdoor can so you can toss the plant in, and then tie and put in the trash. I would then back fill the area with topsoil just to be sure of not bothering with shaking the roots of dirt, just chunk it all! Then all is well. You may need several of the gear, one set for poisoning it, then one for pulling it all up once it is dead. Plan a two-day operation or so when the weather is good and not going to rain.

If you are unsure of all of this, then call around and get estimates to pull it. I would take pics so the companies would know the size of the area they will be dealing with. The money will be well spent if you don't get poison ivy on you or the kids or the hubby or even someone you detest. It is not fun!

RedTop · ‎09-01-2010

I would pay the money and let a professional take care of the problem.

I say this because my husband needs to be treated for the 3rd time for poison ivy/oak on his neck. Steroid shots or dose packs clear it up quickly, but apparently my husband is reinfecting himself by his c-pap mask or razor---both of which he claims is cleaned after each use. OTC products do nothing for him, and he must be careful with repeated steroid use due to his diabetes and COPD.

As to how he got it in the first place? He has no idea. I see poison oak growing on a tree in the woods behind our house, but my husband does not go in that area. However, the one dog who follows my husband everywhere when he's outside, does go in that area, so I think my husband came in contact with the oils from the dogs fur.

This has truly been a huge PIA, so I would be glad to pay the money, and avoid possible exposure.

candys mine · ‎08-20-2012

ALWAYS wear gloves when doing yard work! I grabbed a few dried up vines one day just to clear them out of the walkway and just that short exposure was enough to make me blow up like a balloon. I was watching the rash and welts go up my arms on the ay to the Doctors. They said the dried plants are worse because there is no water only concentrated oil left. they also said to wash off with Cold water first so as to keep the pores in your skin closed. I would pay to have it removed for sure!

Ibby114 · ‎03-10-2010

I had lots of poison ivy in my yard and I used Roundup- and yes, I was covered from head to toe so not even one leaf hit exposed skin! It took a couple of applications but it eventually killed the ivy. I've noticed certain areas coming back a year or so later, so I just spray again. It's much more under control now though.

Did the company offer you a guarantee with their quote? Depending on the size of your property (mine is small), It might be worth it then.

Financialgrl · ‎03-13-2010

@RedTop wrote:
I would pay the money and let a professional take care of the problem.

I say this because my husband needs to be treated for the 3rd time for poison ivy/oak on his neck. Steroid shots or dose packs clear it up quickly, but apparently my husband is reinfecting himself by his c-pap mask or razor---both of which he claims is cleaned after each use. OTC products do nothing for him, and he must be careful with repeated steroid use due to his diabetes and COPD.

Yep, pay the money - a year ago I had poison ivy on my legs and I'd use everything to get rid of it. I used rubbing alcohol and one day even bleach on it (I know u r not supposed to do either but calamine lotion was worthless). I ended up having to take prednisone - which worked - however, prednisone causes me to be edgy, emotional, and angry.

Yuk, I'm itchy just thinking about it!!