3 Natural Ways To Kill Poison Ivy Plants In Your Yard

Poison ivy plants can be a formidable opponent when it comes to removing unwanted plants on your property. Whether you’re an avid gardener, have kids that love to roll around in the yard, or simply like spending time outside without worrying about an itchy rash, we’re here to help you get rid of poison ivy for good!

Essential Tips For Removing Poison Ivy

Trying to weed out poison ivy plants can put you at serious risk of a urushiol rash. It’s important to take the proper safety procedures to avoid any harmful exposure. Keep these key poison ivy safety tips in mind when getting rid of poison ivy plants. 

Dress For Success

Every part of a poison ivy plant - from roots to stems to leaves - contains urushiol (the substance that causes a poison ivy reaction). Make sure to wear long sleeves and pants, gloves, eye protection, and work boots to protect your entire body.

Practice Proper Plant Disposal

Never burn or compost the poison ivy plants that you’ve removed. Burning poison ivy spreads toxic smoke that can damage your lungs. Secure the plants in a heavy-duty trash bag and dispose of them with the rest of your garbage.

Clean, Clean & Clean

Urushiol remains potent and can stick to surfaces for up to five years! So if you’re throwing your weeding tools and work gloves right back into the toolbox once you’re done, you’re setting yourself up for a nasty rash next time you go to garden. Make sure to thoroughly wash all of your clothing, tools, and yourself immediately after you’re done.

3 Effective Ways To Get Rid Of Poison Ivy Naturally

1. The Boiling Water Method

Bring water to a boil and carefully pour the boiling water over the poison ivy plant, making sure to really drown the roots. Repeat often to ensure the roots are dead. Please note: this method may also kill other plants next to the poison ivy.

2. The Salt & Vinegar Method

Mix one cup of salt, one tablespoon of dish soap, and one tablespoon of vinegar into a gallon of water for a natural, effective, and affordable DIY weed killer. Add the mixture to a spray bottle and routinely apply to the poison ivy plants. 

3. The Smother Method

Cover the poison ivy plant(s) in a heavy piece of plastic or cardboard to block out sunlight and oxygen to the plant. Leave for about a week and then check to see if the plant has become brown and dry. If not, leave on for a few more days, if so, pull the dead plants out and dispose of them properly. 

Build A Natural Immunity To Poison Ivy

With Outdoor Joe’s® Rhus Tox oral solution, you can say goodbye to the stress of poison ivy removal and pesky rashes. As a homeopathic remedy, ODJ’s is safe for all ages and helps you build a natural poison ivy immunity. If you have a poison ivy rash, treat it fast with Zanfel Poison Ivy Wash. If you’re trying to avoid a poison ivy rash, get yourself a bottle of Outdoor Joe’s® Poison Ivy Pro today!