Leaves of three, let it be. That's the old childhood rhyme about how to identify poison ivy so you can avoid it at all costs. The itchy, blistering and sometimes painful dermatitis that comes from touching poison ivy can be serious. So if you see it in your garden, remove it. But how to do that safely? Consider calling a professional.
FILE - A poison ivy plant appears at Lancaster County Park, in Lancaster, Pa., on July 22, 2010. Botanically known as Toxicodendron radicans, poison ivy contains oily chemical compounds called urushiols in its leaves, stems and roots. FILE - A poison ivy plant appears at Lancaster County Park, in Lancaster, Pa., on July 22, 2010. Botanically known as Toxicodendron radicans, poison ivy contains oily chemical compounds called urushiols in its leaves, stems and roots.
But the itchy, blistering and sometimes painful dermatitis that affects most people who brush up against poison ivy can discourage efforts to tackle it. The best way to eradicate poison ivy is to pull it up by its roots. If you garden in a four-season area, the job will be easiest in early spring, after winter’s freeze-thaw cycles have softened the ground. Otherwise, waiting until after rainfall is best for the same reason.
When you’re finished, don’t touch your door. Don’t get yourself a drink. Don’t open the washing machine. Don’t. Touch. Anything. Urushiols can also be transmitted to people via gardening tools, footwear, clothing and pets for as long as a year or two after contact, so anything that touched the plant should be thoroughly cleaned, too. Then wash your hands again. You can’t be too careful.
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