Good Riddance to Poison Ivy

"Leaves of three, let it be" remains the simplest way to identify poison ivy, whose oily resin, urushiol, causes an itchy rash in most people who touch it — making careful removal worth doing right the first time.

Protecting Yourself First

Always wear long sleeves, long pants, and disposable gloves before handling poison ivy, since urushiol can penetrate skin within minutes of contact. Wash all clothing and tools thoroughly afterward — the oil can remain active on surfaces for a long time and cause a reaction well after the initial exposure.

Never burn poison ivy — the smoke carries urushiol and can cause a severe reaction in the lungs if inhaled.

Removing It for Good

Small patches can be carefully dug out, root and all, while larger infestations often need a targeted herbicide labeled for poison ivy. Because the root system can be extensive, checking back for regrowth over the following weeks and treating any new shoots promptly usually finishes the job.