Poison ivy is a real menace that can lurk unnoticed in your yard but is VERY noticeable once you brush up against it. It can cause a terrible itchy rash that lasts for days and scabs over.
Still, with the right approach, you can take it down. From herbicides to natural methods like vinegar, there’s more than one way to get rid of it.
In this guide, I will show you 7 tried-and-true methods to remove poison ivy. Still, if you’d rather not risk the itch, LawnLove can connect you with a local weed control professional who can exterminate it.
1. Pluck it carefully
| Experience level: Moderate Estimated cost: $0 to $70, depending on the items you already have. Best for: Small infestations or areas where chemical use is not wanted. |
What you’ll need:
- Heavy-duty gloves
- Long-sleeved shirt and pants
- Protective eyewear
- Shovel or spade
- Pruning shears
- Trash bags
- Rubbing alcohol
Manual removal sounds simple, but it takes care and patience to do it safely. The goal is to remove the entire root system, because poison ivy can regrow from even a bit of root. You must avoid touching the plant directly; the plant’s oil can cause a rash with just a touch.
Allison Bailey, agriculture and natural resources agent at the University of Georgia, points out that “since perennial weeds have deep root systems, control can often be tricky.” She recommends using a tool to work around the root, then pull it until it comes loose.
Watering the soil lightly beforehand can also help loosen the ground, making it easier to extract the entire root system intact.
Instructions:
- Wear long sleeves, pants, heavy-duty gloves, and protective eyewear.
- Use pruning shears to cut the vines close to the ground. Then dig out the roots using a shovel.
- Place all the removed plants in heavy-duty trash bags. Never burn poison ivy. The smoke can be very harmful if you breathe it in.
- Wash tools with rubbing alcohol to remove residual urushiol.
2. Douse in boiling water
| Experienced level: Beginner Estimated cost: $0 to $40, depending on the items you already have. Best for: Small patches in walkways, cracks, or isolated areas. |
What you’ll need:
- Pot or kettle to heat water.
- Protective gloves.
- Stove or heat source
When you pour boiling water on the plant, it burns the leaves and starts to damage the roots. You might have to repeat the process a few times. This method works best when poison ivy is growing alone, since hot water can harm anything it touches.
Instructions:
- Boil water in a pot.
- Wear protective gloves and pour the boiling water onto the weed.
- Monitor the area. If regrowth occurs, repeat the process.
3. Spray with vinegar
| Experience level: Beginner Estimated cost: $0 to $35, depending on the items you already have. Best for: Spot-treating small patches |
What you’ll need:
- White vinegar (12 cups)
- Salt (3/4 cup)
- Dish soap (1 tablespoon)
- Spray bottle or garden sprayer
This method uses vinegar to dry out poison ivy leaves and weaken the plant. It’s one of several homemade options that works best on younger plants or newly sprouted ivy. Since it doesn’t kill the roots as aggressively as commercial herbicides, it might take several applications to get rid of the weed.
Instructions:
- Pick a sunny, calm day.
- Mix 12 cups of vinegar, 3/4 cup of salt, and 1 tablespoon of dish soap in a spray bottle.
- Spray the solution directly onto the poison ivy leaves.
- Reapply the solution every few days until the plants die.
- Avoid spraying near desirable plants, as the solution can harm them as well.
My tip: I use a pump sprayer instead of a regular spray bottle if I have more than just a small patch. It saves my hand from squeezing over and over, and gives me even coverage.
4. Smother it
| Experience level: Beginner Estimated cost: $0 to $50, depending on the items you already have and the size of the treated area. Best for: Larger ground patches. |
What you’ll need:
- Cardboard or tarp
- Mulch or heavy rocks
Smothering blocks out all light and air to kill poison ivy. This method is safe but requires time and patience, as it can take several weeks to see results.
Instructions:
- Place a cardboard, a tarp, or a thick plastic sheeting over the poison ivy-infested area.
- Weigh down the covering with mulch, rocks, or stakes to prevent it from shifting.
- Leave the covering in place for 6 to 8 weeks, checking periodically to ensure it’s secure.
5. Apply herbicides
| Experienced level: Moderate Estimated cost: $ 25 to $75, depending on the items you already have. Best for: Stubborn or widespread poison ivy, especially where other methods have failed. |
What you’ll need:
- Heavy-duty gloves
- Long-sleeved shirt and pants
- Protective eyewear
- Herbicide
- Garden sprayer for weeds
Herbicides are effective because they are formulated to kill weeds to the roots. These products can save time and effort when facing a large and aggressive infestation.
When manual removal isn’t practical, Bailey recommends applying a systemic herbicide directly to the foliage using a foam brush or a shielded sprayer to minimize the risk of affecting nearby plants. “Be very careful to avoid drift,” she cautions. For best results, apply when the plant is actively growing so the herbicide can travel effectively to the roots. Also, check the product label for any re-entry or re-planting intervals.
Instructions:
- Choose a calm, dry day when there’s no wind or rain in the forecast to avoid the herbicide from drifting onto other plants.
- Wear gloves, long sleeves, closed shoes, and pants.
- Follow the instructions on the herbicide label. Mix it if needed, pour it into your sprayer, and apply directly to the weed.
- Wait for a few days. The leaves will turn yellow, then brown, and dry up completely.
My tip: For climbing ivy on trees, cut the vines near the ground first, and then apply a post-emergent herbicide to the plant near the ground. This avoids harming the trees underneath.
6. Have goats graze it away
| Experience level: Beginner Estimated cost: $400 to $1,200. Depending on factors like size and density. Best for: Large areas, difficult terrain, or eco-friendly solutions. |
What you’ll need:
- Goat rental service
- Water access for goats
Goats? Yes, you can actually rent goats to devour unruly weeds, and they aren’t affected by poison ivy oils. Goats will graze for several hours or a few days, depending on the size of the infestation. You will see results quickly, though some regrowth may require multiple visits.
Instructions:
- Look for a local goat rental service that specializes in land clearing or invasive plant control. These services include the fencing to keep goats contained.
7. Use a professional
| Experience level: None needed Estimated cost: $100 to $615 (or more), depending on lawn size. Best for: Severe infestations, or just someone else to do the job. |
If the poison ivy in your yard feels overwhelming, or you’re just not comfortable dealing with it yourself, hire a professional. They have the tools, knowledge, and safety gear to remove poison ivy efficiently and reduce the risk of it returning.
Instructions:
Once you decide to go the professional removal route, LawnLove makes it simple to find a weed control expert in your area. Just a click and you’re on your way to a poison ivy-free yard.
Don’t let poison ivy get the last word
Poison ivy can be a real pain, but getting rid of it doesn’t have to be complicated. However, if you’d rather skip the rash, LawnLove can connect you with a weed control professional in your area who knows how to deal with poison ivy.
Sources
- Allison Bailey, ANR Agent. College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences. Personal Interview.
- “Poison Ivy.” By Debbie Shaughnessy, HGIC Information Specialist, and
- Bob Polomski. Clemson Cooperative Extension.
Main Image. Closeup of Poison Ivy plant. Image Credit: James St. John / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
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