Working In and Around Poison Ivy

[Dougster]

Got a potential job coming up involving the tractor working in and around lots of poison ivy... something I've never run into at this high level before. Other than the obvious personal measures... long pants, boots with socks, etc... are there other steps I need to take or things I need to be aware of in regard to the tractor? In other words, can the oil get all over the loader bucket, tractor and tires to the point where in will cause me grief later? After a tractor has been worked in and around poison ivy, will a simple pressure spraying be enough to render the oils harmless? Do I only need to worry about actual physical skin contact with poison ivy? Or, when tearing it out and dumping it, etc... is there an airborne aspect to deal with as well?

Is there a way to selectively kill this stuff (or otherwise render it harmless) before I start my work?

Dougster

 

[Chuck52]

The only airborn problem I am aware of with it is if you burn it. The smoke can contain still active oil, and it can be realloy, really bad if you breath it.

Chuck

 

[Dougster]

The only airborn problem I am aware of with it is if you burn it. The smoke can contain still active oil, and it can be realloy, really bad if you breath it.
Chuck

Well then... there goes THAT idea.

Dougster

 

[RobertN]

Yes, it will get on your tractor, and you will catch it when you check the oil, grease the zerks etc. Poison Ivy/Oak is oil based, and that oil rubs on stuff. Once it has rubbed on stuff, it stays there pretty good. I have got poison oak weeks and weeks after running the tractor around the stuff. Have also got it from the dog and cat; they walk through the stuff, which gets on the hair, which I pet, which ends up on me

Only thing that might help, is try a degreaser on the tractor while pressure washing it.

Burning it can be bad, very bad. Airborne stuff can trash your respritory system. Known a couple people who went to hospital because of that.

I get that stuff really really bad. In your position, I would pass on that job...

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Spray it with high concentrate of 2,4-D or Glyphosate (Round-Up) then allow it to die, and then STILL be extremely carefull. I've got bad cases of oak and ivy from logs sawed 2 years prior. The stuff lingers forever.

Wash yourself, your cloths, your equipment, and anything else that comes in contact with it in a chlorine bleach solution. Straight chlorine if you can stand it.

I've been hospitalized over poison oak 3 times. Ivy will get me but oak just about does me in. When I get it, I wash, as I mentioned, with chlorine bleach, and also I use EXTREMELY hot water. The hot water will take away the itch once you get it. That helps you to leave it alone which in turn, helps prevent further spread.

If I HAVE to deal with ivy/oak/sumac, I do so in the winter when it's not so active. That doesn't prevent you from getting it, but does lessen the exposure somewhat.

 

[ultrarunner]

Depends on you sensitivity.

I get it real bad if I try to anything when the ground is dry and dusty. I'm sensitive enough to pick it up just from the disturbed dust.

The only time I can run the Dozer around that stuff is about 2 days after a good rain to keep the dust down. I'm in California, so I the ground really drys out in the summer.

I second going the chemical route. Takes longer, but with a back-back sprayer you can be 10 to 15 feet away and still spray it...

Good Luck!

 

[WhyNot]

No matter what route you go, make sure you buy a couple bottles of Tecnu poision ivy wash. After you are done for the day throw your clothes in the washing machine with some of the Tecnu (directions on bottle) and then jump in the shower and use the stuff on yourself. And I don't see why if you were concerned about the oils on your tractor, you could not use some to wash the tractor down with.

 

[Dougster]

I get that stuff really really bad. In your position, I would pass on that job...

Well, maybe that's what I'm here to find out. I would go so far as to call this job a "poison ivy removal" project. The lady says she has tried everything... and now she effectively wants it plowed under and covered over. That's what I call a serious poison ivy problem!!!

Dougster

 

[Dougster]

I second going the chemical route. Takes longer, but with a back-back sprayer you can be 10 to 15 feet away and still spray it...
Good Luck!

Lady says she has tried spraying over the years with poor results. Her kids still come in covered with the stuff anytime they go back there. I'm not sure I could spray really well in advance of the work... especially on foot. Might be more risky to me than just doing the work with the tractor as is.

Dougster

 

[Dougster]

No matter what route you go, make sure you buy a couple bottles of Tecnu poision ivy wash. After you are done for the day throw your clothes in the washing machine with some of the Tecnu (directions on bottle) and then jump in the shower and use the stuff on yourself. And I don't see why if you were concerned about the oils on your tractor, you could not use some to wash the tractor down with.

Interesting advice. Didn't know there was such a thing. I'll look into it. Thanks for the tip!

Dougster