Poison Ivy, UGH.

MikeInEburg · Jun 8, 2008

The best way to kill the 3'' vine is to cut it with saw then immediately spray stump with high concentration of Roundup (Glysophate).
I agree with others, persistent attention with mowing and herbicide will reduce the problem in a year or two. Long pants, long sleeves, boots, gloves and coveralls will keep you safe.
Mike

spox · Jun 8, 2008

Hmmm, goats... where can I get a goat? Any goat dealers around Harvard, mA? I wonder if they would get along with the horses.

ragkar · Jun 8, 2008

I was just thinking about that zanfel soap that I suggested. As I recall, at $40 each it's mighty expensive, but I'd pay more when I have the itch. I haven't used it, but I read that it's also effective after the problems start. It's much better to get the oil off before they do. I have an unused bar in my medicine cabinet.
As far as off-the-shelf medicines, forget calamine lotion. Go for hydrocortisone. The relief begins immediately, but it doesn't really kick in until a half hour after you use it.
If you get running sores, I strongly recommend a wet bandage of 'Domoboro astringent solution' (also called Burow's solution). It's non-prescription and found in pharmacies though you might have troubles finding it.

MikeInEburg · Jun 8, 2008

If you could arrange goats - they would be a GREAT solution! They'll get it under control in very short order. Environmentally friendly and goat-burgers when they're finished.
Mike

Skyco · Jun 8, 2008

I sure wouldn't cut a 3" PI vine with a power saw, unless you like spraying the itchy juice everywhere. Might be able to do it very carefully with a hand saw... I had some like that I cut by running into them head on with the FEL edge and severing them. Then saturate the stump left with the aforementioned brush killer. The part up the tree will die on it's own. Just remember to never cut down that tree for firewood for at least 10 years

spox · Jun 8, 2008

Here is the update: Ordered a professional sprayer online that will spray far enough so I dont need to get into the ivy. I am going to take your suggestion of using the FEL to damage the vine and then spray them. Just nervous about getting the oil on the tractor

I guess I can power wash it after. I should take a photo... i just cant beleive how much ivy there is.

Scrounger · Jun 8, 2008

I have experienced both ivy and oak to the point I needed to have shots and pills to get better. Do no burn it since if you are real sensitive you may get it in your lungs from the smoke. Doctor told me that one.

I removed about 75 feet of it but cutting the main root, which was about 5" in diameter and then spraying the open root with some nasty stuff from the farm store in town.

I hear goats are awesome also since they will eat any leaf close to the ground and then start on the stem.

The best time to pull it down is winter however since you would have cloths and gloves on and the oils do get thicker in the cold making it less likely to have it over you. I was so messed up since I (1) did not know I was allergic to it, (2) was sweating like a pig which spread it all over and finally (3) I was swiping my face with the shirt which was COVERED in the oils.

Good luck. I'd just move personally.

BotaBigot · Jun 8, 2008

spox said:
I wonder if they would get along with the horses.

Goats make good companions for horses. But there is a downside to having them...they're jumpers and climbers and can be hard to keep in...

mc faulkner · Jun 8, 2008

I also had a huge patch of poison Ivy - I used a broduct called Brush B Gon by Ortho - use it in a spayer - also kills blackberries, bitter sweet and many other hard to kill plants. It killed the poison Ivy and everything in with it - it is a dead zone one year later....which is better than the poison IVY. tough stuff, but it will get rid of your poison ivy. I would use it again if I had as much as thick as I had it.