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poison ivy question
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Posted by KatieLovesDogs z5b/6a Indiana (My Page) on Wed, Oct 26, 05 at 9:26
| I have a patch of poison ivy behind my garage. I have put several applications of poison ivy killer on it this year and I think that it's dead. I eventually would like to landscape the area (the alley could use a little brightening up). How long does it take for the oils in poison ivy to decompose? In other words, I want to know when I can safely plant in the soil that has the dead PI roots. I am terribly allergic to PI and usually have to take steroids to get rid of it. |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: poison ivy question
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| I don't know about the oils. You would think over winter would do it. Poison Ivy is persistant and it might not be totally gone yet, you'll find out in the Spring. |
RE: poison ivy question
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| The oils can remain in all parts of the plant (roots too) and reactive, even the dead plant, for quite some time (as in years)... same goes for oils on your clothing and tools (tho not to the same degree on tools, it sticks to clothing better) can remain reactive until washed. If the top growth is dead, I would remove with appropiate protection like long shirt and gloves with a long cuff or gauntlet, etc. Cotton gloves or simple latex gloves just won't cut it, the oils can still soak in the cotton and those thin latex jobbies just tear to easy. I've even read that heavy leather gloves will eventually soak into the glove like if you are working a patch for some time or don't wash the gloves afterwards. I have a pair of heavy leather gloves I use for regluar gardening and yes, I've even pulled small PI plants while wearing them and another pair I use for Poision Ivy that's Neoprene and cuffs that come up almost to my elbows. Hot as all get out and not as flexable as my normal gloves, but well worth it in not having to worry about getting a rash. I got it pretty bad this summer and even have a scar now on my arm from the blisters that formed... perhaps the scar will fade with time, but at least I've never had to go to doctor for meds! Also, depending on what you used.. you very well may have to treat again in the spring if new growth appears. Ortho Brush B' Gone Poison Ivy Killer is the best from what I've read and what I use. Good luck!!
Shannon |
RE: poison ivy question
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| Thanks for the suggestions. Maybe once I remove what I can, I can create a raised bed so that I won't have to dig down into the root-filled soil. |
RE: poison ivy question
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| I would suggest hiring someone who is NOT allergic to PI to dig out and dispose of the roots for you. Perhaps a neighborhood teenager? That way you'll be sure they're gone. |
RE: poison ivy question
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| Given your stated extreme reaction to poison ivy I think littlebug gives great advice. Hire some non allergic kid to dig up your soil and sift it to remove whatever root or plant matter remains. Not everyone is allergic to it (I think I read somewhere that 25% of the population is immune to it) and I can roll around in the stuff with zero reaction, but some people are incredibly sensitive to it just like some get stung by a bee and say 'ouch' and others have to get rushed to the ER. Pay some kid ten bucks to work the soil and plant with disposable gloves. |
RE: poison ivy question
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| Best advice I have for anyone unfamiliar with poison ivy. Remove while wearing latex gloves, then wash immediately in Technu. You can get Technu at Walgreens or CVS or probably any drug store. I have even washed my work shirts in it. I also buy really cheap cotton gloves at Ace and when I have a lot to pull, I put the disposable latex gloves on, then the cotton gloves and I throw the whole lot out. Then wash with Technu, even my arms and face. Good luck. |
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