It is spring time and once again it is time for cleaning of yards, debris from winter and just general clean up around your property. Time for Poison Ivy again!

A few key facts about poison ivy to keep in mind:

• The rash is caused by oil, Urushiol
• Urushiol is present in ALL parts of the plant
• It only takes 1 billionth of a gram to cause a rash
• ¼ ounce of urushiol is enough to cause a rash for every person on earth (if all were allergic)
• Urushiol normally stays active between 1-5 years on any surface, including dead ivy plants. Rash depends on individual sensitivity
• Some people are not allergic to urushiol now, but may become so over time and with exposure
• Highly sensitive people can have a reaction within 10 minutes or less of exposure
• Urushiol can be spread on tools, trucks, clothing, paperwork, etc.
• Wash contaminated work clothes separately
• Clean tools that have come in contact with the plant
• It can grow as a groundcover, free standing bush or climbing vine
• Often grown on field edges, roadsides, fencerows, etc.
• Three shiny leaflets are attached to woody stem
• Size, shape and color of leaflets vary
• Climbing vine has “fuzzy” tendrils
• White-yellow flowers in the springtime
• White berries, fruit in the fall that may persist all winter long on ends of branches
• Poison ivy and stinging insects are hazards that should be addressed in your pre-clean-up hazard survey.
• Avoidance is the best method of protection
• Learn what it looks like and where it grows
• Wear long sleeves, gloves, etc.
• Use tools if you need to contact the plant on the ground but remember to clean that tool

If you do contact any part of the plant:

• Wash affected areas with large amounts of clear water, avoid soaps as they may spread the oil
• Use products like Tecnu to help remove the oil
• Use Zanfel for light to moderate reactions
• Seek medical attention for serious reactions

Source:
“The Treeworker”