Poison ivy growing beside a house in Massachusetts

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Poison Ivy Exposure/Treatment

Our poison ivy eradication guarantee extends from the year it is treated through the next year!

Poison ivy overgrowing a garden bed beside a house and walkway

What to Do When Infected by Poison Ivy

Exposure requires direct skin contact with urushiol. With quick action you may be able to completely avoid a reaction. The oil begins to be absorbed by the skin within 5-10 minutes so the sooner the better. Check out these tips when you think you may have been exposed to poison ivy.

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If You Think You've Had Poison Ivy Contact

Cleanse the skin with lots of rubbing alcohol if you have it
If you do not have rubbing alcohol handy, wash the area with plenty of water cool is better to keep the skin pores from opening. Do not use soap until the next step as it may break up urushiol and make it easier to be absorbed
Shower with soap, water, and a washcloth to remove any remaining urushiol. You should vigorously scrub with a washcloth any skin area you think may have contacted the oil as the friction will remove the oil
Using disposable gloves, clean the tools with rubbing alcohol. If you don't have rubbing alcohol handy, you can rinse thoroughly with soap and water. Always use disposable old rags to add friction. Never reuse them

Tips for an Infested Yard

1. Always avoid direct contact with any part of the poison ivy plant.

2. If you have only a few plants, you can apply Roundup per instructions on the label*. You can also pull.

Even with full protection, you may be exposed plus some of the roots will will likely break off and the plants regrow.

3. Be aware of poison ivy in your trees. If you don't get those, they will be seeding your yard.

4. Contact a professional if these steps do not help you

*Note: Most Roundup has additives that are not approved for use in wetlands.

DO NOT BURN - Inhaling the smoke from burning poison ivy can produce life-threatening reactions in your lungs

Can You Have Poison Oak and Poison Sumac?

Poison Oak (Toxicodendron rydbergii) grows mainly west of the Mississippi and it is safe to say we have little to none here in Massachusetts. Poison Sumac (Toxicodendron vernix) does occure here but grows primarily in very wet, swampy areas, so it is unlikely that you have any in your yard.