Natural solution to Poison Ivy????

[Psittizen Shikkin]

I read somewhere that if you were to drink goat's milk from goats that have eaten poison ivy or poison oak that it can help you build a resistance to its affects. I don't know how true this is but it sounds possible.

 

[Beekissed]

Biohazard suit and a chainsaw?

 

[claud]

I rarely use herbicides around my house but with the poison ivy I gave up and used Round-up Poison Ivy. I only apply it directly to the Ivy plant. It works well. Other than that I think mechanical removal is the only way.

 

[cjeanean]

The vodka sounds like a good idea, I just don't want to poison my chickens!!!! That's all I'm worried about. My mom was gonna give me some of that Ortho weed killer stuff, but I didn't want it getting carried by the rain into my chicken run due to the slope of the yard. I just need something natural or that won't poison my chickens. Has anyone here tried alcohol or vinegar??? Those sound promising, provided a vodka hangover doesn't kill chickens LOL!!! And they don't start laying pickled eggs.....

 

[Salt and Light]

Quote:
I find that extremely hard to believe.

 

[Poultra]

If you can find it, I've heard that 20% glacial acetic acid (vinegar) works well as an herbicide. The vinegar you find in grocery stores is 5% and generally not glacial (water free). I have not had any luck finding it locally in my area - it might be something you have to order, from somewhere.....

Good luck!

 

[RockyToggRanch]

I have to tell you that before you run out and buy a goat, They do not all eat poison ivy! The song says "little lambs eat ivy" I wouldn't bet on that either. I have a goat who won't go near it.

Anyway, cut the vine on your tree, about a foot off the ground. You have to take a piece of the vine out or it may just heal back together. Now boil a big pot of water (add a bunch of table salt if nothing good is planted around it) pour it on th leaves and base of the remaining stump of ivy. I would do it every day for week. Once with salt, then just water. The stuff in the tree should die, although sometimes may have shallow roots into the tree and survive for a bit.

If it's on the ground, big vines are more difficult because they lay down roots wherever the plant touches earth. I would try hot water first, but may have to use a brush killer.
Definately don't spray it. Put on a rubber glove and then a cotton work glove and dip your fingertips into the poison. Now give that nasty ivy plant a massage! If putting your hand in it scares you, use a paint brush. Keep your chickens in a run, so they don't eat the leaves.

I have also used black plastic to kill weeds, but it takes a long time and doesn't kill the tough woody stuff like ivy.

I'm in zone 4 NY, might be different where you are.

 

[SewingDiva]

One thing youj deftinitely don't want to do is burn it. The chemical that cause the rash can be aspirated pretty easily, and if you get it in your lungs it's a serious problem.

~Phyllis

 

[chrisf]

Boiling hot water at the roots worked for me

 

[ml]

Normally, I just take a long handle hoe and do a bit of chopping. Some nice throw away gloves and a plastic bag. PI be gone and a good washup afterwards.

Now working on some posion oak that has been going wild for many a year.

ML