7 Ways to Kill Poison Ivy Naturally (2023)

Gardening

Plant Problems

Weeds

• 01 of 07

  Dig Out the Plant and Roots

  Ivy plants, in general, have a stubborn spreading root system, some more so than others. Poison ivy is one that falls into the "more-so" category. Pulling it out even when the plants are small is unlikely to capture all the tiny fibrous roots. Pulling it also requires fairly close contact with the plant. Digging is safer and much more effective.

  1. If the vine is climbing or has run out along the ground, begin by using snippers to cut back to the crown.
  2. Use a shovel or garden trowel to dig out of circle of soil at least 8 inches in diameter and 8 inches deep around the crown.
  3. Carefully lift the soil and plant with the shovel or your gloved hands.
  4. If roots remain attached to the ground, dig out another two to three inches of soil until the roots come completely free.
  5. It's okay to shake off excess soil but do this in a traffic-free area where pets and children aren't likely to come into contact with any residual urushiol.
  6. Bag the poison ivy plant and dispose of it. Do not compost or burn.
  7. Clean any tools used with isopropyl alcohol to remove urushiol residue.

• 02 of 07

  Deploy Boiling Water

  While burning is hazardous and can release poison ivy's irritant into the air, you can safely pour boiling water over the plant. This method will require several applications but eventually you will see wilting and dieback.

  1. Use a tea kettle or another heat-proof vessel with a spout.
  2. Fill it with water and bring it to boil.
  3. Pour the boiling water over the crown of the plant.
  4. Repeat applications every few days until the poison ivy dies back and disappears.

• 03 of 07

  Smother It

  In the absence of air, water and light most plants cannot survive. Although poison ivy tends to grow in shaded spots, it does need filtered light to thrive. Starving it of air and light is an effective removal method. It also enables you to avoid touching any part of the plant with gloved hands.

  1. Cover the poison ivy with a piece of heavy cardboard.
  2. Weight the cardboard down firmly with wood chips, or another heavy material.
  3. Poison Ivy creeps so it's important to make sure the plant is covered and well-weighted down at soil level.
  4. Leave the cardboard in place for six to eight weeks or until it begins to break down.

• 04 of 07

  Use Salt, Soap and Water

  Here is a simple spray using common household ingredients.

  1. Dissolve 3 pounds of salt in a gallon of water.
  2. Add 1/4 cup of dish soap.
  3. Fill a garden sprayer with the solution and spray the leaves thoroughly.
  4. Repeat until dieback occurs.

  Continue to 5 of 7 below.

  (Video) How I kill Poison Ivy (Organically) 3 tips

• 05 of 07

  Spray White Vinegar

  White vinegar contains acids which can alter soil pH and damage other plants so practice care when using this solution.

  1. Fill a garden sprayer with undiluted white vinegar.
  2. Spray the poison ivy leaves and crown.
  3. Try to avoid overspray into surrounding soil.
  4. Repeat every few days until dieback occurs.

  Tip

  Even when you are using common household ingredients to kill poison ivy, these homemade sprays are still a type of herbicide. Keep in mind that other desirable plants and flowers can also be adversely affected by over-spray. Protect your flowers and shrubs by shielding them with a piece of cardboard when spraying poison ivy.

• 06 of 07

  Cut Back and Repeat

  This method requires diligence and will take longer but it will eventually starve the ivy of nutrients and cause it to die.

  1. Use a snipper or hand pruner to cut the vines back to the crown.
  2. Watch for new growth and cut that back to the crown each time it appears.
  3. Be sure to clean your tools after each cutting,

• 07 of 07

  Get Help From a Goat

  This is impractical for most homeowners and not the most effective removal method. It is true, however, that goats will eat just about anything, including poison ivy. The problem is that while the leaves and vines may be safely eaten by a goat, the roots remain leaving you with the problem of poison ivy that continues to grow back year after year.