How do I get rid of poison ivy?

Belinda Jackson
by Belinda Jackson
  5 answers
  • Sherry Keppner Sherry Keppner on May 06, 2017

    We bough an acreage on which to build a house. Poison Ivy was thick in a good sized area. This is what worked for us: 1 gallon white vinegar, heat it in a large pot. Stir in 1 cup salt until salt dissolves. Stir in 2 Tbsp. Dawn dish soap (I think this just makes the solution stick to the leaves better.) Put this into a sprayer, and on a DRY, SUNNY day, spray, using a stream rather than mist setting, the poison ivy leaves on top and underneath. Best to do this when no rain is forecast for a few days, so it can work its magic. We only had to do this once to eradicate nearly all of the ivy. One of us lifted the leaves with a curved stick while the other one sprayed...wear old clothes you can discard, if you're in the thick of the stuff! A few months later we went around again where little sprouts were emerging, and now, 2 years later, we feel it is well under control. This will kill any plants, so only get it on the poison ivy. A piece of cardboard can be used to shield flowers or plants while applying the vinegar to the poison ivy.


    • Vondie Vondie on May 06, 2017

      I, too, needed an answer to get rid of poison ivy and am happy I found this great answer! Will try it and hope for the best. TY for sharing!

  • Vondie Vondie on May 06, 2017

    Meant to add this to reply to Sherry K. the idea of using cardboard to shield other plants while spraying is great, too. Poison ivy invaded my very thick lily bed though, am worried the 'run-off' from spray my drip to lily tubers and hurt them. Any other advice? TY!

  • Martha Earles Martha Earles on May 07, 2017

    do not burn it the fumes from the smoke will also harm you ware long pants long sleeves and heavy gloves and rubber boots and dig up other wise contact you agriculture rep. or wildlife and fishery

  • Deb K Deb K on Apr 07, 2024

    Hi Belinda, hope this helps you. Try cutting the vine about 6" above where it comes out of the ground. Put some full strength white vinegar on both of the cut ends by dipping them into a cup full of white vinegar. Do this all along the length of the vines. Repeat if necessary.