Category: Landscaping

It is important to read the pesticide label and have an understanding of what you read if you choose to use any type of pesticide. If you do not understand the label, you should not use the product. The label should be read when you are purchasing the product to make sure you are choosing the best product for the intended use. It is critical to read the label before you store the product as well to ensure that you are storing it correctly.  To ensure you are safely applying the product at the proper rate and using the correct safety precautions you should also read the label before you use the product.

The label contains important information including the trade name, the type of pesticide, formulation, ingredient statement, safety information, and storage and disposal information. You should make sure to take a look at the trade name of the product as well as the active ingredients. Keep in mind that products can be similar, but have different intended uses. The type of pesticide is listed on the label as well. This indicates what pest the product controls. Safety information is also on the front of the label and tells you the level of toxicity. All pesticide products carry a “Keep out of the reach of Children” warning on the label. They will also be graded according to the level of toxicity and range from “CAUTION” to “POISON”. Other safety information lists the appropriate personal protection equipment you should wear when applying the pesticide. Environmental information is indicated on the label to educate about precautionary measures to protect nontarget organisms. 

Although it may seem like the label may seem like an unnecessary read, the label is created to keep users informed and safe. Formulations and information may change over time. Don’t assume just because you have used a product for several years that it is not necessary to read the label. It is important to keep yourself, your children and pets, and the environment safe by using products as directed.

It is often underplayed how much poison ivy can be spread after the initial contact. It isn’t the poison ivy plant itself, but the urushiol that has the potential to be spread after the first contact. This is especially true if you do not realize you and Poison Ivy have made contact. I speak from personal experience and every few years I face this problem. For me, it is an occupational hazard, but I want to shed a little light on how easily this can occur for just about anyone who ventures off the sidewalk. 

Urushiol is an oily substance that is present in all parts of a poison ivy plant. Unfortunately, every part of the poison ivy plant carries the oil that results in itching and painful blisters for many people. The substance is found in the leaves, stems, berries, and roots. It can even be present after the plant is dead. It can be transferred by the root even when dormant. I know this one from personal experience. 

If you know, or expect, you made contact with poison ivy you can prevent a reaction. You do need to act quickly though. Immediately use rubbing alcohol to wipe down any skin that was exposed. This removes the oil. Remove all clothing, shoes, gloves, etc that may have made contact. Put them all in the washing machine with detergent and give them a thorough wash. Make sure to clean anything else that may have made contact with the plant. I have read you have up to 8 hours to prevent the results of contact. I have not put the 8 hour timeline to the test however. I have successfully utilized these steps several times with a timeline of 2 hours or less.

Once you have had the itching and blisters resulting from contact with poison ivy, you will not likely forget what it feels and looks like. If you notice symptoms indicating an expected exposure, it is important to make sure you remove the oil from anything you may have touched. The reaction can take several days to show up so you need to think back to all the possibilities of what you’ve contacted during this time. This may include the inside of your vehicle. Make sure to clean the seatbelt, steering wheel, door handles (inside and outside), and seats. Consider the items you may have had with you where you likely were exposed. In my case, that would include pruning shears, work shoes (including laces), and a work belt. Consider bedsheets, pillow cases, and blankets. Removing the oil from all items is important to avoid repeated contact with the oil that causes the reaction. 

Be careful out there! You expect to find poison ivy taking a hike in tall grass or off the beaten path. Unfortunately, it is often where you don’t expect to find it that leaves you itching and uncomfortable. The few times I have had a reaction have all been after spending time on a residential landscape where I had not seen poison ivy present before. Poison ivy doesn’t always look the same. It can take multiple forms from a vine climbing up the corner of a house, a plant growing amongst your perennials, or an opportunistic vine weaving through an Arborvitae 5 ft off the ground. Just remember “leaves of three, let them be”.