Question from Adica
Hi Debra, My boyfriend and I have just moved into a new house, and as my botfriend discovered after mowing the lawn for the first time, it seems there are several poison ivy plants around the house (resulting in three–going on four–weeks of blisters and rashes for him). We rent the house, but we’re in charge of landscaping, so it’s up to us to kill it.
I was wondering if you had any suggestions on how to kill it. I have Borax and white vinegar on hand, which I’ve read some have used to kill plants, but I was wondering if you had a other suggestions. I’m not concerned about killing some of the surrounding plants in the process (they’re mostly weeds, anyway), so anything would be helpful. Thanks! Adica
Debra’s Answer
Annie Berthold-Bond has a homemade Poison Ivy Killer using salt and vinegar, but my husband says if you use salt, it will be a while before anything grows there again.
My husband recommends trying steaming the plant and leaves with a steam cleaner. He’s never tried this, but his logic says it would kill the plant (I myself am not sure it would kill the roots).
Readers, any experience with this to share?
