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* Mowing plant will eventually kill it but be sure to use a mower with a collection bag and don't touch remains when emptying it. This method will take several years to completely eradicate plant from your yard.
* Don't use a weed-eater as that will only spread broken pieces of plant everywhere. Dried poison ivy is just as poisonous as fresh. It is said that even 100 year old leaves can still cause a reaction.
* Suffocation with black plastic has been known to work. This too takes time.
* An organic method consists of spraying plant with salt water. A ratio of one cup salt to a gallon of water with a few drops of liquid soap added to help mixture adhere to plant.
* Broadleaf herbicides work but will kill any neighboring plants. Usually poison ivy is intertwined among plants that you want to keep, including trees. Using selective herbicides like Roundup can be applied to plant stems as they are cut off to prevent resprouting.
No matter what control method you use, be careful to avoid exposing your skin to plant. Wear gloves, long pants, socks and shoes, and a long-sleeved shirt.
For more information about ridding your yard and garden of this pesky plant:
http://www.apluswriting.net/garden/poisonivy.htm
Marilyn Pokorney Freelance writer of science, nature, animals and the environment. Also loves crafts, gardening, and reading. Website: http://www.apluswriting.net