Angie's List: Tips For Removal Of Poison Ivy, Oak & Sumac

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A weekend spent working in the yard can turn into an itchy, uncomfortable nightmare, if you don't steer clear of poisonous plants.

Fortunately, Angie's List has some helpful tips for how to identify and remove poison ivy, oak or sumac.

Homeowner Shirley Branham loves tending to her yard and garden, but she can't seem to escape the itchy wrath of poison ivy.

Every summer, for the past ten years, she's suffered through a horrible rash.

"I usually just noticed one or two little dots, which eventually unfortunately then spread all the way up my arm or on my legs," Branham said.

The key to avoiding a rash like Shirley's is knowing how to spot these poisonous plants.

Poison ivy grows in all areas of the continental United States.

Poison oak is most common on the West Coast, but it's also found in southeastern states.

Poison sumac grows in swampy areas of the southeast.

"Poison oak and poison ivy look fairly similar, but poison sumac has much more leaflets, more leaves on the leaflet," Horticulturist Emily Wood said.

Birds often feed on the berries of these plants and consequently spread the seeds, so look for the plants in areas where birds hang out, including on or under trees or near fences.

The plants can grow to great lengths, so you may need help to get rid of them.

Angie's List researchers found many lawn care companies won't go near these plants, but there are some that do specialize in removal.

"During the hiring process be sure to cover how the company is going to tackle the problem. Are they going to use chemicals to remove the plants? Are they going to dig the plants up? How long do they guarantee their work? Will they come back if the plant reappears? Also, don't forget these plants like to spread so if the plant is in your neighbor's yard you want to understand that problem as well," Angie Hicks with Angle's List said.

You may be able to tackle smaller plants on your own, but be sure to wear protective clothing and know how to properly dispose.

"Most of the time it's probably best to put it in a plastic bag and throw it away, but keep in mind, that anything that touches it will carry the oil and you can get the contact dermatitis from the oil," Wood said.

All parts of these plants produce urushiol – the oil that causes the rash. It can stay on clothing and garden tools for up to five years.

You should never burn these plants or use a weed eater or lawn mower to get rid of them – you'll just distribute the oil.

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