The rash caused by poison oak can lead to severe itching, water blisters, and even skin poisoning.It thrives on abandoned land, along hiking trails and on Christmas tree farms.If you have poison oak plant near your home or business, you can get rid of it by using natural methods.
Step 1: Look for poison oak plants.
The leaves of poison oak turn red in the fall and die off in winter.The leaves have a rumpled surface and are thick.They have the same shape as oak leaves and grow in groups of 3.The poison oak grows in bushy shrubs in the open sun.It grows as a vine in areas with partial shade.Poison oak can be found near the edges of woods and in abandoned lots.Left to grow, poison oak plants can become quite large, but you'll also see baby plants sprout from the ground.Positive identification can be achieved by looking for the classic leaves.When a poison oak plant has lost its leaves, the dry sticks left behind are still poisonous, so don't dismiss it just because it has no leaves at all.
Step 2: You should cover yourself from head to toe.
You need to make sure you're completely covered to protect your skin from the toxic oil produced by the plants.Put on thick gloves, several layers of long shirts, long pants, socks, and heavy boots.Since some people get affected by breathing the air near poison oak, you should cover your face as well.This is the most dangerous removal strategy.If you are severely allergic to poison oak, this method is not for you.15% of the population can touch poison oak without getting a rash, so either find someone who is immune or try another method.It's possible that another exposure could have a worse effect if you only had a mild rash in the past.You should not remove your clothes after the job is done.There are oils from the poison oak plants that can be found on gloves, shoes and clothing.All should be washed using the hot cycle.
Step 3: The plants should be dug out by the roots.
You might need a shovel to dig out larger plants if you pull them by hand.It's important to get the whole plant.The plant will grow back.It is easiest to remove plants in the spring when they are green.It will be difficult to get all the roots if you wait until the ground gets dry or cold.Thoroughly wash your gardening tools after removing the plants.
Step 4: Get rid of the plants.
Either stack the plants in an out-of-the-way area or put them in garbage bags and throw them away.If you leave dead poison oak plants in a place where other people will come into contact with them, they will still be poisonous.The plants should not be used as mulch or compost.It's too risky since they're still full of the oils that can cause an extreme rash.Don't start a fire.It is very dangerous to breathe in the smoke from burning poison oak plants.
Step 5: If you want a professional involved, consider it.
If you don't want to go near the poison oak, it's best to hire someone else to do it.The poison oak can be wiped out with a high-powered pesticide such as Imazapyr.It's best to do this in the spring or fall.
Step 6: If you want to treat poison oak in the spring, use an early-season spray.
Choose a weed killer made with.The most effective time to use this chemical is in the beginning of the growing season.Don't spray on windy days.If the chemicals blow back in your face, they will kill nearby plants as well as the poison oak.Don't spray trees.Don't spray when it's raining.It will take at least 24 hours to work effectively.
Step 7: If you want to treat poison oak in the fall, use a late-season spray.
The poison oak's life cycle is late in the game.The poison oak's leaves are still green, so you can use glyphosate after it has flowered.The poison oak plant's leaves can be sprayed with a 2 percent solution of glyphosate.It's a good idea to be careful where you spray glyphosate.The WHO considersGlyphosate to be a probable human carcinogen.It is not allowed in some states and countries.If handling this chemical, please check your local laws.Don't spray on windy days.If the chemicals blow back in your face, they will kill nearby plants as well as the poison oak.Don't spray trees.Don't spray when it's wet.It will take at least 24 hours for the herbicide to work effectively.
Step 8: If you want to poison oak stumps, apply a chemical treatment.
The poison oak plants can be killed with a combination of both chemicals.The plant will drink from the roots.To protect against the toxic oils in the plant, be sure to cover yourself from head to toe.The poison oak plant needs to be cut down so that the stems are less than 2 inches above the ground.After cutting the stems, apply the chemicals with a paintbrush or squeeze bottle.The stump should be covered with a chemical.New growth that shoots out of the stump will have to be treated.
Step 9: Wait for the roots to die, then dig out the plants.
Use a shovel to dig out the dead roots when the stems turn brown a few days later.Since it could still cause a rash, don't mulch or burn dead material.
Step 10: Put plastic over the plants to kill them.
Plastic sheeting can be used to cover poison oak plants.If you cut the plant to a few inches above the ground, it will work.The dead roots have to be removed or they'll come back.
Step 11: To get rid of small plants, pour boiling water over the roots.
The water in your tea kettle should come to a rolling boil.Take it outside and pour it near the poison oak plant.You will need to get rid of the roots if you want to kill the plant.For small plants, this method is better.Large shrubs won't be affected.If you use this method, be careful not to breathe in steam from the plant.
Step 12: If possible, use a goat.
Goats love to eat poison oak and since they are always hungry, they can clear out an area in no time at all.This is a natural way to remove poison oak plants.If there is a goat farm in your area, check it out.Natural landscape management is becoming increasingly popular for goat owners to hire out their goats.You need to get the roots in order to make sure the plants grow back.You can hire goats to keep them maintained.Milk from goats that eat poison oak is free of toxic oils.
Step 13: A simple method can be achieved with a spray of vinegar.
For smaller plants, this method may be worth a try.You can spray the poison oak plants in your area with a spray bottle filled with white vinegar.The plants are going to die in a few days.If you don't want the roots to grow back, remove them.
Step 14: It is possible to spray bleach on the plants.
Warm water is needed to fill a spray bottle.Add salt, hydrogen peroxide and bleach to the bottle.To mix the ingredients, shake the bottle and put the sprayer on it.The poison oak plants should be sprayed liberally.
Step 15: Keep poison oak out of your yard by planting healthy ground cover.
Since poison oak thrives in disturbed areas with bare soil, you can prevent it from invading by planting other plants.