Evil vines - creeper or poison ivy? (trees, mower, yard)

[dh1989]

I did some yard work in my yard for the first time since I moved. I trimmed a pine tree (via sawzall), cut what I think is thick wisteria off the same tree, and pulled/cut what I thought was Virginia creeper off a fence. See below:









I was foolishly wearing short sleeves. Two days later I have the worst itchy rash on my arms. Is the fence vine actually poison ivy or do I have a bad allergy to one of the others?

[luv4horses]

The fence is poison ivy. "Leaves in three's, let it be". Virginia creeper has five leaflets, if I recall. Those thread like appendages on the stems are a give-away for poison ivy.

[dh1989]

Advice to remove it? Tyvek suit and mask? I'm afraid I'm going to hit it with the weed whacker or mower. I may just pay someone to do it. Worst itch I've ever had...

[G0DDESS]

It's easy to remove it if you take precautions. How to Get Rid of Poison Ivy Plants (with Pictures) - wikiHow

[gentlearts]

OP, you can take some benedryl or go get a shot at the doctor. If you've had a huge exposure, you could be in for it.

[luv4horses]

I have a farm and some of the trees had big vines of poison ivy when I moved in. Luckily, I found someone who was not allergic to remove it. Yes, there are some people who have never been allergic to poison ivy for some reason. This guy just went over cut it off and yanked it down! And never had a bit of trouble. So you might search for such a person to help you out.

Otherwise be very careful because even the dust from it can get on you, in your eyes, etc. That is why you don't want to burn it--even the fumes can have particles that are still allergenic.

[linda814]

My husband had it so bad from touching the trees like that..it lasted a long time too...I bought some wash to wash BEFORE and after he does yard work for the next time......he had to have a steroid shot..it went all through his system...he just had it the other day in a few spot...we had woods all around the house and I know we have sumac too..be careful...

[North Beach Person]

Even if it's not poison ivy and is Virginia Creeper get rid of it. I've been at war with creeper for a couple decades. It's a stalemate.

[dh1989]

Thanks for the info and awesome DIY guide on PI removal. I may still price having someone do it for me, will see. I found an industrial size Roundup container the last owner left in the shed. I guess that's a clue.

[Alpina Bill]

Here is the best way to get your body cured and forget all those other remedies even the doctor. Buy a bar of Octagan soap and take a good bath with it for two or three days. Octagan has been around for a hundred years and is still being sold in the rural areas. It is a brown soap with lye as one of the ingredients. I keep it at home all the time in case of a flare up. My wife has very tender skin and has used it a number of times without any problems. Also I had a Boy Scout troop for eight years and summer camp each year I would issue a half of a bar to each boy to bathe with while in camp. It worked for eight years except for one boy that did not like the smell of the soap.

Good luck