Before attempting to eliminate poison ivy, learn to identify it correctly. Poison ivy typically has clusters of three shiny green leaves and may have white berries in the fall.
Wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, pants, gloves, and closed-toe shoes, when working near poison ivy. Use goggles or glasses to shield your eyes from contact with the plant's sap.
Plan to remove poison ivy during dry weather when the soil is not overly wet. Avoid windy conditions that could spread the plant's irritating oils.
Place removed poison ivy plants and any contaminated clothing or tools in heavy-duty trash bags. Seal the bags tightly and dispose of them in the garbage to prevent the spread of poison ivy.
For small patches of poison ivy, manually pull the plants out by the roots, ensuring you remove all parts of the plant, including the roots. Use a shovel or garden tool to dig out larger plants.
Consider using herbicides specifically formulated to kill poison ivy. Look for products containing glyphosate or triclopyr, which are effective in eradicating the plant.
Keep an eye on the treated area for regrowth of poison ivy. If necessary, repeat the removal process or apply additional herbicide to eliminate any remaining plants.