Where is poison ivy found in NC? How to avoid and remove the itchy plant
If you’ve ever heard the saying “leaves of three, let it be,” chances are you or someone you know has come into contact with poison ivy – and suffered the consequences.
The adage comes from the appearance of the poison ivy plant, where each leaf contains three smaller leaflets, according to Mayo Clinic.
As the weather warms up and people start spending more time outside, it’s time to start thinking about getting rid of the toxic plant.
A Charlotte resident posted to Reddit on Sunday asking others if they knew any companies that removed poison ivy.
“Can anyone refer a company that will do proper poison ivy removal?” the unnamed user asked. “Contacted two so far and they both have said they will spray, but I really want this stuff ripped out for good. Trying to avoid a not-so-fun DIY project.”
There are safe ways to get rid of poison ivy, but not taking the proper precautions can lead to problems.
Here’s where poison ivy is found in North Carolina, how to remove it and what to do if you come into contact with it.
Where poison ivy is found
Poison Ivy is most commonly found in wooded areas and fields in North Carolina, but it can also be found in yards, according to the N.C. State Extension, an organization that provides information on agriculture, health and nutrition.
The plant can grow as a small shrub, which can reach lengths of six feet, or a vine that can grow up to 150 feet and climb trees, walls and fences, the N.C. State Extension says.
How to know you’ve been exposed to poison ivy
All parts of the poison ivy plant contain a toxic oil called urushiol that causes long-lasting skin irritations, but some people are immune to its effects, the N.C. State Extension, says.
Infections can occur from direct and indirect contact with the poison ivy, and breathing smoke from a fire when the plant is burned.
Other symptoms of poison ivy rash include redness, itching, swelling and blisters on the skin, according to Mayo Clinic.
The rash often appears in a straight line due to the way the plant brushes against your skin, but the rash may appear more spread out if you touch something that has urushiol on it, Mayo Clinic says.
Can you develop an immunity to poison ivy?
Though some believe that it’s possible to reduce sensitivity to poison ivy by increasing their exposure, there is little scientific evidence to support the idea, according to PBS North Carolina science writer Rossie Izlar.
People are actually more likely to develop a rash due to repeated exposure, “because the rash is your bodies’ immune system responding to what it perceives as a threat,” Izar wrote.
An estimated 10% of the population can tolerate urushiol, but those who have never had poison ivy rash may not have come into contact with the plant enough to develop an immune response.
How to treat poison ivy rash
Mild poison ivy rash can be treated at home with lotions and cool baths, according to Mayo Clinic. Severe cases may require prescription medication.
According to Mayo Clinic, you should see a doctor if:
The reaction is severe or widespread
Your skin continues to swell
The rash affects your eyes, mouth or genitals
Blisters are oozing pus
You develop a fever greater than 100 degrees
Your rash doesn’t get better within a few weeks
How to safely remove poison ivy
Once you identify poison ivy plants, you can remove them by removing as much of their roots as possible while wearing gloves, pants and shoes to avoid getting a rash, according to the N.C. State Extension.
Herbicides like Roundup can also be used to control poison ivy. The chemicals are most effective during the early summer when new plants are sprouting, the N.C. State Extension says.
Some Charlotte landscaping companies, such as Powell & Sons and King Landscapers, offer poison ivy removal services.
