Your Seasonal Poison Ivy Update: How To Prevent And Treat A Poison Ivy Outbreak

by Mandi Carozza September 23, 2021

Did you know poison ivy is still active even when no leaves are present?

As we step into colder months, please keep in mind that poisonous plants are still a threat to you, your kids — and even your pets!

How To Identify Poison Ivy In The Fall

Poison ivy contains a potent and resilient oil called urushiol, which is present not only on leaves but also on the vine of the plant.

When this oil comes into contact with your skin, it can result in a rash that welts and blisters.

We know first-hand how uncomfortable a poison ivy reaction can be, so we talked to our friends and poisonous plant experts at Tecnu to understand how to avoid contact with poison ivy and what to do if you happen to encounter it.

Stay safe while hiking this season. Read on to find out what to look for and how to treat poison ivy now.

Avoid Poison Ivy Fall Yard Tips

How To Avoid Contact With Poison Ivy

The best way to steer clear of poison ivy is to:

Know How To Identify Poison Ivy

Identifying poison ivy comes down to the golden rule: “leaves of three let them be.” If you see plants with three leaves, do your best to move out of their way. Be mindful that poison ivy changes color with the seasons, so it doesn’t always look the same. It’s red when it emerges in the spring, but during summer, the leaves are green. In fall, poison ivy can present itself in multiple colors (red, orange, yellow). During winter, poison ivy may seem dormant (without leaves), but its oil is still active.

Learn Where Poison Ivy Grows

Refer to the map below to learn where poison ivy grows throughout the United States. As you can see, it looks different in various parts of the country.

Stay on Well-Groomed Trails and Avoid Thick Vegetation

Poison ivy is a wild plant, so there’s no knowing exactly where it will grow. The best way to steer clear of this plant is by staying on trails that are well maintained.

Plus, when you stay on the trail you help keep our natura spaces beautiful by practicing Leave No Trace.

Don’t Let Pets Venture Into The Brush

Even if your pet doesn’t have a reaction to poison ivy, they can still carry the oil on their fur. Since urushiol is such a stubborn oil, it can spread quickly to other areas like your car, home and more. Keep your pets on the trail and try to deter them from interacting with any suspicious plants.

How To Treat Poison Ivy Fast

If you already know that you came into contact with poison ivy, it’s best to eradicate the oil right away. You can do this by cleaning everything: wash your clothes, clean your gear and take a shower. Wipe down pets and clean the interior of your car. Remember that the oil is stubborn, so it’s important to clean quickly and efficiently.

If you’re experiencing a rash from poison ivy, check out the Tecnu Poison Ivy Guide to find answers to tons of frequently asked questions including:

Do you need immediate relief from poison ivy?

Unfortunately, you can do everything right and still encounter a poisonous plant. There’s no knowing how you’ll react to it, so it’s best to have treatment on hand.

Tecnu Detox Wipes: Your Best Defense Against Poison Ivy

We suggest adding Tecnu Detox Wipes to your 10 essentials. The faster you treat the affected area, the quicker you can alleviate your poison ivy reaction.

Click here to order your best defense against poison ivy now.