The poison ivy reaction can be reduced if you change clothing immediately and wash the exposed skin with soap and water. If you can wash all the oil off exposed skin within five minutes of contact, no reaction will occur. Even water from a running stream is an effective cleanser. · Here, a weed control expert weighs the pros and cons of different ways to get rid of poison ivy and shares the most effective way to kill poison ivy effectively and permanently. · Learn how to kill poison ivy and keep it from coming back with 7 safe, effective steps—without damaging your lawn or garden. Learn how to identify, avoid, and manage poison ivy, a native vine that causes allergic reactions in most people. Find out about pulling, digging, foliar spray, stump treatment, and herbicide options for this weed. · To get the best control of poison ivy, 2,4-D and 2,4-D mixtures should be applied when leaves are fully expanded. Repeat treatments can be used to control new flushes of growth. · “While natural methods do exist, commercial herbicide will be the most effective treatment for poison ivy,” says McCord. “It can be directly sprayed onto the leaves, and the leaves will begin to yellow and curl within a few days.” · Learn how to identify, treat, and safely remove poison ivy. Includes rash prevention, washing tips, and effective herbicide control methods.