POISON IVY

It is June, which means poison ivy, oak and sumac are in full effect.

The good news is, in Omaha and the surrounding areas, we only need to worry about one plant – poison ivy.

There are two types of poison ivy – Western and Eastern.

Again, there is good news – in the eastern part of Nebraska, we only need to worry about the Eastern poison ivy.

ALWAYS remember – Leaves of Three, Let It Be

Poison ivy causes misery for several states as it grows on the ground of back yards, hiking paths, lakes, and beaches, climbs fences and sides of houses, and sometimes appears as a shrub.

There are several other three-leafed plants that are harmless.

To determine whether a three-leafed plant is poison ivy, remember:

Lastly, if you have a dog or cat – BEWARE!

Although pets cannot get the rash, they can carry the urushiol oil on their fur that can rub off on you.

GETTING RID OF POISON IVY

The best way to get rid of poison ivy is to dig the plant out with the root.

When disposing of poison ivy, do not burn the plants.  When burned, the leaves release chemicals that can brother your eyes, nose and/or lungs.