Stay Safe
Key Tips to Stay Safe
from Poison Ivy.
Understanding poison ivy is your first line of defense.
Whether you’re hiking in the woods, gardening in your backyard, or your kids are playing near the tree line — a little knowledge goes a long way. Here’s what every New Englander should know.
Know It. Avoid It. Clean It.
Dan Cooper’s three-step framework for protecting yourself, your family, and your pets from poison ivy exposure.
Know the Plant
Poison ivy can show up in different forms at different times of the summer. The rule of thumb: three leaves on one stem, with inconsistent jagged edges. It’s shiny green in summer, red-orange in fall, and a bare vine in winter — the urushiol is active all year. When in doubt, don’t touch it.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Be mindful of what may have touched poison ivy. Skin, toys, pets, gardening tools, shoes, clothes — urushiol transfers easily and can expose you hours, or even days, after the original contact.
Clean Thoroughly
For skin contact: within 10 minutes of contact, wash with cold water and soap (cold water keeps pores closed). For other items: wash thoroughly with cold water, or launder clothing and tools as soon as possible.
Urushiol Stays Active for Up to 12 Months
On objects like shoes, toys, clothes, or tools — if not washed off properly, urushiol can transfer to your skin long after the original exposure. This is why clothing and gear from wooded walks should always be washed separately and thoroughly.
At-a-Glance Tips
Within 10 Minutes of Skin Contact
Wash exposed skin with cold water and soap. Cold water keeps pores closed, preventing the oil from seeping deeper. Avoid hot water — it opens the pores and spreads the urushiol.
Pets & Animals
Pets don’t typically react to urushiol, but they carry the oil on their fur. If your dog has been running through the woods, wear gloves when bathing them and use pet shampoo with cool water.
Clothing, Tools, and Equipment
Wash separately from other laundry. Tools and shoes can be wiped down with rubbing alcohol or a strong degreaser. Don’t forget leashes, backpacks, and sports equipment.
Burning Poison Ivy — Never
Never burn poison ivy. The smoke carries urushiol into your lungs and can cause a severe allergic reaction inside the respiratory system that requires emergency medical attention.
Already Exposed? Zanfel Works.
The only effective remedy we trust to treat the painful effects of poison ivy is Zanfel. We often find ourselves up to our armpits in poison ivy, and on occasion we contract it ourselves — and Zanfel is what we reach for.
It’s the best way to cure the itch once the rash has started. Apply as soon as you notice symptoms and the urushiol will be lifted from your skin.
Have Poison Ivy on Your Property?
The safest way to deal with poison ivy is to not deal with it yourself. Let our licensed team eradicate it — guaranteed.