I should have been clearer - after you spray poison ivy, how long should you wait before pulling it. I want to pull it so the lawn mower won't spread it around or send the oil airborne (which I read can happen).

That information should be on the label, but generally you should wait 24 to 48 hours, longer is better, before mowing. Also be aware that even the "dead" plants still contain the urushiol, the active ingredient that causes the rash and itch. Handle with due care.

I too am having great difficulty with poison ivy, and am hoping someone can help with a few questions. The plants are in my garden nestled up with my flowering plants. I am worried about pulling, since my experience with pulling other ivies is that the dirt flies up all over the place, usually landing on me. I have heard of painting the pesticide on the plant. What happens if it rains after doing this. Will the herbicide drip off onto the soil and poison it and the roots of the plant standing next to it? I'm looking at using roundup or a similar type of herbicide. Thanks,

Kira

I always wear gloves, breathing mask, and optionally long pants and sleeves when working with questionable vines or plants. Sometimes I even do it with disposable gloves.

The herbicide should give you a general time frame in which it would be rain-safe, but you should also be prepared that there might be some unexpected plant casualties even if you are very careful.

Some people did stick the vine end into a small cup or container with Roundup. I think poison ivy would absorb it in a similar way if you did that. That way, you can reduce the amount of plants that will get exposed to the herbicide.