Poison Ivy in Pennsylvania

Landscape Contractors in Central Pennsylvania need to be on the look out for out of control poison ivy. Poison ivy seems to be more problematic in central Pennsylvania this year than it's been in previous years, said Deb Roberson, lawn and garden manager at the Stauffers of Kissel Hill garden center.

Exact numbers of poison ivy cases are tough to pinpoint because so many cases go unreported, according to a 2006 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. More than 350,000 people each year suffer from poison ivy each year, according to that study.

"Poison ivy is always a problem,” said Deb Roberson, “and it will grow whether it is watered or not," Roberson said. Because of the recent spell of dry weather, people assume that poison ivy, which especially thrives in wet conditions, shouldn't be an issue. But Roberson said many customers come into Stauffers saying they are experiencing more problems this year with poison ivy growing rapidly in their flowerbeds "where it's a bit difficult to control."

Currently, no product is on the market that can tell the difference between a desirable plant and a weed like poison ivy, she said. There are products designed for tough brush and "woody plants," but the non-selective chemicals in them work through the plant system and attack it from the root, which "will kill the flowers in the bed, as well." Oil triggers the rash: Contact with poison ivy -- or its relatives, poison oak and poison sumac -- leads to an itchy rash.

The plants are covered with an oil called urushiol, which causes an allergic reaction in most people. People's sensitivity to it varies, but as with most allergies, more exposure means more sensitivity. Limiting poison ivy isn't the only issue because "you also need to avoid things that have touched it and might have picked up the oil," she said.

Troy Shenberger, owner of Troy Shenberger's Landscaping & Pond Designs in Dover, said he "could roll around in the poisonous leaves and be completely fine."But Shenberger said he and his landscapers have noticed an increased amount of poison ivy this year in comparison to years past. The poison ivy and sumac is especially prominent on the edge of woods, in un-weeded flowerbeds, and climbing trees and in creek banks, he said.

Each spring, Shenberger uses a passed-down family remedy that he "swears keeps him immune to the poison ivy." But he chooses to keep it a secret "because I don't think doctors would recommend it," he said with a laugh.

In order to prevent poison ivy, people should wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and boots and gloves when most at risk, especially when playing in wooded areas, around lakes, or going on hikes.

Barry Sparks, spokesman for WellSpan Medical Group, said it's hard to tell how many poison ivy cases affect the York area because everyone handles the reaction differently. In most instances, if a person needs medical attention, they go to their personal medical care provider, he said.

Act fast: Also, when in exposed areas, applying ivy-block is recommended. According to the FDA, within 10 minutes of exposure to the poison, one can:

• First, cleanse exposed areas with rubbing alcohol,
  
• Next, wash the exposed areas with water only (no soap yet, since soap can move the urushiol, which is the oil from the poison ivy that triggers the rash, around your body and actually make the reaction worse),
  
• Now, take a shower with soap and warm water,
  
• Lastly, put gloves on and wipe everything you had with you, including shoes, tools, and your clothes, with rubbing alcohol and water.
  

Unfortunately, if one waits more than 10 minutes, the urushiol will likely stay on the skin and trigger the poison ivy rash.