In loving memory of Kenis D. Keathley 6/4/81 - 3/27/22 Loving father, husband, brother, friend and firewood hoarder Rest in peace, Dexterday

Poison Ivy

Discussion in 'The Wood Pile' started by ReelFaster, Mar 19, 2026 at 11:10 AM.

  1. ReelFaster

    ReelFaster

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    Wood score I had about two weeks ago I posted about, well some of it had some poison ivy vines on it.

    I was careful and pulled most of it off but probably didn't get them all. My question is should I axe off what I see and can find still attached to the rounds or just let those rounds sit for a loong period of time and let it die/dry up on it's own.
     
  2. Eric Wanderweg

    Eric Wanderweg

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    My SOP with those vines is to avoid cutting them with a saw as much as possible. I don’t want the dust and oils from them getting airborne and covering everything. I pry them off as best I can, but as for the little hairy remnants that get left behind, I don’t worry about them. I haven’t had any issues yet when they do go into my stove a couple years later.
     
  3. ReelFaster

    ReelFaster

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    Thanks for info, I probably should have thought of that when cutting :doh:

    Would like to get it split to start drying but I know I'll loose track of being careful and probably end up with that crap on me somewhere somehow. The stuff is a PITA seems to get everywhere!!!
     
  4. RCBS

    RCBS

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    I am sure to get it all off before it hits the burner. When I was a kid a couple girls in the neighborhood had a run in with some poison ivy smoke at an outdoor get together. One had it IN her ears and nose, the other had some on back of her throat and in nose. :jaw: If I hadn't lived through it I would likely argue that it's impossible. I don't really get poison anymore but when it comes to smoke, I mitigate out of fear.
     
  5. isaaccarlson

    isaaccarlson

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    Yep, can happen. They say it can happen if you mow it too, but I have mowed a bunch in my life and I keep my face inside my shirt and mow downwind.
     
  6. T.Jeff Veal

    T.Jeff Veal

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    We have cut some BIG PO/PI vines. When using the saw, I try to use the top of the bar and lower speeds, to clean area for notching. Sometimes use the axe and hookaroon to cut/pull vines off once trees are down. I've also worn disposable coveralls and gloves when dealing with big amounts of it. It can be a pain. Grapple works great for removing vines too.
    The biggest PO vines I've ever dealt with. 0812230913b.jpg
    Dead pine, green is all PO... 0812230931.jpg 0812230908.jpg
    About the size of a small tree 0812230953_HDR.jpg
    I've also used loppers to cut and pull vines off... 24788.jpg
     
  7. Backwoods Savage

    Backwoods Savage Moderator

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    There seems to be lots of that stuff no matter where you go. I don't worry much but try to be a little careful. If it is too thick I just leave it and cut somewhere else. I've cut many trees with it and try to be very careful. I'll get enough off so I can drop the tree then get more off but rarely do I get it all. I have wood in the stacks now that have it but they are small vines. I just throw those in the stove along with other wood and don't worry. I've not had a PI itch now for many years.
     
  8. jrider

    jrider

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    I'd say it depends on how bad you get it. For me, it all needs to come off. Every time I am exposed, I end up on Prednisone.
     
  9. The Wood Wolverine

    The Wood Wolverine

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    For me, it all comes off. I try to separate before bucking if I can. If not, I do it before loading. I never used to get any reaction to poison when I was younger but the older I get, the worse I get it.
     
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  10. ReelFaster

    ReelFaster

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    Honestly, this is the first time I've gotten it. Itching hasn't been terrible and tolerable. Sometimes it seems to flare up and I want to scratch the chit out of it, but I put some aloe on it and it soothes it quick.

    But the one thing I noticed is my one arm is swollen like a son of a gun on one area, almost looks deformed but has subsided a bit now almost a week later.
     
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  11. jrider

    jrider

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    Next time you’re in the shower crank the hot water as high as you can stand it and put the arm directly in the flow. Resist the initial urge to scratch and you’ll get a very satisfying relief.
     
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  12. Locust Post

    Locust Post

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    I try to remove what I can but don't stress over it. If I feel any itch start I scrub the area with bleach then with soap and water.
     
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  13. Eric VW

    Eric VW Moderator

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    If you’re worried, get some “cleaning strength” vinegar in a bug sprayer, spray what vine remnants you can’t remove.
     
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  14. buZZsaw BRAD

    buZZsaw BRAD

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    Still toxic even after its dry. Id leave and take off when you split/stack them using hatchet or machete.

    I don't get it often and when I do its on my forearms when wooding with short sleeves on. I am very mind full around it too.
     
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  15. billb3

    billb3

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    I used to pull any vines off with pliers.
    Then I sprayted the pliers off with something like brake cleaner or carb cleaner. I forget what now.

    A hatchet sounds good, too.
    Supposedly the urushiol oil can persist for a very long time.

    The oil is even in the roots.