By Ditch the Itch – Serving itchy Michiganders so you can enjoy your yard year-round
That pretty vine glowing red and orange on your fence line in September? It’s still poison ivy, still loaded with urushiol, and yes, your skin will react even if the leaves are crisp or the vine looks dead. Late summer and fall are prime times for surprise rashes because yard cleanup, fire-pit prep, and trail trimming bring hidden plants into contact.
Urushiol Doesn’t Disappear. The oily resin that causes itching lingers on bare stems, roots, gloves, and tools—sometimes for years. Hauling brush or blowing leaves can spread urushiol onto your skin without you realizing it. Never burn branches with poison ivy; smoke can carry urushiol particles and cause respiratory irritation.
Why Late-Season Treatment Matters
- Visibility Improves – With other vegetation thinning, it’s easier to spot the runners as they climb trees or weave through perennials.
- Plant Activity Continues – Roots stay active under the soil, so targeted herbicide applications now disrupt spring growth. Waiting for a freeze misses this key window.
- You’re Already Outdoors – Fall chores like gutter cleaning and leaf raking make it convenient to add an ivy inspection and professional removal to your to-do list.
Our Proven Fall Removal Process
At Ditch the Itch, we start with a phone consultation to assess your situation. Then:
- Targeted Herbicide Application – We use a selective systemic herbicide that attacks woody vines while leaving grass unharmed. It’s safe for people and pets once dry, typically within 90 minutes.
- Physical Removal – In high-traffic areas, our team follows up by removing dead vines and roots to speed cleanup and prevent regrowth.
- Protective Measures – We advise on establishing wider buffer zones around ornamentals, such as dogwoods or lilacs, to minimize collateral damage.
Fall Safety Do’s and Don’ts
- Do bag suspect vines carefully—double-glove if you handle them.
- Don’t ever burn brush that might contain poison ivy, oak, or sumac.
- Do wash tools and pets with a degreasing soap after contact.
- Don’t assume winter will kill the oil or the roots—it won’t.
Bottom Line: If you’re preparing your yard for fall activities, now’s the time to tackle poison ivy professionally. We’ll help you finish the season itch-free and set up a smoother, rash-free spring.
Contact us at 833-366-4824 or request a quote online.
Year-Round Prevention & Follow-Up
- Annual Maintenance Plans: We offer seasonal check-ups to monitor for new growth and apply follow-up treatments as needed, keeping your landscape itch-free year‑round.
- Monitoring & Reporting: After initial removal, our team inspects treated areas and provides a detailed report on regrowth risk and recommended follow-up actions.
- Landscape Recommendations: We can advise on planting non-susceptible ground covers and installing barriers to reduce the risk of future invasions.
Let’s send poison ivy packing before sweater weather really kicks in—and set you up for a cleaner, rash-free yard every season. Let’s send poison ivy packing before sweater weather really kicks in!