Digging

• The most inexpensive way to eliminate poison ivy is to simply dig the plant up. Prior to digging, make sure that you protect yourself. If any skin is exposed, you risk infection; if possible, avoid touching the plant at all. Use a shovel to dig around the plant, deep enough to get under all the roots. If any part of the root is left, the plant will likely grow back. Put the plant in a plastic bag and dispose.
  
  

Natural Spray

• If you feel more at ease killing the plant prior to digging, there is an all-natural mixture that will kill vegetation; it will kill all vegetation, not only the poison ivy, so use with care. Mix 1 gallon of vinegar and 1 cup of salt in a pan and heat until the salt is dissolved. Add 1/4 tsp. of biodegradable liquid soap and put in a spray bottle. Spray liberally over plants. You can substitute 1/2 cup of orange oil for salt if you are spraying close to a well so the salt will not leech into the water supply. Do not boil the orange oil; simply mix all ingredients and spray. It may take multiple applications to be effective. Once the poison ivy is dead, dig up the plant and the roots with a shovel and dispose. Remember, even after the plant it dead it is still toxic.
  
  

Smothering

• Never, ever burn poison ivy; the fumes are more harmful then physical contact. However, you can smother it by cutting it close to the ground and piling old newspapers or magazines on top of it. Then dig it up by the roots and dispose of it.
  
  

Goats

• If you live in a place with prolific poison ivy growth and are willing and able, Spanish and Angora goats love to feast on poison ivy and can do so without any annoying symptoms. However, do not ingest the goat milk, as humans will receive the same symptoms as direct contact with the plant.