Poison ivy control can be executed any time of the year, but is best achieved during May through July, while the plants are flowering. Poison ivy should be accurately identified before you attempt any control measures. Spraying with herbicide is recommended over burning poison ivy, because its oil vaporizes when hot, and can carry in smoke, causing a severe rash. While a nuisance to people, poison ivy compensates by having considerable value for wildlife. The white, waxy berries are a popular food for songbirds during fall migration and in winter when other foods are scarce.
Many birds feed on insects hiding in tangled poison ivy vines.
Small animals and deer graze on the poison ivy foliage, twigs and berries. Follow the label directions when using this or any herbicide, and do not spray so heavily that the herbicide drips off the leaves. Glyphosate is a nonselective herbicide and will kill any vegetation it contacts. To kill poison ivy that has climbed into trees, cut the vine six inches above the ground. If resprouting occurs, treat the leaves with glyphosate.