All the old tricks on killing it remain, but it still must be removed after it is killed. Coat leaves with a herbicide containing ammonium sulfamate, repeat as necessary. Spray plants with a supersaturated solution of salt and water, on a warm, sunny day. Add dishwasher liquid, to make the solution stick to the plants. It's not so good for the soil.
Paint leaves with vinegar.
Repeat as necessary. Burning poison ivy is a no-no, said Chris Coakley of Wilmington and Jeff Ayers of South Weymouth. Do not burn poison ivy, they said, because the smoke is toxic and can really do a job on eyes and lungs. Good point, gentlemen, and appreciated, but the handyman did not suggest burning the entire plant, only burning the roots at ground level, which is enough to kill the plant. Even smoke from burning roots is toxic, but is certainly less so than burning the entire plant.