About two years ago, while at my sister-in-laws, I noticed some poison ivy in one of her planted beds. Closer inspection revealed a main trunk next to a pine tree thicker than my thumb. Looking up, I could see the runners were up to fifteen feet into the tree. I asked if she would mind if I eradicated the infestation. With her permission granted, I went home, gathered my supplies, and went to work.
I cut the main trunk at the base, sprayed the leaves around the bed with glyphosate, and left the herbicide to work its magic. Over the next few months, I took care of any stray shoots, and keep an eye on the bed when I visit. So far, only a few stragglers will appear, and are sprayed when found. II haven't found any this season so far, which is a good sign. I did the same at my mothers house years ago after my wife had a terrible reaction to some in a bed she was clearing for the approaching sale of my mother's house. Neither of us had noticed the poison ivy, and while I'm usually not affected, my wife's strong reaction required a visit to the doctor.
The day before yesterday, while at the back of the land, I noticed a few poison ivy leaves near the ground. Looking closer, I realized the entire area was filled with poison ivy, and as much as I wanted to spray, the wind was too high. So, today won't be a good day to spray either. Tomorrow will be the same, and it's not looking like it will be accomplished until next week, if not later. It will be a new battle, but I plan on winning. It's been years since I had a real bad dealing with poison ivy after clearing a right of way on a project. The painful itch was maddening, and only the hottest of water I could stand would relieve the itch. It took over a week for the areas on my arms to finally become clear, and the memory will remain forever.