Avoid Scratching Like a Hound

Anywhere in much of North America that there is disturbed ground and sunlight, there is likely to be the noxious native vine known as "poison ivy." Please be aware that no farm can eliminate all of this noxious weed. Many people get a serious itchy rash when they touch the leaves of this weed, so don't, if you can avoid it. If you do touch it by accident, wash the affected area with good soap right away. It's a noxious oil on the surface of the leaves that causes the unpleasant reaction, and sometimes a good wash can forestall its impact, but not always.