Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

rate this answer

Wednesday - November 12, 2008
From: Woodbridge , VA
Region: Mid-Atlantic
Topic: Pests, Poisonous Plants
Title: Topical treatment for poison ivy rash
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I would like to know a topical treatment for the poison ivy rashANSWER:
There are lots of over-the-counter medications and home remedies for treating poison ivy that you can find by Googling "poison ivy remedy". Mr. Smarty Plants does not have a "silver bullet" remedy but can offer this advice in brief:
1. Learn to recognize poison ivy and avoid it. ("Leaves of three; let it be.")
2. If you inadvertently come into contact with it, thoroughly clean the area with rubbing alcohol and then soap and water. There are even commercially available neutralizing agents (Google "poison ivy cleanser") that you can carry with you to use in the field if you come in contact with poison ivy. This will at least reduce the symptoms.
3. Read this same advice from wikiHow in more detail.
4. If you have a severe reaction to poison ivy, see your physician for medication to relieve your symptoms.
More Pests Questions
Caterpillars on Milkweed in MA
January 23, 2016 - I have found every year a black/red caterpillars on my milkweed. They eat everything! I have never been able to find out what they are or how to get rid of them.
view the full question and answer
Possible damage by invasive, non-native earthworms in compost
January 03, 2007 - I received a worm bin (vermicomposter) for Christmas. The instructions that came with the bin say to use the red wiggler worm (Eisenia foetida) and that it is okay if some of the worms go into your g...
view the full question and answer
Protection of Mountain Laurel from Pyralid or Genista moth caterpillars
May 28, 2006 - I have a Texas Mountain Laurel. Every year it is attacked by caterpillars. They form a bag for lack of a better word on the ends of the branches destroying the blooms for the following year. PLEASE...
view the full question and answer
What is hollowing out my rosebuds in Austin, TX?
April 28, 2012 - I recently noticed some of my rose buds had been hollowed out from the inside. I have seen no evidence of insect though. What do you think it is and how can I treat the problem?
view the full question and answer
Honeybees swarming around galls on oak trees
September 28, 2015 - A large number of honeybees have descended on a live oak tree in my backyard. They appear to be feeding on the numerous galls on the tree as if they were flowers. What's going on?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |