LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) – A wet spring in Arkansas could have caused more poison ivy to grow in places it normally wouldn't.
You've probably heard the saying before: “Leaves of three, let them be.”
Poison ivy is unfortunately very prevalent in places like Arkansas that are humid and warm. Grounds Guys groundskeeper Andrew Wagner said you might encounter more of it this summer.
“Definitely seen a little bit more of it with the moisture we got this spring. It kind of really amped everything up and going a little better,” Wagner said.
There is not just one type of poison ivy -- there are multiple. So, it is important you are aware of what the different kinds look like.
“The rounded leaves and leaves of three are going to mean it's a poison ivy or oak,” Wagner said. “The poison oak has more jagged leaves. They still have the red stem nut are smaller."
Poison Ivy can also be found in unexpected places, like your flower bed inside your mulch.
"We're putting it in the mulch. When we bring in mulch, when we grind up trees … poison ivy loves to grow up trees,” Wagner said.
Shannon Caldwell with the 4H Center said to also watch out for it on your pets."Remember that your dogs have potentially been out in the woods and they might have gotten some oil on their fur,” Caldwell said.
And if you do get poison ivy, Caldwell said to keep the area dry and clean.
"It's not contagious, so if I had a poison ivy rash on my skin I'm not contagious to other people,” she said.
If you are not sure if a plant is poison ivy, if it has three leaves then it is best to stay away.
“It’s like grease and once it gets on you it’s almost impossible to get off,” Wagner said.
Wagner recommends using something like dish soap to get the poison ivy oil off. Oatmeal bath’s and hydrocortisone can also help with the rash.
If the rash worsens, see your doctor.