--- Thank you for all the usefull info. I didn't know any of this!
I'll print this out and keep it in the laundry room. I make
everyone strip after a hike and dump all clothes/shoes into washing
machine right away. (Here is where you can imagine naked family
scurrying through house.) Never thought about it during winter
though.
Psychomommy
In letterbox-usa@yahoogroups.com, HANNAHKAT@a... wrote:
> Also remember that you can get poison ivy (poison oak resides west
of the Mississippi) anytime of year from any part of the plant
(roots, stems, leaves, flowers, berries)...even when there are no
leaflets on it! The oils can last up to a year on clothing if you
don't wash them thoroughly.
>
> Try using TECHNU for washing yourself and your clothes (remember to
use COLD water on your skin! Warm water will just open your pores and
let it all in).
>
> Also, I sometimes carry some rubbing alcohol with me,which is
pretty good for washing the oils off when I'm out in the field and
won't be back for a while.
>
> When it is growing in vine form it has profuse orangey brown
rootlets. I always tell kids, if you see a vine that "needs a shave"
don't touch it. And if it has white berries, don't touch it! Poison
ivy and poison sumac both have whitish greenish berries.
>
> Sorry to go on...it's the naturalist in me:)
>
> -Kim aka Rustypuff