Poison ivy grows fairly quickly and propagates itself by underground rhizomes and seeds. The seeds are quickly spread by birds and other animals that eat the small fruits. For light infestations, digging and hand pulling of small plants is effective. Spot spraying the foliage with a non selective herbicide containing glyphosate (Round Up, Kleen Up) or a poison ivy killer may be necessary. When working around poison ivy, always wear long sleeved shirts, long plants, and protective gloves (disposal plastic gloves are ideal). Heavy growths of poison ivy should never be removed by hand because of the obvious hazard. Control with chemicals is most effective during active growth especially in early mid summer. The chemicals are most efficiently absorbed and translocated through the plant at these times.