An old enemy lies in wait for the unsuspecting

Poison ivy is out in full force, and will be hanging around until a hard frost sends it away.

"Every five years or so, I get poison ivy," said gardening expert Margaret Hagen of the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension. "It usually takes me four to six weeks to get rid of it. It's awful, so I try hard not to get it."

Exposure to urushiol, an oil produced by the plant and found in its leaves and stems, causes an allergic reaction — the itchy rash. Some people have reactions so severe they need medical attention or even hospitalization.

For more ...

http://www.unionleader.com/article/20130603/NEWS12/130609864