Abstract This paper examines various methods of poison-oak eradication as well as the reasons that controlling this plant may prove to be necessary or advisable. Touching any member of the poison oak family causes an oozing, itchy, misery-inducing rash. Among the methods that are discussed for eradication are controlled burning, mechanical control (such as mowing it), herbicide use and biocontrol ? usually in the form of hungry goats.
From the Paper "In most cases, the next stage is the appearance of small, water-filled blisters. This tends to coincide with the period of maximum itching. In the most severe cases, the blisters will be much larger and will tend to merge into each other. In even the most severe case, the rash recedes in between one and four weeks without any treatment ? although most sufferers do use topical medications to reduce the itching. Reducing itching it important because scratching the blisters spreads the resin and so spreads the rash."
