. I was doing well avoiding poison ivy rash until early August. I vaguely remember something barely brushing up against my forearm, and I remember even better scrubbing the area with Dawn dish soap, which I'd read was just as effective as specially formulated products like Tec-nu in preventing the rash. But it didn't work. I also have it on the top of one foot, which really puzzles me since I always wear socks and boots. Anyway, neither spot looks like it's spreading at all.
I heard back from my agent on auto and home insurance. As I was anticipating, no one can really beat my current insurer. I get a lot of discounts with them, the biggest being roughly $230 for having driven around with a tracker for 6 months several years ago to earn a permanent discount that transferred to my new car. I was also able to save $112 on the auto by increasing the deductible, which I'd thought was already high, but that must've been a different policy. (I wouldn't mind driving with the tracker again in an effort to earn a higher discount, but I think I already asked about that at some point and they said no.) They gave me the same option with the home (increase my deductible), but i decided the savings I would achieve there wasn't worth the risk of having to pony up $5k if a tree falls on my house. With the ever-increasing ferocity of these storms, it doesn't sound like a remote possibiity.
So if you're curious, I'm paying $916 on the homeowners and $900-something on the car. Both those prices seem sky high to me but I know as soon as I say that others will tell me they're paying substantially more.
We're on day 1 of another heat wave here in New England...the 4th? I went to Stop & Shop and Aldi's this morning, then sat in on a meeting of one of my groups that I volunteer with, then went to the gym but could only eke out 15 minutes on the treadmill.
The End
August 11th, 2025 at 11:55 pm 1754956553
It is possible that, at some point, the oil dripped down and onto your feet. Or perhaps it's separate contact that you did not notice earlier.
Regardless, to remove the oil, Dawn or similar dish detergent is the right answer. Also, its complete removal should prevent it from spreading.
However, just because the resin is gone does not necessarily mean the allergic reaction will go away immediately. If it persists or is too uncomfortable, you may also want to consider putting some kind of anti-itch topical on the trouble area, see if that doesn't help.
August 12th, 2025 at 02:26 pm 1755008777
Ours is ready to renew now and it's $1190 with a $5000 deductible. We've not filed a claim in recent years and yet it's increased from around $600 about 5 years ago. Ugh.
August 12th, 2025 at 06:24 pm 1755023096
As weather events intensify in frequency and severity, rates will continue to rise. Some people will become uninsurable, but we will all,pay the price.
Add that to price increases in material due to tariffs and labor shortages due to deportation, and everyone’s rates will increase.
But f you are in the unlucky group with claims, you’ll be happy to have it.
August 13th, 2025 at 03:42 pm 1755099720
Sorry about the poison ivy; it can be miserable!