Rabbit droppings in the yard, especially when accumulating on lawns and patios, create an unsanitary environment. Wild rabbits can produce over a hundred pellets daily, leading to a rapid, unsightly buildup. This issue is common in residential areas where rabbits find abundant food and shelter. This article offers practical solutions for safely removing this waste and implementing long-term strategies to keep rabbits out of your yard.
Identifying the Source and Safety Concerns
The most commonly found rabbit waste is the fecal pellet: a hard, dry, brownish, nearly spherical dropping. Rabbits also produce soft, clustered droppings called cecotropes, but they usually re-ingest these for nutritional purposes, so they are rarely seen in the yard. Wild rabbit waste is distinct from other backyard pests; raccoon and skunk feces are larger, and woodchucks typically excrete waste underground.
Handling any wild animal waste requires caution, even if the pellets appear dry. Wild rabbits can be carriers of parasites, such as roundworms and tapeworms, which can potentially cause illness in pets or humans upon contact. Direct exposure can also transmit various bacteria, making preventative measures necessary before cleanup. Always wear rubber or vinyl gloves when collecting droppings. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water after removing the gloves to minimize health risks.
Immediate Cleanup and Removal Techniques
The physical removal process should be tailored to the surface to ensure thorough cleanup. For large areas of lawn, a standard lawnmower equipped with a collection bag, set to a high blade height, can effectively vacuum up the pellets. This method is efficient for widespread distribution, as the airflow pulls the lightweight pellets into the bag. Alternatively, a dedicated shop vacuum is effective for dry pellets, as the suction lifts the droppings from the grass canopy with minimal effort.
For concentrated piles or droppings on hard surfaces like patios, decks, or walkways, use a long-handled rake and tray scooper set. These tools allow collection without bending over and are gentle enough for various surfaces. Avoid sweeping dry pellets with a stiff broom, as they crumble easily, creating dust and spreading contaminants. A soft-bristled brush or a damp paper towel is preferable for collecting smaller, scattered amounts on smooth surfaces.
Sanitation and Responsible Disposal
Collected rabbit droppings must be disposed of properly to prevent further contamination. Considering the parasites wild animals may carry, seal the waste in a plastic bag and dispose of it with household trash. Although rabbit droppings are a valuable “cold” manure rich in nitrogen, wild waste should generally be discarded rather than used as fertilizer. If composting is attempted, the process must reach high temperatures to neutralize potential pathogens, making it safest to avoid using wild droppings on vegetable gardens.
After removing the solid waste, sanitize any affected hard surfaces, such as decks or concrete areas. A simple disinfectant solution is a mixture of one part household bleach to ten parts water. Apply this solution to the contaminated area, allowing it to soak for at least five minutes. Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water afterward to deactivate any remaining bacteria or viral agents.
Strategies for Deterring Rabbits
Installing Physical Barriers
The most reliable strategy for preventing future contamination is installing physical barriers that block access to the yard. An effective rabbit-proof fence requires a height of at least two to three feet above ground to prevent jumping. The mesh material must be secured tightly and should have openings no larger than one inch to prevent animals from squeezing through.
Because rabbits are proficient diggers, the fence must also extend below ground level to prevent burrowing underneath. The bottom edge of the wire should be buried at least six inches deep. Alternatively, create a six-inch apron bent outward and tacked to the soil surface. This out-turned apron deters the rabbit when it attempts to dig near the barrier, encountering the mesh instead of soft soil.
Modifying Habitat
Modifying the habitat can make your yard less appealing to rabbits seeking cover. Rabbits are prey animals and prefer areas that offer quick concealment from predators. Remove unnecessary brush piles, lumber stacks, or dense weed patches that provide ready-made shelter. Trimming the low-hanging branches of shrubs and bushes eliminates ground-level hiding spots.
Using Repellents
When physical barriers are impractical, repellents can be used as a secondary measure, though they require persistent reapplication. The most effective commercial repellents are based on putrescent egg solids, which generate a sulfurous odor mimicking a predator. Other taste-based repellents contain concentrated pepper extract or bittering agents that make plants unpalatable. These products should be reapplied every two weeks, or immediately after rain, as their effectiveness diminishes with weather exposure.