Deer droppings in a residential yard are a common issue, signaling that local wildlife finds the property appealing. Handling this requires a thoughtful approach to ensure safety and effective removal. This article provides a practical, step-by-step guide to address the cleanup process safely and offers strategies to prevent deer from returning.
Health and Safety Concerns
Contact with deer droppings carries a risk of exposure to various bacteria and parasites that can cause illness in humans and pets. Although the overall risk is low, caution is warranted, especially for young children or pets that might ingest the feces. Deer are known carriers of harmful bacteria, including Escherichia coli (O157:H7) and Salmonella species, which can cause severe gastrointestinal distress.
Parasites such as Giardia lamblia are also found in deer feces, capable of causing giardiasis, an intestinal illness. Additionally, Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease affecting the liver and kidneys, is spread through the urine of infected animals and can contaminate the droppings and soil. General hygiene practices remain a priority when dealing with any wild animal waste.
Effective Cleanup and Sanitation
When beginning cleanup, take precautions to protect yourself from potential pathogens. Always wear disposable or heavy-duty rubber gloves. Consider wearing a face mask, particularly if the droppings are dry, to avoid inhaling dust particles that might contain bacteria or spores. Immediately wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after removing the gloves.
For physical removal, use a dedicated garden scoop, shovel, or rake to gently lift the droppings from the surface. Avoid using a high-pressure hose, which can disperse the fecal matter and aerosolize potential contaminants. Once collected, place the material directly into a durable plastic bag or a covered bucket.
After physical waste removal, sanitation of the affected area mitigates any remaining microbial risk. On hard surfaces like patios or walkways, apply a solution of one part household bleach to ten parts water to disinfect the area. For grass or soil, thorough rinsing with a garden hose is usually sufficient. Sunlight and natural microbial activity will help break down residual organic matter safely over time. Tools used for collection should also be cleaned with a disinfectant solution before storage.
Disposal Methods and Garden Use
Once collected, there are two primary options for disposal, depending on local regulations and interest in gardening. The simplest method is to seal the waste securely in a bag and place it in the regular household trash bin. If your municipality allows for yard waste disposal, the bag may be placed in the designated yard waste container.
Deer droppings can be composted, as this low-odor, herbivore manure serves as a beneficial soil amendment. However, fresh wild animal manure carries the risk of containing live pathogens, requiring a “hot” composting system for safety. The compost pile must consistently reach a minimum internal temperature of 140°F (60°C) for at least five consecutive days to neutralize harmful bacteria like E. coli. If a hot pile cannot be maintained, the material should be allowed to age for several months, often 40 days or longer, and kept separate from edible gardens.
Preventing Future Droppings
The most effective long-term solution is implementing strategies that discourage deer from entering the yard. The most reliable physical barrier is a tall fence, as deer can easily leap over lower structures. To effectively prevent jumping, the fence height should be at least 7.5 to 8 feet.
If a full-height fence is not feasible due to cost or neighborhood rules, alternative designs can confuse the deer’s depth perception. Examples include an angled fence tilted outward at 45 degrees or a double fence line with two shorter barriers placed a few feet apart. Secure the base of any fence, as deer may attempt to crawl beneath it if the bottom is not flush with the ground.
Repellents offer another layer of defense and can be used in combination with physical barriers. They are categorized as taste-based, which make plants unappealing, or scent-based, which deter deer from the area. Common scent deterrents use ingredients like rotten eggs or predator urine. Repellents must be reapplied regularly, especially after rain, to maintain effectiveness.
Habitat modification is a low-effort technique focusing on removing common food attractants from the yard. This involves promptly picking up fallen fruit and avoiding the planting of known deer favorites like hostas, roses, or tulips. Motion-activated sprinklers or sound devices can also be placed in targeted areas. These provide a sudden, startling distraction, encouraging deer to seek a quieter place to forage.