How to Get Rid of Deer Poop in Yard: A Complete Guide

Deer are beautiful creatures that roam freely in nature. However, their presence in your yard can quickly turn into a nuisance if they leave behind droppings. Keep reading to learn how to get rid of deer poop in yard.

Not only is deer poop unpleasant to look at and smell, but it can also attract other unwanted pests and pose a health hazard. In this blog post, we will discuss the best methods to get rid of deer poop in your yard and how to keep these majestic animals away from your property. 

Understanding Deer and Their Habits

Before implementing any methods to get rid of deer poop in your yard, it’s important to understand deer and their habits. Deer are most active at dawn and dusk, so these are the best times to apply repellents or use other methods to keep them away.

Deer are attracted to yards that offer a food source and shelter. Additionally, a deer’s sense of smell is very strong and can easily be deterred by strong scents such as human hair or predator urine.

By understanding these habits, you can take proactive measures to prevent deer from coming onto your property in the first place. 

How to Get Rid of Deer Poop in Yard: Methods

Below are some different methods to get rid of deer poop in yard before it becomes a serious problem. You may want to experiment to find out the easiest way to prevent deer problems from ruining your garden by trying out some of the various methods below.

Keep Your Yard Clean

One of the simplest ways to get rid of deer poop in yard is by regularly cleaning it up. Not only does this remove the unsightly mess, but it also eliminates the scent that could attract other deer. Be sure to wear gloves and properly dispose of the distinct droppings these animals leave behind.

Avoid Growing Too Many Edible Plants

Deer are attracted to yards that provide a food source. Limit the number of edible plants in your yard, and consider planting deer-resistant species instead.

Use Perennials as a Natural Barrier

Planting perennials, such as lavender or sage, around the perimeter of your yard can act as a natural deterrent for deer. These plants have strong scents that can repel them from entering your property.

Add Visual and Physical Barriers

Deer are skittish animals and are easily startled by sudden movements or unfamiliar objects. By adding visual barriers, such as flags or wind chimes, you can scare them away from your yard.

Plant Hairy, Thorny, or Prickly Plants

Similar to using perennials as a natural barrier, planting plants with a rough texture, such as holly or barberry, can also deter deer from entering your property. These plants are uncomfortable for them to walk on and will likely keep them away.

Keep Your Garden Clean

Deer are often attracted to gardens because of the abundance of food. To prevent them from feasting on your plants, keep your garden clean by removing fallen fruits and vegetables, regularly pruning bushes and trees, and avoiding overgrowth.

Add Terraces

If your yard has a steep slope, adding terraces can create a physical barrier that deer cannot easily cross. This method also adds dimension to your yard’s landscape and can be an aesthetically pleasing option.

Frighten Them Away with Movable Ornaments

Similar to adding visual barriers, movable ornaments such as scarecrows or windmills can startle deer and keep them from coming onto your property.

Put in Fences

If all else fails, installing a deer fence around your yard is the most effective way to keep deer out. Be sure to choose a fence that is at least 8 feet tall and extends into the ground to prevent deer from jumping over or burrowing underneath.

Keep New Plants Wrapped

When planting new plants in your yard, be sure to keep them wrapped for the first season. This not only protects them from deer but also gives them time to establish themselves before being exposed to potential damage.

Electric Fences

In addition to traditional fencing, you can also consider installing an electric fence around your yard. These fences emit a mild shock when touched, effectively deterring deer from entering your property.

Motion-Activated Sprinklers 

Another option to scare away deer is by installing motion-activated sprinklers. A sprinkler system will shoot out a stream of water when triggered, frightening deer and keeping them from coming onto the grassy areas property.

Understanding Garden Deer Repellent

Deer repellents are products designed to deter deer from entering your property and causing damage. Some popular natural deer repellents include using kitty litter or pepper spray in your yard.

When applying deer repellent, it’s important to do so according to the instructions and regularly reapply after rain or snow.

Using Deer Repellent

Deer repellent is another effective method for getting rid of deer poop and preventing further damage to your yard. You can purchase commercial products or make your own using ingredients such as cayenne pepper, garlic, or eggs.

When using deer repellent, be sure to follow the instructions carefully and apply it during the appropriate times.

Below are some of the best ways to use deer repellent and how to use them to keep these beautiful animals away from your yard.

What is Deer Repellent?

Deer repellents are products designed to discourage deer from entering a specific area. They work by emitting smells or tastes that deer find unpleasant, thus keeping them away from your yard and garden.

When to Use Deer Repellent and How to Apply

The best time to apply deer repellent is during the spring and summer when deer are most active. Follow the instructions on the product carefully, and be sure to reapply after heavy rain or every few weeks.

Choosing Plants to Spray

It’s important to choose plants that are more susceptible to deer damage as they will benefit the most from being sprayed. Plants with tender, new growth or those that have been previously nibbled on by deer are good candidates.

Kitty Litter as Deer Repellant

Kitty litter is a popular and inexpensive deer repellent option. The scent of the cat urine in the litter can mimic the presence of predators, causing deer to avoid the area. To use, simply sprinkle used kitty litter around your yard perimeter or on plants that you want to protect.

Pepper Spray 

Another natural deer repellent option is pepper spray. The strong scent and taste of the pepper will deter deer from entering your yard. To use, mix one tablespoon of hot sauce or crushed red peppers with a gallon of water and apply to your plants or yard perimeter.

Liquid Sprays

Liquid deer repellent sprays are a popular option for protecting plants and are typically made with natural ingredients such as garlic, eggs, or hot peppers. They can be applied directly to the plant or used as a perimeter spray.

Homemade Re​pellent

To make your own deer repellent, you can mix together a few household ingredients such as egg yolks, garlic powder, and tabasco sauce. Simply spray the mixture on your plants or around the perimeter of your yard to keep deer away.

Egg-Based Repellent:  

Egg-based repellent is a common DIY option for keeping deer away from your yard. The strong scent of the eggs, combined with other ingredients such as garlic or hot sauce, creates an unpleasant odor that deer will avoid.

This method is effective in deterring deer and can also provide nutrients to your plants through the eggshells. However, it may need to be reapplied more frequently than other commercial repellents.

Issues with Deer Poop

Deer feces can pose several issues in your yard and garden. Not only is it unsightly, but deer droppings can also carry parasites and diseases that are harmful to humans and other animals, such as harmful bacteria, deer ticks, e. coli, and lyme disease.

They can also attract pests such as flies and rodents. Additionally, the high nitrogen content in deer poop can damage plants by burning their roots if left on for too long. It’s important to promptly remove deer poop from your yard to avoid these potential issues and maintain a clean and healthy outdoor space. 

Getting rid of deer poop in your yard is essential for maintaining a clean, safe, and attractive outdoor space. By using methods such as keeping your yard clean, adding barriers and repellents, and understanding deer habits, you can effectively keep deer away and prevent further damage.

Remember to always use caution when handling deer manure and to properly dispose of them to avoid potential health hazards. With these tips in mind, your yard will be free from pesky deer poop and thriving with beautiful plants.  

How to Get Rid of Deer Poop in Yard FAQs

Check out these frequently asked questions about how to get rid of deer poop in yard.

Should I remove deer poop from my lawn?

Whether or not you should remove deer poop from your lawn depends on your preferences and the specific situation in your yard. Deer droppings are generally not harmful to your lawn, and they can even serve as a natural fertilizer.

However, there are some factors to consider:

1. Aesthetic Preferences: If you find deer fecal matter unsightly and want to maintain a pristine lawn, you may choose to remove it. Some people prefer a neat and clean appearance.
2. Smell and Attraction of Pests: Deer droppings can have a noticeable odor, especially in larger quantities. If the smell is bothersome or if you’re concerned about attracting pests, such as flies, you might want to clean it up.

To remove deer poop in your yard naturally, you can follow these steps:

1. Wear Gloves: It’s essential to wear gloves when handling animal waste to minimize the risk of disease transmission.
2. Use a Scoop or Shovel: Gently scoop up the deer waste using a scoop or shovel. Be careful not to press the droppings into the ground.
3. Dispose Properly: Place the collected piles of poop in a compost pile or your regular trash. Do not use deer droppings in your vegetable garden unless it has been properly composted.
4. Wash the Area: After removing the deer droppings, thoroughly wash the affected area with water and a mild detergent to help eliminate any remaining traces and odors.

To deter deer from your yard and reduce the frequency of deer poop accumulation:

1. Install Deer-Resistant Plants: Consider planting deer-resistant vegetation in your garden to make your yard less appealing to them.
2. Fencing: Erecting a deer-proof fence can be an effective long-term solution to keep deer out of your yard.
3. Natural Repellents: Some natural deer repellents, such as garlic or cayenne pepper sprays, may discourage deer from entering your yard.

Remember that deer are wild animals, and managing their presence requires a balanced approach. You may choose to remove the droppings for aesthetic reasons or to minimize odors, but allowing some to decompose naturally can contribute to your lawn’s health.

Ultimately, the decision to remove deer poop or not should align with your priorities and preferences for your yard.

How long does it take deer poop to break down? 

Deer poop, like other animal droppings, will naturally break down over time in your yard. The decomposition process can vary depending on environmental conditions, including weather, soil composition, and microbial activity.

On average, it can take several weeks to several months for deer poop to break down naturally in your yard. Several factors can influence the decomposition rate:

1. Weather Conditions: Rain and moisture can accelerate the decomposition process, while dry conditions may slow it down. In rainy or humid environments, deer droppings are likely to break down faster.
2. Soil Microbes: The presence of soil microorganisms and bacteria is crucial for the decomposition of organic matter, including animal waste. Healthy soil with a thriving microbial community will aid in faster decomposition.
3. Temperature: Warmer temperatures generally promote faster decomposition. In cold climates, the breakdown process may be slower.
4. Diet of Deer: The diet of the deer can also affect how quickly their droppings decompose. Deer primarily feed on plant matter, and their droppings are relatively high in organic material, making them easier to break down.

To help facilitate the natural breakdown of deer poop in your yard:

1. Aerate Your Lawn: Regularly aerating your lawn can improve soil health and encourage microbial activity, which, in turn, can speed up decomposition.
2. Use Compost: If you collect deer droppings from your yard, you can add them to a compost pile. When properly composted, they will break down more quickly and become a valuable addition to your garden.
3. Maintain Good Soil Health: Ensure your yard has healthy, well-balanced soil with adequate nutrients and organic matter. This will support the decomposition of organic materials, including animal waste.

Deer poop will naturally break down in your yard over time, and the speed of decomposition depends on various factors.

If you find it necessary to remove deer droppings for aesthetic or other reasons, you can collect and compost them for a more controlled decomposition process.

Nonetheless, allowing nature to take its course and implementing good soil management practices will help deer droppings break down naturally in your yard.

How long do deer droppings last?

Deer droppings, like other forms of animal waste, will naturally break down over time when left in your yard.

The duration it takes for deer droppings to fully decompose can vary depending on several factors, including environmental conditions and the presence of beneficial microorganisms in the soil.

On average, you can expect deer droppings to last from several weeks to several months in your yard Factors that influence the rate of decomposition of deer droppings include:

1. Environmental Conditions: Weather plays a significant role. Moisture from rain or humidity can speed up the decomposition process, while dry conditions may slow it down.
2. Soil Microbes: The presence of soil microorganisms and beneficial bacteria is essential for the breakdown of organic matter, including animal waste. Healthy soil with a thriving microbial community will facilitate faster decomposition.
3. Temperature: Warmer temperatures generally promote faster decomposition. In cold or frigid climates, the decomposition process may be slower.
4. Diet of Deer: Deer primarily feed on plant matter, which makes their droppings relatively high in organic material. Organic matter decomposes more quickly compared to inorganic substances.

To help deer droppings break down naturally in your yard:

1. Aerate Your Lawn: Regularly aerating your lawn can improve soil health and encourage microbial activity, which, in turn, can speed up the decomposition process.
2. Maintain Good Soil Health: Ensure that your yard has healthy, well-balanced soil with adequate nutrients and organic matter. This will support the decomposition of organic materials, including animal waste.
3. Composting: If you prefer to remove deer droppings for aesthetic or other reasons, you can collect them and add them to a compost pile. Properly composted deer droppings will break down more rapidly and become a valuable addition to your garden as natural fertilizer.

Deer droppings will naturally break down over time in your yard, and the duration depends on various factors. Allowing nature to take its course and implementing good soil management practices will help deer droppings break down naturally.

If you choose to remove them for specific reasons, composting is a natural and environmentally friendly way to facilitate decomposition and recycle the nutrients back into your garden.

What do you do with deer poop?

Deer poop, like any other form of animal waste, can be managed in several ways when it appears in your yard. Depending on your preferences and the specific situation, you have a few options for handling deer poop naturally:

1. Leave It: Deer droppings can be left in your yard to decompose naturally. Over time, they will break down and return nutrients to the soil, acting as a natural fertilizer. This is an eco-friendly approach and requires minimal effort on your part.
2. Compost It: If you want to control the decomposition process and recycle the nutrients in deer droppings, you can collect them and add them to your compost pile. Properly composted deer poop can be used to enrich your garden soil and improve its fertility.
3. Aerate and Promote Decomposition: To help deer droppings break down more quickly in your yard, consider aerating your lawn to improve soil health and stimulate microbial activity. This encourages the decomposition of organic matter, including animal waste.
4. Use as a Soil Amendment: When fully decomposed, you can use composted deer droppings as a natural soil amendment. Mix it into your garden soil to enhance its fertility and provide essential nutrients to your plants.
5. Avoid Contact: It’s important to note that when handling deer poop, you should wear gloves and take necessary precautions to minimize the risk of disease transmission, as animal waste can potentially carry pathogens.

The best method for dealing with deer poop in your yard naturally depends on your goals and the level of maintenance you prefer.

Leaving it to decompose naturally can benefit your lawn and garden, while composting gives you more control over the process and the opportunity to recycle nutrients.

Regardless of your choice, these natural methods are environmentally friendly and sustainable ways to manage deer droppings in your yard.

How to Get Rid of Deer Poop in Yard

Deer poop in your yard can quickly become a nuisance and pose health risks. Learning how to get rid of deer poop in yard will minimize these risks.

By understanding their habits and implementing preventative measures such as keeping your yard clean, adding barriers, using repellents, and choosing the right plants to spray, you can effectively get rid of deer poop and keep these majestic animals away from your property.

With a little effort and diligence, you can maintain a beautiful and deer-free yard.  So, follow the methods mentioned in this guide to enjoy a clean and pest-free outdoor space.