How Pet Waste Attracts Pests (Flies, Roaches, and Rodents)

Let's face it – no one likes picking up after their pets. But did you know that pet waste and animal droppings left in your yard can and will attract pests? As gross as it sounds, flies, roaches, and rodents all feed on animal droppings, so leaving your yard littered with droppings can create new pest problems and amplify existing ones.

Warning – this blog is gross!

Flies

Flies lay their eggs on exposed, decomposing organic material, such as rotting food, the sludge that builds up around drains, dying plant material, and… well, poop. These moist, organic environments allow fly maggots to remain hydrated and well-nourished as they grow into adult flies.

Large house flies and flesh flies prefer feeding on animal waste. If your pets' number twos stay in your yard too long, they will attract flies looking to feed on them. Animal waste also includes waste from wildlife, such as large droppings from deer, geese, and horses.

Roaches

Cockroaches aren't picky about what they eat… including pet waste. Roaches are another insect that exhibits coprophagy, the eating of feces. As gross as it sounds, pet excrement does contain some nutrients, and roaches desperate enough for food will seek it out and feed on it.

Homes with severe roach infestations are likely to see more cockroaches than homes with the occasional cockroach. When many roaches live together and compete for food, feeding on waste is the only option left. However, letting your yard accumulate dog waste is a good way to attract more roaches and turn a small problem into a large one.

Rodents

Rodents, particularly rats, are omnivorous, opportunistic scavengers, meaning they will eat any available food so long as they can access it. Around our home, this could include items in the garbage, plants growing in the garden, or undigested food remains in our pets' waste… super gross, I know.

While it's debated whether rodents prefer animal waste over other available food sources, it is notable that in dense urban areas with many pet owners (such as city areas near public green spaces and parks), rats are frequently seen eating dog waste.

Preventing Pests

Pet waste can be hazardous to the health of animals and humans if left unaddressed for too long. Over time, it can attract pests and rodents, creating additional headaches for homeowners and community residents.

The solution? Pick up after your pets! Taking daily steps to pick up pet waste and properly dispose of it can have a huge impact on the pests you see around your yard. Scooping got you feeling pooped? Try a pet waste removal company, like DoodyCalls! DoodyCalls professional pooper scooper services give you back time in your day. It’s their business to take care of your dog’s business!