Do you ever wonder what would happen if you accidentally ran your lawn mower over a pile of dog poop? Well, I have some experience with this, and let me tell you, it’s not pretty.
One summer day, I was mowing my lawn, and I didn’t realize my dog had left a present for me in the grass.
The next thing I knew, my lawn mower had run over it, and I was covered in a cloud of stinky, brown mess.
But what happens when you run your lawn mower over dog poop? Is it dangerous? Will it ruin your lawn mower?
In this post, I’m going to answer all of your burning questions about the consequences of mowing over dog poop.
What Happens to Your Lawn Mower?
If you accidentally run over dog poop with your lawn mower, you might be worried about the damage it could cause.
Here’s what you can expect:.
- The smell will stick around. Even if you manage to avoid getting covered in the mess, your lawn mower is going to stink. The smell will cling to the blades, the wheels, and any other surface it comes into contact with.
- The blades will get coated in poop. This might seem obvious, but it’s worth mentioning. The blades of your lawn mower are going to get coated in dog poop, which can be difficult to clean off.
- Your lawn mower might get clogged. Depending on the size of the poop pile and the power of your lawn mower, it’s possible that the blades could get clogged with poop, causing your lawn mower to stall.
- You might spread the poop around. If the pile of dog poop is particularly large, running your lawn mower over it could cause the poop to splatter all over your lawn, spreading the mess around even more.
Is it Dangerous?
Running your lawn mower over dog poop isn’t necessarily dangerous, but it’s not exactly healthy, either.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:.
- Exposure to dog poop can make you sick. Dog poop can contain harmful bacteria and parasites, including E. coli, salmonella, and giardia. If you come into contact with dog poop, you run the risk of getting sick.
- The smell can be overwhelming. As I mentioned earlier, the smell of dog poop can be incredibly strong and unpleasant. If you’re sensitive to smells or have respiratory issues, running your lawn mower over dog poop could be particularly uncomfortable.
- Your lawn might suffer. If you don’t clean up the poop before mowing your lawn, it can get ground into the grass, causing brown spots and damaging your lawn.
How to Clean Your Lawn Mower After Running Over Dog Poop
If you’ve accidentally mowed over dog poop, don’t panic.
Here’s how you can clean your lawn mower:.
- Turn off your lawn mower. Before you do anything else, turn off your lawn mower to prevent any additional damage.
- Scrape off any excess poop. Use a plastic scraper or a piece of cardboard to gently scrape off the excess poop from the blades and any other surfaces it has come into contact with. Be sure to wear gloves and avoid using anything metal, as it could scratch the surface of your lawn mower.
- Clean the blades with water. Once you have scraped off as much poop as possible, use a hose or a bucket of water to rinse off the blades and any other surfaces. Make sure to get all of the poop off.
- Disinfect the blades. After cleaning with water, it’s important to disinfect the blades to kill any remaining bacteria or parasites. You can use a disinfectant spray or a solution of water and bleach (1 part bleach to 10 parts water) to do this. Be sure to wear gloves and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any disinfectant you use.
- Let it dry. Once you have cleaned and disinfected your lawn mower, let it dry completely before using it again. This will prevent any remaining bacteria or parasites from spreading to other areas.
- Clean up the lawn. Finally, make sure to clean up any remaining dog poop from your lawn to prevent further accidents.
Oh, Poop! How to Avoid Mowing Over Your Dog’s Presents
First and foremost, make sure to regularly clean up after your furry friend. This will not only keep your lawn poop-free, but it will also prevent any unpleasant surprises while mowing.
Before starting your lawn mower, take a quick walk around your yard and scan for any doggy deposits. Trust us, it’s much easier to pick up the poop by hand than to scrape it off your lawn mower blades.
Consider training your dog to use a designated area for their bathroom needs. This can be a small section of your yard or even a designated indoor area if you have a smaller dog.
Lastly, don’t forget to remind your neighbors to clean up after their dogs as well. After all, a poop-free neighborhood is a happy neighborhood.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to keep your lawn mower running smoothly and your lawn looking beautiful, all while avoiding any unexpected poop encounters.
How to Bring Your Lawn Back to Life After a Dog Poop Disaster
So, you’ve accidentally mowed over some dog poop and now your lawn looks like a warzone. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
Here are some tips on how to get your lawn looking lush and green again, despite the stinky setback.
First things first, you’ll want to clean up any excess poop and debris from your lawn mower.
Use a hose and some soapy water to wash down the blades and any other affected areas. And while you’re at it, give yourself a good wash too. Trust us, you’ll feel better.
Now that your lawn mower is clean, it’s time to turn your attention to your lawn. The first step is to remove any poop that may have been ground into the grass.
You can do this by using a plastic bag or a poop scoop to pick up any remaining pieces. If the poop has left behind any unsightly brown spots, you can try reseeding those areas with fresh grass seed.
If your lawn is looking a bit worse for wear, you might want to consider using a fertilizer to give it a boost. Look for a product that is specifically designed to repair damaged lawns, and follow the instructions carefully. With a little patience and some TLC, your lawn will be looking better in no time.
Of course, the best way to prevent future poop accidents is to clean up after your furry friend regularly. And if you’re feeling particularly ambitious, you could even train your dog to use a specific area of your lawn for their business.
Remember, accidents happen. But with a little elbow grease and some know-how, your lawn can recover from even the messiest of mishaps.
So, roll up your sleeves and get to work. Your lawn (and your nose) will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can dog poop damage your lawn?
Yes, dog poop can damage your lawn. If left on the grass for too long, it can cause brown spots and even kill the grass.
2. What should you do if you accidentally run over dog poop with your lawn mower?
If you accidentally run over dog poop with your lawn mower, turn off the lawn mower and remove any excess poop.
Clean the blades and underneath the mower with soapy water, and then rinse thoroughly. It’s also a good idea to disinfect your lawn mower to avoid the spread of harmful bacteria.
3. How do you prevent your dog from pooping on the lawn?
You can train your dog to use a designated area of the yard for potty breaks, or you can install a fence around your lawn to keep your dog out.
4. Can you use dog poop as fertilizer for your lawn?
No, dog poop should not be used as fertilizer for your lawn. It can contain harmful bacteria and parasites that can make you and your pets sick.
5. How often should you clean up dog poop from your lawn?
It’s best to clean up dog poop from your lawn as soon as possible. Leaving it on the grass for too long can cause damage and increase the risk of spreading harmful bacteria.
6. How do you get rid of the smell of dog poop on your lawn?
You can sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the affected area to absorb the odor. You can also use a hose to rinse the area with water.
7. Can you hire someone to clean up dog poop from your lawn?
Yes, there are professional pet waste removal services that specialize in cleaning up dog poop from lawns. These services can be especially helpful if you don’t have the time or inclination to do it yourself.
My Conclusion
Running your lawn mower over dog poop can be a messy and unpleasant experience, but it’s not the end of the world.
While it can cause some damage to your lawn mower and your lawn, it’s not necessarily dangerous as long as you take the proper precautions to clean up the mess and disinfect your lawn mower.
Just be sure to keep an eye out for any future dog poop piles before you start mowing!