Suburban neighborhoods from Charleston to Miami have experienced a sharp rise in population. More individuals are choosing the quiet of suburban life while staying close to city conveniences.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, South Carolina and Florida were the fastest-growing states in 2023. South Carolina's population increased by 1.7%, while Florida's rose by 1.6%. Much of this growth occurred in suburban areas, reports The State. Charleston-North Charleston experienced a 2.3% population gain, the highest in South Carolina.
Several factors have driven suburban expansion, but mostly, it is people looking for a spacious and calm place to live. And what is happy living without a furry friend?
As a result, the challenges of keeping yards, parks, and sidewalks of suburbia free of pet waste have become pronounced.
In this blog post, let us explore waste management tricks essential for maintaining the positive appeal of these neighborhoods. Also, we’ll learn about safeguarding the health of residents and their pets.
Eliminating Biohazards from the Curb for a Safer Suburb
Every citizen, both those with four legs and those without, benefits from a clean neighborhood in terms of their health. A recent New York Times article highlights that unchecked pet feces in yards, parks, and sidewalks can pose health risks.
The article explains how pathogens and parasites in dog feces, like giardia, roundworms, and E. coli, can spread quickly. These contaminants may cause serious diseases in both people and other animals.
Households with children are at a significantly higher risk. Unknowingly, contact with polluted dirt when playing in their yards or neighborhood parks might expose kids to possible diseases. According to Scoop Soldiers, pets may also easily infect themselves or other animals with parasites in their poop. Pet waste also releases harmful chemicals that can affect pets and children.
Stormwater Coalition highlights that one gram of pet feces typically contains Twenty-three million fecal coliform bacteria, including strains like E. coli. These are harmful to the environment and human health. Pet feces can contaminate nearby waterways and pose a health risk to the public. The scene becomes evident if it is left on the ground and washed into storm drains during rainy seasons.
Safe Ways to Dispose of Pet Waste
Getting rid of pet waste responsibly can make your neighborhood safer and cleaner. It's easy to do. The following are recommended methods for handling pet trash in your community.
Bag It and Trash It
The simplest way is to collect your pet's waste in a biodegradable bag and throw it in the trash. Tighten the bag tightly to avoid leaks and smells. Pet waste may bring hazardous bacteria like Toxoplasma into the water system, which wastewater treatment facilities cannot manage. Therefore, avoiding flushing it down the toilet is best, advises Pet Impact.
Get the Professionals Involved
Pet waste management can be challenging for busy homeowners, especially in larger suburban yards. That’s where a professional pet waste pickup service comes in. These services provide a practical answer. It guarantees that your garden remains safe and tidy without taking up more time from your day.
Expert garbage collection services usually pay you a regular visit, clearing your yard of pet waste and securely disposing of it. Many service providers also give deodorizing treatments to maintain the fresh scent in your yard. This is especially important during hot, muggy Southern months.
Designate a Pet Waste Area
Consider setting up a spot in your yard, if you have one, for your pet to relieve itself. This helps keep debris contained, simplifies cleanup, and reduces the risk of contamination in other areas of your yard. Some houses even install pet waste stations with a tiny trash can and bags for convenient disposal.
Turn Pet Waste Into Compost
Although it's common to compost household garbage, the EPA recommends managing pet waste cautiously. Pet waste should never be put in your standard compost bin since it often contains dangerous bacteria. Instead, consider building a specialized composter for pet waste, which can safely break down trash and lessen its environmental impact.
FAQs
Can pet waste exacerbate pest issues in suburban areas?
Indeed, pet waste may draw in vermin, mice, and other creatures. These could endanger your family's health as well as the health of your pets. For instance, rats are particularly drawn to dog waste because it serves as a rich food source. Once rats are present, they can bring additional problems, including attracting predators like snakes.
How can the public water supply be affected by pet waste?
When improperly disposed of, pet excrement can wash into storm drains during heavy rains and contaminate nearby water sources. This discharge risks wildlife and human health by introducing dangerous germs and parasites into rivers, lakes, and the ocean.
How frequently should my garden be cleared of pet waste?
Removing pet excrement from your garden at least once every seven days is advised. In houses with large dogs or several pets, more regular cleanups could be required to avoid waste buildup. If daily cleanup is not feasible, remove pet waste every other day or at least before any significant rainfall.
What are some indicators of parasites affecting my pet?
Lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss indicate that your pet may have parasites. Intense itching, scratching, hair loss, and the presence of fleas, ticks, or mites on the skin are others. If you observe these symptoms, consult a veterinarian for testing and treatment.
As Southern suburbs continue to grow, so does the need for effective pet waste management. By considering this way, you can ensure the neighborhoods remain clean, healthy, and appealing. It also nurtures a better environment for families and pets, making suburbia a haven for those who call it home.
