Does Scattering Soap in the Yard Work to Repel Bugs and Animals?

Whether you have a cozy yard that requires minimal maintenance or a large expanse of lawn and patio space for entertaining, you have probably come across problems with unwanted insects or wildlife. Most of us want to find a way to manage outdoor living without harsh chemicals for the safety of family and pets who spend time outside in the summer months.

You can do many things to reduce the invasion of your outdoor space, but most experts will tell you nothing is foolproof and there’s no one-size-fits-all technique. One hack DIYers often try is scattering soap in the yard to deter bugs. The question is: Does it work?

Ahead, learn whether or not scattering soap in your yard is an effective way to repel bugs and animals.

What Does Scattering Soap in the Yard Do?

“Soaps, in general, can work as repellents,” says Dr. Daniel Kiefer, PhD, an entomologist and the technical director at American Pest. “The scent of soap together with other sources of human smell, like hair clippings, will deter deer since they associate the smell with humans.”

Scattering soap isn’t a long-term solution, however. “Their usage as repellents is limited since they will be washed away with the next rain and the high humidity during the summer months,” he adds.

Can scattering soap repel bugs?

Bars of soap and shavings can temporarily deter bugs. The scent of soap can discourage insects and provide a temporary fix, but the perfume scent will quickly fade with summer heat and rainfall.

Can scattering soap repel animals?

Some gardeners turn to highly fragrant soaps scattered around the yard to repel animals with a sensitive sense of smell. Some methods include hanging soap in mesh bags in trees or around the perimeter of your garden to keep mice, rodents, rabbits, and deer away from the yard.

But be aware, even if the soap you choose is extremely potent-smelling, like Irish Spring Soap (a popular option among DIYers), this method is still a temporary deterrent and not a long-term solution for animals entering the property and causing damage to plants. “While Irish Spring may keep an animal away for a short period of time, once they get used to it and realize that it won’t hurt them, they come back,” says Pamela J. Bennett, associate professor and state master gardener program director at Ohio State University.

Will Scattering Soap Harm My Yard or Garden?

No, soap scattered in the garden is generally safe and probably won’t harm your garden. Kiefer has some suggestions for ensuring the health of your plants.

“Where soaps can be used quite well is as surfactants,” says Dr. Kiefer. “Use in the form of a mild soap solution (preferably liquid dish soap as a base) applied as a contact spray on small insects like aphids and mealybugs. It does not have a residual effect and does not harm pollinators if they are not directly sprayed at.”

Like scattered soap shavings, soap solutions also only offer a temporary solution to an insect problem, and some can cause damage if not used correctly. Soap will not permanently kill off an invading insect population.

Is Scattering Soap in the Yard Safe for Pets?

Yes, but be cautious if you have pets who habitually eat products other than their food. Bar soap isn’t toxic to dogs when they eat it, but due to its chemicals, they may experience diarrhea or vomiting. Anything you use in the yard for maintenance and upkeep must be considered for safety when it comes to our pets’ access to outdoor yard spaces.

Is Scattering Soap in the Yard Safe for Humans?

Yes, soap scattered in areas of the yard is safe for humans. However, some people might be bothered by strong scents in soap products or allergic to handling soap with oils or perfumes. Soap products are not meant for intentional ingestion.

Which Soap Should I Scatter in My Garden?

In general, you can try any brand of soap in bar form or as shavings to see if the product’s scent works to temporarily keep insects and animals away in your yard.

If you use soap mixed with water in a solution, look for eco-friendly dish soap like Seventh Generation or Dawn. “Overall, natural soaps without dozens of chemical additives are better for soapy water if no pesticides are to be used,” Kiefer adds.

Should I Scatter Soap in my Yard?

You can try! But remember that soap will only temporarily solve the problem, if it works at all.

Even if insects and animals are turned away due to the strong smell, they’ll return eventually. “Soaps do not keep insects and animals away from the garden,” says Bennett.

For a permanent fix to the problem, Bennett suggests using products formulated specifically to get rid of insects. “There are products formulated to prevent damage to plants while killing insects … Always use a product labeled insecticide to control and get rid of insects. These are available for purchase and are formulated to prevent damage to plants while killing insects.”

About the Experts

• Dr. Daniel Kiefer is a PhD entomologist and the technical director at American Pest, a pest control company with almost 100 years of pest management experience based in the metro Washington, DC, area.
• Pamela J Bennett is an Associate Professor and State Master Gardener Program Director Extension Educator, Horticulture at Ohio State University.

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