Things You Will Need
In both pitted and tank-equipped outhouses, bacteria, earthworms and insects promote natural waste decomposition, but the process is slow, leaving plenty of time for odors to linger. Enter lime, a time-tested method for reducing outhouse odors and warding off pesky flies.
-
Keep a covered, water-tight bucket of calcium hydroxide next to or inside the outhouse for easy access. Also known as hydrated lime, calcium hydrate, caustic lime or slaked lime, this product can be found at your local feed store.
-
Dip a scoop, which should have a capacity of about one cup, into the lime and pour the lime into the outhouse hole after each use. Sprinkle the lime slowly and gently to avoid producing dust clouds or getting the substance on your skin or in your eyes, which causes burns. Likewise, avoid getting lime on the outhouse's seat.
-
Repeat the process each time you put solid human waste into the outhouse or when odors become particularly strong. When applying more than a cup of lime to combat longstanding odors, wear work gloves, a face mask and safety goggles to protect yourself from clouds of lime dust.