Bird Mess Removal and Cleaning
Pigeon guano, or pigeon droppings, can be dangerous due to the potential transmission of diseases and the presence of harmful bacteria and fungal spores. Pest-Tech carries out bird mess and guano removal as part of our commercial bird cleaning service. Whatever the problem we can come in and first remove all the bird waste, this includes any dead birds. We will then clean the area and sanitise the area with a biocide so it’s safe. Bird waste is hazardous to health and must be removed correctly and safely. Finally, we can implement bird-proofing measures that stop the birds from getting in again such as fitting bird netting and bird spikes.
Some of the health risks associated with pigeon waste.
As a professional pest control company we are always hearing about staff being told to go and clean up the bird mess in the yard or the hanger and even worst is when they are not given any PPE. A lot of employers are unaware of the risk involved when carrying out this bird cleaning and the harm and danger they are putting their employees in. The guano can contain harmful bacteria and fungal spores that can cause a range of health problems, including respiratory illness, skin irritation, and infections. In addition, the dust and debris created during the removal process can become airborne and be inhaled, potentially causing further health risks. The following is just a sample of some of the risks that are associated with bird waste removal and bird cleaning.
- Histoplasmosis: This is a respiratory disease caused by inhaling the fungal spores found in pigeon droppings. Symptoms can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe respiratory illness.
- Cryptococcosis: This is another respiratory disease caused by inhaling the yeast-like fungal spores found in pigeon droppings. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and the disease can sometimes be fatal.
- Salmonella: Pigeon guano can be a source of the bacteria Salmonella, which can cause food poisoning in humans.
- E. coli: Pigeon guano can also contain the bacteria E. coli, which can cause a range of health problems, including diarrhoea, cramps, and fever.
Damage Caused by Roosting Pigeons
In addition to the health risks associated with pigeon guano, it can also cause damage to buildings and structures. The acidity of the guano can corrode metal and other materials, and the buildup of droppings can create an unsightly and potentially hazardous mess. The pictures below is of a typical bird waste clearance job we have undertaken. In this case birds were roosting on a ledge and gutter above this area. They selected this site because it was at the back of a bank on an upper floor.
The fact that it was a bank meant there was very little human activity due to the security in place. The birds were left to go about their business with no interruption from anyone else. They were safe and protected tucked away in this hidden area. The only reason this mess was found was because the bird guano had blocked the gutter. The water overflowing from the gutter was running down the wall and had caused damp issues inside the building. This is typical of the sort of damage that can occur from roosting pigeons, and seagulls.
Before
During
After
Removing Bird Mess Safely
To safely remove pigeon guano from a building, it’s important to take appropriate precautions, including wearing protective clothing, gloves, and respiratory protection. The area should be isolated to prevent contamination of other areas, and a containment system should be used to prevent dust and debris from spreading. Pigeon guano should never be swept or vacuumed, as this can cause dust and debris to become airborne. Instead, the guano should be carefully scraped or scooped up using specialized tools, and then disposed of in sealed bags or containers. The area should then be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to remove any remaining contamination.
Bird Proofing Options
To prevent the risks associated with pigeon guano, it’s important to take steps to deter pigeons from roosting or nesting on or around buildings. This may include using netting or spikes to prevent birds from landing, or installing bird-repellent devices such as sonic repellers or visual deterrents.
Before the clean up took place on the job above, we recommended to the customer they considered bird proofing options. The last thing we wanted to do is clear the site and then as soon as we finished they start fowling again. We recommended shutting the area off by bird netting the area. This would need to be done immediately after cleaning up. I could not be done before as it would not be safe to work in all the bird mess. So after the clean up, we fitted a bird net and the pigeons were not able to get to the area. They were moved on safely, with no harm coming to the birds.
It’s important to note that removal of large amounts of pigeon guano can be a complex and hazardous task, and should only be attempted by trained and experienced professionals. If an infestation is already present, it’s important to contact a pest control professional to safely and effectively remove the birds and clean up any droppings or other contamination. If you suspect that your building has a significant pigeon mess problem and need help with bird waste and guano removal or our cleaning services we can manage your issue. We are members of the BPCA which demonstrate our company delivers aprofessional and reputable commercial bird cleaning service every time. See more options for bird proofing on our Services pages.