(Updated February 2026)
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 offering.
Whatever the problem, our pigeon guano cleaning services can help. Our first step is always to remove all bird waste, including dead birds and guano build-up. We will then clean the area and sanitise the area with a biocide so it’s safe. Bird waste is hazardous to human 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 or bird spikes.
Thanks to our experience carrying out pigeon guano removal services for companies across Maidstone and Kent, we understand the importance of removing bird droppings quickly and effectively, using the right personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitation equipment. Keep reading to learn more about removing bird droppings and avoiding permanent damage to your commercial premises, and why you should get professional removal services.
Health Risks Associated With Bird Droppings
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, sometimes without the right PPE. A lot of employers are unaware of the risk involved when carrying out this pigeon guano removal and the danger they are putting their employees in.
Bird 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 risks to health. Since pigeons sometimes nest on roofs near ventilation systems, a build-up of bird droppings could spread contaminated dust or water droplets throughout the inside of your commercial property if this area is not sealed off before cleaning begins. Some of the health risks associated with bird guano are:
- 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: Another respiratory disease caused by inhaling the yeast-like fungal spores found in pigeon droppings, symptoms for Cryptococcosis 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 serious gastric issues 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.
To stop the spread of diseases like these and protect your staff, customers and visitors, businesses need to be proactive about cleaning pigeon droppings from external surfaces such as balconies, roofs and building facades.
Large amounts of guano can also cause a slip hazard that can be dangerous for customers and staff at commercial properties. Between the pathogens carried by bird waste and the hazards they cause, it’s clear that if left unaddressed, bird droppings can breach health and safety regulations and make your space unsafe for visitors.
Damage Caused by Roosting Pigeons
In addition to the health risks associated with pigeon guano, bird droppings can also cause structural damage to buildings and negatively impact your business reputation. Due to their acidic nature, bird droppings can corrode metal and other materials, and the buildup of droppings can create an unsightly and potentially hazardous mess.
If left, bird waste dries, making the safe removal of guano even harder and also requiring costly repairs to your property.
Bird Dropping Removal Case Study
The pictures below are 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 the business 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 people. They were safe and protected, tucked away in this hidden area. The only reason this mess was found was because the pigeon 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, seagulls and other nuisance birds.
See how Pest-Tech removed pigeon droppings to reduce public health hazards and ensure a clean, safe environment.
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How Pest-Tech Removes Pigeon Droppings Safely
Pigeon droppings carry dangerous pathogens that can become airborne when dried guano flakes off surfaces and spreads through the air. As such, it’s important that get professional removal of all bird droppings from experts like Pest-Tech.
To safely remove pigeon guano from a building, it’s important to take appropriate precautions, including wearing protective clothing, gloves, and respiratory protection, which the team at Pest-Tech always do when carrying out bird dropping removal. 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.
Bird 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 specialised tools and then disposed of in sealed bags or containers. The area should then be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to remove any remaining contamination.
As shown, the best course of action if you’re inexperienced at bird dropping cleaning is to work with fully-trained specialists like the team at Pest-Tech. We have the expertise and equipment needed to carry out a full decontamination of all affected areas so the surface is clean and safe. We can carry out the complete removal and legal disposal of hazardous waste from the job site, such as bird droppings, discarded nesting material and dead birds.
The Importance Of Professional Bird Guano Removal: Conclusion
Ultimately, it’s important to note that the removal of significant amounts of pigeon guano can be a complex and hazardous task that 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 issue with either fresh or dried pigeon guano, then consider our bird dropping cleaning and removal service. We are members of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), which demonstrates that our company delivers a professional and reputable commercial bird cleaning service every time. Learn more about our bird proofing solutions on our Services page. Contact us on 01622 296055 if you’re a business leader in Maidstone, Kent or the surrounding area and need to book pigeon guano removal services for your property.