#Are Pigeons Clean or Dirty?
As an expert in the domain of bird poop cleaning, I am frequently asked whether pigeons are clean or dirty. It is important to understand the facts surrounding pigeons and their behavior to form an informed opinion.
Pigeon Behavior When discussing pigeons, it is crucial to differentiate between feral pigeons, specifically the Rock Dove species, and other types of pigeons such as crested pigeons or those bred as pets or for racing. Feral pigeons, which are the ones commonly found in urban areas, have a reputation for being dirty due to their scavenging habits and contact with unsanitary substances.
Cleanliness Contrary to popular belief, pigeons are actually quite clean birds. They engage in regular bathing activities and take care to remove eggshells from their nests once their babies have hatched. However, the issue arises from the corrosive nature of their droppings.
Pigeon Droppings and Health Risks Feral pigeons scavenge for food in garbage bins, paths, and sidewalks, which exposes them to potentially harmful substances. The sheer number of pigeons and the amount of droppings they produce becomes a problem. It is estimated that a single pigeon excretes over 11kg of droppings in a year. These droppings can quickly accumulate in areas where pigeons perch, roost, or feed.
It is important to note that pigeons only defecate when perched or walking, as they fly with their feet drawn back under their bodies. The greatest risk of disease transmission comes from contact with pigeon droppings.
Diseases Associated with Pigeon Droppings While the transmission rates of diseases from pigeons to humans are generally low, there are several health concerns associated with pigeon droppings:
Cryptococcosis: This fungal lung infection is caused by the Cryptococcus neoformans fungus found in pigeon droppings. It can lead to meningitis and flu-like symptoms, particularly affecting immunocompromised individuals.
Psittacosis: This less common disease is caused by the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci, which can be found in pigeon secretions and droppings. Its symptoms are similar to the flu.
Histoplasmosis: Another fungal lung infection caused by the Histoplasma capsulatum fungus found in bird droppings. Although rare, it is a potential risk.
Campylobacter and Salmonella poisoning: These bacterial infections can occur through fecal-oral transmission if pigeon droppings are ingested due to improper cleaning or contaminated water.
Cleaning Up Pigeon Droppings Due to the potential health risks associated with lung-borne diseases, it is crucial to take proper precautions when cleaning up pigeon droppings. Always wet down the droppings before attempting to clean them and wear appropriate safety equipment.
How We Can Help At Bird Poop Cleaning, we specialize in eradicating problem pigeon colonies humanely and safely removing pigeon poop from your property. Our team is trained to handle these situations efficiently and effectively. Contact us for a free quote and let us assist you in maintaining a clean and safe environment.
For more information or to book our services, please reach out to us at hello@khunclean.com or call 082-797-3702.
Remember, when it comes to bird poop cleaning, trust the experts at Bird Poop Cleaning!