How do you clean up bird droppings?

Bird droppings can pose a health risk due to the potential presence of diseases such as cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, and psittacosis. It is important to take proper precautions when cleaning up bird droppings to ensure your safety. Here are some expert tips on how to clean up bird droppings safely:

Hazards Associated with Bird Droppings

Bird droppings can contain fungi and bacteria that can cause diseases such as cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, and psittacosis. These diseases can affect individuals with compromised immune systems and may cause symptoms like severe headache, fever, cough, and respiratory issues. It is essential to be cautious when dealing with bird droppings to minimize the risk of exposure.

How Exposure Occurs

Exposure to diseases associated with bird droppings can occur when the spores are inhaled. This means that simply cleaning up the droppings can cause the contaminants to become airborne. Individuals who work in or clean areas heavily contaminated with bird droppings are at a higher risk of exposure. However, by taking proper precautions, you can significantly reduce this risk.

Cleanup and Control Responsibilities

The responsibility for cleanup and bird control measures lies with the department utilizing and controlling the area where the droppings are present. Maintenance personnel who need to enter these areas for their work are not required to perform cleanup or control unless they utilize the space. The department assigned the area is responsible for cleanup and control measures before maintenance personnel enter.

Precautions to Prevent Exposure

Proper disinfection is crucial to eliminate disease agents and prevent potential health risks. When encountering bird droppings, it is important to follow these precautions:

1. Wear non-latex rubber gloves: Protect your hands by wearing gloves made of non-latex material.
2. Prepare a disinfectant solution: Mix 1 part bleach with 10 parts water to create a disinfectant solution.
3. Thoroughly soak the droppings: Use a spray bottle or a clean pesticide application sprayer to wet the droppings with the disinfectant solution.
4. Clean up the droppings: Once the droppings are thoroughly wet, use a mop, sponge, or rag soaked in the disinfectant solution to clean them up.
5. Dispose of the contaminated material: Place the contaminated material in a sealed plastic bag and dispose of it in the regular trash. Double-bagging is recommended for extra safety.
6. Dispose of gloves and wash hands: Properly dispose of the gloves used during cleanup and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.

For larger areas with a significant amount of droppings, additional precautions should be taken, such as wearing a NIOSH-approved respirator with HEPA filter cartridges, eye protection, disposable coveralls, and shoe coverings or washable clothing with rubber boots. Fit testing and training are required prior to using a respirator.

Ongoing Bird Control

To prevent bird roosting and reduce the accumulation of droppings, it is important to implement bird control measures. This can be done by blocking their entryways in enclosed areas or using “porcupine” wire or other acceptable devices in open areas. It is crucial to avoid measures that may harm or kill birds.

If you need assistance with cleanup or bird control measures, you can contact Bird Poop Cleaning at hello@khunclean.com or call us at 082-797-3702. Our team of experts will provide you with the necessary services and guidance to ensure a safe and clean environment.

Remember, taking proper precautions when cleaning up bird droppings is essential for your health and wellbeing. Stay safe!