Is bird poop toxic to humans?

Bird poop, also known as bird droppings, can be a nuisance for anyone dealing with a bird problem. It is not only aesthetically unpleasant but can also cause damage and pose health risks. As an expert in the domain of bird control, I would like to provide you with some informative insights on the toxicity of bird poop to humans.

Structural & Aesthetic Damage

Bird droppings contain uric acid, which can easily stain fabrics and eat through paints, especially on vehicles. If left untreated and uncleaned, bird droppings can cause significant damage to structures. There have been instances where historic buildings were damaged, resulting in costly repairs. For example, a historic church in Solon, Maine, suffered $48,000 USD worth of damage caused by pigeons. Similarly, a gothic cathedral in Slovakia experienced over $20,000 USD worth of damage due to bird fecal matter.

Health Risks

Birds are known carriers of over 60 diseases and parasites that can cause severe illness in humans. Bird droppings also contain various organisms and insects that can be problematic for individuals who come in direct contact with them. People with lung or other health conditions should avoid dried bird droppings as much as possible. When large quantities of dried bird poop are disrupted, the particles become airborne and can irritate the bronchial passage. Furthermore, these particles can transmit fungal diseases such as Histoplasmosis or Cryptococcosis. These diseases are caused by fungal spores within the poop and can even contaminate overexposed soil. Excavation, construction, or demolition activities that disturb a large quantity of bird poop can aerosolize it, allowing it to travel with dust particles and potentially infect others nearby.

Steps for Safe Removal

To prevent birds from returning to familiar areas, it is crucial to remove bird droppings effectively. Proper cleanup not only protects individuals in the area but also enhances the effectiveness of any bird deterrent measures in place. Installing deterrents, such as bird spikes or Bird Proof Gel, can be less effective if bird poop is present, as it interferes with the barrier’s adherence to the surface.

When dealing with bird droppings, it is important to have the proper protective attire. For small amounts of poop, like one or two spots on your car, thoroughly wash your hands and any other areas that come in direct contact with the droppings. Wearing plastic gloves is also recommended. When dealing with a significant quantity of bird poop, a protective mask is essential to protect yourself and others. Plastic gloves and protective eyewear are highly recommended as well. Additionally, cover or seal any heating/cooling vents to prevent the spread of dried dust particles. In severe cases, it is best to call trained, fully-equipped decontamination professionals to ensure safety. Never send children, untrained individuals, or people in poor health to clean up affected areas.

For optimal results, use a cleaner specifically labeled for bird droppings. These cleaners contain probiotic microbes that are bred to be effective on urine and fecal material, making it faster and more efficient to remove the build-up than traditional cleaners. Adding water to dried deposits helps loosen them.

What to Do with the Droppings?

Believe it or not, bird poop can be a great additive to fertilizer or compost. The phosphorus and other nutrients in the droppings make it highly beneficial for gardens, especially for green vegetables. Ensure that it is covered with compost to avoid the risk of airborne contamination. If you do not plan to recycle the droppings for fertilizer, double bag them, secure them, and dispose of them in a trash disposal bin to be taken to a landfill.

Did You Know?

Bird excrement is a mixture of all the bird’s waste products, including digestive and urinary waste. Birds poop whenever they take flight to avoid carrying any waste material with them. Parent birds even fly off the nest carrying gel-coated sacs of droppings from their offspring to conceal their whereabouts and deposit them far from the nest. They are particularly attracted to bodies of water during these missions since water hides droppings better than land, which is why you may find bird poop in your swimming pool.

If you are facing the challenge of bird poop on your property, whether it’s on your balcony, home, storage, or factories in Bangkok, Bird Poop Cleaning is here to help. Our team of experts specializes in sanitizing, disinfecting, removing, and cleaning bird poop, droppings, eggs, birds, chicks, and nests. Contact us at hello@khunclean.com or give us a call at 082-797-3702 for reliable and efficient services.