Why is bird poop a problem?

Structural & Aesthetic Damage

Bird droppings may seem harmless, but they can actually cause significant damage to structures and surfaces. This is because bird droppings contain uric acid, which can stain fabrics and eat through paints. If left untreated and uncleaned, bird droppings can cost tens of thousands of dollars in damages. For instance, pigeons caused $48,000 USD of damage to a historic church in Solon, Maine. Additionally, a gothic cathedral in Slovakia suffered over $20,000 USD of damage due to pigeon fecal matter. Therefore, it is crucial to address the issue promptly to prevent costly repairs.

Health Risks

Birds are carriers of more than 60 diseases and parasites, many of which can cause severe illness in humans. Bird droppings also harbor various organisms and insects that can pose a threat to those who come in direct contact with them. People with lung or other health conditions should be particularly cautious around dried bird droppings. When large quantities of dried bird poop are disturbed, the particles become airborne and can irritate the bronchial passage. Moreover, fungal diseases such as Histoplasmosis or Cryptococcosis can be transmitted through the fungal spores found within bird droppings. These diseases 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 effectively address the bird poop problem, it is important to remove the droppings safely and thoroughly. Birds are attracted to places where they have left their scent, so removing the droppings will create a clean environment and increase the effectiveness of any bird deterrent measures in place. Proper cleanup is essential to protect individuals in the area and ensure the efficiency of deterrent items such as bird spikes or Bird Proof Gel.

When dealing with small amounts of bird poop, like one or two spots on a car, it is advisable to thoroughly wash hands and any other areas that come in direct contact with the droppings. Wearing plastic gloves and a protective mask is also recommended. For more significant quantities of bird poop, it is best to call trained professionals who are fully equipped for decontamination. In such cases, full protective clothing and a respirator mask are imperative to ensure safety. It is crucial to never send untrained individuals or those in poor health to clean up affected areas.

Using a cleaner specifically labeled for bird droppings is recommended for best results. These cleaners contain probiotic microbes that are highly effective at removing urine and fecal material, making the cleanup process faster and more efficient than traditional cleaners. Adding water to dried deposits can help loosen them.

What to Do with the Droppings?

Believe it or not, bird poop can be a valuable addition to fertilizer or compost. The phosphorus and other nutrients present in bird droppings make them highly beneficial for gardens, particularly for green vegetables. However, it is important to cover the droppings with compost to avoid the risk of airborne contamination. If recycling the droppings for fertilizer is not desired, they must be double bagged, secured, and disposed of in a trash disposal bin to be taken to the landfill.

Did You Know?

Bird excrement is a mixture of all the bird’s waste products, including digestive and urinary waste. Birds poop when they take flight to avoid carrying any waste material with them, as it would require additional energy. Parent birds even fly off the nest with gel-coated sacs of droppings from their offspring to conceal their location and deposit them far away from the nest. They are especially drawn to bodies of water for these missions because water hides droppings better than land, which explains why parent birds may drop poop in swimming pools.

If you are dealing with a bird poop problem and need professional assistance in Bangkok, contact Bird Poop Cleaning at hello@khunclean.com or call 082-797-3702. Our experts will ensure safe and effective removal of bird droppings from balconies, homes, storage areas, and factories.