Removing Bird Guano - Safety, Equipment & Advice
Let’s face it – bird poop isn’t just unsightly, it can also pose serious health risks and cause long-term damage to buildings, vehicles, and even your business’ reputation. Whether it’s pigeons roosting on your roof or gulls leaving their mark on a car park, knowing how to remove bird mess safely and effectively is essential.
Here’s everything you need to know about dealing with bird droppings the right way.
Why you need to take bird poop seriously
Bird droppings might seem like just a cosmetic issue, but there’s a bit more to it than that. Here’s why they’re a problem:
- Health Hazards: Bird droppings can carry diseases like histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis. When dried droppings become airborne, inhaling the particles can be dangerous
- Slip Risks: Fresh droppings on pavements, walkways or steps can be incredibly slippery - not good for customers or staff.
- Property Damage: The uric acid in bird guano is highly corrosive and can damage paintwork, brick, stone, metal and more overtime.
- Business Image: A building or business front covered in bird mess doesn't exactly scream 'professional'.
Safety First - How We Remove Guano Properly
Before we can even think about scrubbing away, it is vital we have the correct equipment to protect ourselves and the surrounding area. Bird mess can be hazardous, so proper PPE (personal protective equipment) is a must.
PPE:
- Gloves (heavy-duty and waterproof)
- Disposable overalls
- Eye protection
- A face mask or respirator (especially important when removing dried droppings)
- Rubber boots
If the area is heavily contaminated or you're dealing with a large volume of waste, it's best to call in professionals who are trained and equipped to handle it safely.
Heres How to Clean Bird Poop Safely
- Wet it First: Never dry brush or sweep bird droppings – this releases harmful particles into the air. Dampen the area with water and disinfectant to reduce airborne dust.
- Use the Right Cleaner: Use an enzymatic cleaner or a bird-safe disinfectant to break down organic matter. Avoid bleach on porous surfaces, as it can cause damage
- Scrub Gently: Use a stiff brush or scraper to remove the droppings. Don’t use high-pressure washers unless absolutely necessary – they can aerosolise harmful particles.
- Disinfect Again: After removing the mess, spray the area down again with disinfectant to kill any remaining bacteria.
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Bag everything - droppings, cloths, overalls – and dispose of them according to local biohazard waste guidelines if necessary.
Prevention is Better than Cure
Cleaning up bird mess is one thing, but preventing it is even better. Once the area is clean, think about why the birds were there in the first place and how to stop them returning.
- Bird spikes or netting: Great for ledges, signage and rooflines.
- Posters/signs asking people not to feed birds: Especially useful in retail parks or public spaces.
- Routine maintenance and cleaning: Discourage birds from returning to dirty or cluttered areas.
If you're struggling with recurring bird issues, a professional bird control service (like us at Contego!) can carry out a full site assessment and recommend the best proofing solutions for your property.
Contego can help and get your property clean and safe in no time.
Need Help? We've Got You Covered
Contego, we’re experts in bird control and clean-up. Whether you need a one-off clean or long-term proofing, our trained technicians can sort it safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to your business or property.
Got Bird Trouble?
If you're looking for a responsible pest controller to help sort out bird guano on your property, get in touch.
We'll sort the mess, so you don't have to.
