How To Remove Pigeon Guano From Your Patio

CONTENTS

• What is guano?
• Are pigeons common?
• Are pigeon droppings dangerous?
• How does pigeon guano affect your patio?
• Why you should not clean pigeon droppings yourself
• How to keep birds away
• Frequently asked questions
• Get in touch

Pigeon guano contains various bacteria and viruses that can cause significant harm if inhaled or ingested. The acidic nature of these droppings can lead to unsightly stains and damage on surfaces like patios or roofs.

Professional bird dropping removal services are the safest option when you are dealing with this issue at your property. Our experts at ICE Cleaning have the necessary safety equipment and knowledge to handle such tasks effectively without risking your health.

Read on to learn how pigeon guano can damage your patio and what you can do to remove it.

What is guano?

Guano refers to the droppings of birds and bats. Guano is rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, making them an excellent natural fertiliser.

Gardeners often use this to improve their soil and encourage healthy plant growth. Bat guano can significantly enhance your garden's vitality, especially if it comes from healthy, domesticated birds.

However, in other cases, it can present itself as a health hazard or a damaging presence on your property. Guano often contains acidic materials that can eat away at materials like stone and brick.

Are pigeons common?

Pigeons are common in urban landscapes worldwide and are synonymous with city life, often spotted roosting on building ledges or foraging through food waste.

Their widespread presence is due to their dietary versatility, eating a wide variety of available sustenance, which significantly aids their survival across diverse environments.

Pigeons are also frequent visitors in suburban areas, where they may pose challenges to homeowners through their droppings or cause disturbances with their early morning calls.

Are pigeon droppings dangerous?

Bacteria and viruses present in wild pigeon guano can be a source of potential health hazards. These contaminated bird droppings could become airborne when dried out, transforming into minute dust particles.

Inhalation or accidental ingestion of this matter could lead to severe illnesses such as Psittacosis and Histoplasmosis. Both conditions initially present flu-like symptoms, but if left untreated, they may result in significant respiratory complications. 

Pigeon guano is also highly corrosive, inflicting substantial damage on building materials, including concrete and metal surfaces like roofs or patios, causing them to lose their integrity over time.

How does pigeon guano affect your patio?

Guano's acidity is particularly destructive on hard surfaces like concrete and stone, leading to stubborn stains and discolouration that intensify over time. The spread of water droplets exacerbates this effect by distributing the acid across a larger surface area.

Pigeon guano also attracts undesirable pests such as ants and flies, lured in by organic components within the bird droppings which sustain their life. This may lead to infestations that can eventually surface indoors, exposing you to dangerous contaminants.

Why you should not clean pigeon droppings yourself

The primary reason you should not clean pigeon guano yourself is a disease called psittacosis that comes from droppings. This condition affects the respiratory system and could even be fatal if not addressed promptly. 

When you try to remove bird droppings without suitable protective gear like gloves or masks, there is an elevated risk of inhaling contaminated water droplets or getting them on your skin.

Beyond just health hazards, pigeon guano has acidic properties, which can cause further damage to your patio when cleaned improperly. Stains may become impossible to remove and can cause spalling or cracking. We recommend that you seek the help of guano removal specialists instead.

How to keep birds away

Birds, particularly pigeons, can be a nuisance when they decide to make your property their home. The guano they leave behind is both displeasing to the eye and potentially detrimental. You can prevent their presence by doing some of the following:

• Installing bird spikes or netting
• Placing shiny objects around your property
• Removing exposed food sources
• Spray areas with strong odours like essential oils
• Install motion-detected lights and sprinklers

Frequently asked questions

How do you get rid of bird droppings?

Professional cleaning services are the safest and most effective way to remove bird droppings. They have specialised equipment and expertise to handle this task safely.

What is the best way to remove bird droppings?

The best method for removing bird guano is to use a professional-grade cleaner designed for dropping removal, provided by guano cleaning services.

Does WD-40 remove bird droppings?

WD-40 can help loosen dried-on bird droppings from surfaces like car paintwork. However, it is not recommended for large-scale or persistent problems due to potential damage risks.

How do you get rid of bird guano damage?

Old bird guano stains can be removed with strong, specialist solutions. However, you must not try this and leave it to guano removal specialists.

Get in touch

Pigeon guano on your patio or outdoor areas is not just unsightly, it poses a real health risk. Our team at ICE Cleaning specialises in conducting bird dropping removal services. We use modern equipment to ensure all traces of pigeon guano are eradicated from your property.

If you want to learn more about our pigeon dropping removal services, you can get in touch with us at 0208 066 0360 or enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk, where you can book a free site survey today. We are available 365 days a year, day and night, and operate nationwide to serve you.