What Is Pigeon Guano?

CONTENTS

• What are the dangers of pigeon guano?
• How to remove pigeon guano
• The benefits of professional pigeon guano removal
• How to protect your property from guano
• Book your bird guano removal today

Guano is the accumulation of a large amount of droppings from birds and bats. Pigeon guano is not just an eyesore, it can put people's health at risk and even lead to structural damage to a property. Unfortunately, cleaning it up yourself is difficult and dangerous, and should always be left to professional cleaners. 

At ICE Cleaning, we offer professional bird dropping removal services. Our technicians have access to state-of-the-art equipment and solutions which can disinfect and decontaminate the area, and remove all traces of the pigeon guano. We operate nationwide and in an emergency can be on site within a matter of hours. 

Keep reading to find out more about pigeon guano and how to remove it.  

What are the dangers of pigeon guano?

It poses health risks

Bird droppings carry diseases such as Psittacosis, E.coli, Salmonella, and Cryptococcosis which can lead to serious illnesses if not treated promptly. 

Psittacosis, for example, can result in influenza-like signs and symptoms, and may become more severe, such as progressing to pneumonia. Cryptococcosis, on the other hand, might affect your lungs and nervous system, and potentially cause brain infections like Cryptococcal meningitis. 

As pigeon guano is slippery, any on the floor can increases the chances of slips and falls, as well, which could put people at risk of injuries.

It can cause structural damage

Pigeon guano contains uric acid which makes it a very acidic substance. It can corrode surfaces like stone, metals, and brickwork over time, and discolour paint and other finishes. It could even lead to structural damage.

It might attract pests

A build up of guano can lead to a pest problem, as well. Insects like flies, ants, and cockroaches are drawn to droppings as it is a breeding ground for bacteria. Should they be required, ICE Cleaning also provides pest control services.

How to remove pigeon guano

Guano, particularly pigeon guano, dries like cement and is difficult to remove. Pigeon guano cleaning is not just about scrubbing off the surface; it also involves dealing with potential health risks and long-term damage. Although there are home remedies recommended online that claim to get rid of the guano and save money, they often end up being more harmful than beneficial.

For example, many people try power washing as a quick fix. However, this approach tends to spread hazardous dust particles into the air, increasing the chances of people contracting diseases like Histoplasmosis. Additionally, without proper protective equipment (PPE), you expose yourself directly to these pathogens. Power washing can damage certain surfaces, like brickwork, too.

Thorough disinfection will be required following guano removal cleaning, as well. Household cleaning products will not be able to kill off the bacteria guano can leave behind. 

Rather than putting your health at risk and potentially causing more damage, let professional cleaners handle pigeon guano removal. You can find out more about cleaning pigeon guano in this blog.

The benefits of professional pigeon guano removal

Professional cleaners are fully trained in how to handle these situations safely and effectively. They have the right equipment, tools, and knowledge that lets them remove all the guano without risking their health or yours. They will then eliminate any residual bacteria or viruses with powerful antibacterial cleaning agents. 

Professionals have specialist cleaning solutions that can tackle bird waste on any surface without damaging the surfaces it's on, either. They will give you peace of mind that your property will be safe again. 

How to protect your property from guano

Firstly, you should find ways to deter pigeons. Bird spikes on ledges or other surfaces where birds tend to roost will discourage them from landing without causing them harm. Bird netting also stops them from accessing larger areas such as rooftops or balconies. 

A more high-tech solution involves using ultrasonic devices that emit sounds only birds can hear, scaring them away. Maintaining a clean environment will get rid of the food sources that tend to attract pigeons, too. 

You can learn more about the different ways to keep pigeons away from your property here. 

Book your bird guano removal today

Our technicians are fully qualified to clean up a number of different types of guano. They will use strong chemicals to decontaminate the surface and attack the uric acid that is corroding the surface. They will also close off indoor areas to stop any infectious particles entering the property. 

Get in touch with our team by calling 0208 066 0360 or sending an email to enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk to learn more about our bird dropping removal services. Our friendly team is available 24/7, 365 days a year, including bank holidays, and will provide you with a free site survey and no-obligation quote.