The Danger of Pigeon Droppings

by Pigeon Patrol | Oct 20, 2020 | Bird Deterrent Products, Bird Netting, Bird Spikes, Pigeon Droppings, Pigeon Spikes

Danger of Pigeon Droppings

Although pigeons themselves are not considered to be a danger to humans, their droppings is a different story. Pigeons transmit diseases through their droppings and can easily affect someone with a weakened immune system if near by.

Pigeon droppings that are infected with bacteria or viruses are often left on the street, windowsills and cars to dry out. Once they do, they become a powder, which is blown or kicked into the air and then inhaled. The inhalation of this powder is one way that the pathogens that can cause disease can be spread to us.

Pathogens

According to Medical News Today, the most common pathogens which can cause disease transmitted from pigeons to humans are:

E. coli. This occurs when bird droppings land in a water or food supply and are then consumed by humans. This can typically be avoided by washing food thoroughly before eating. Symptoms include nausea, fever and cramps.
St. Louis encephalitis.This disease is spread by mosquitoes after they feed on a bird that carries the pathogen that spreads St. Louis encephalitis. This inflammation of the nervous system is dangerous to all age groups, but can be particularly dangerous and even fatal in adults over 60 years old. Symptoms include drowsiness, headache and fever.
Histoplasmosis.This respiratory disease occurs as a result of a fungus growing in pigeon droppings and can be fatal.
Candidiasis.This disease is also a respiratory condition caused by a fungus or yeast found in droppings. The areas affected include skin, mouth, the respiratory system, intestines and the urogenital tract, particularly in women.
Salmonellosis.This disease is commonly called “food poisoning” and spreads via infected droppings turning into dust and contaminating food and food preparation surfaces prior to consumption.

Pigeons are also carriers of mites, fleas, and West Nile virus, and all of which can cause discomfort and potentially serious health issues in humans.

If you are cleaning up or come into contact with droppings, you should take precautions. Wash your hands and clean any exposed skin before eating, drinking or putting your hands near your mouth. Likewise, if you are feeding or handling birds, wash your hands afterwards. If you have a compromised immune system, including from HIV/AIDS or cancer, you should not clean up droppings.

Destroys Cleanliness of Property

Pigeon droppings are unsightly and can cause problems by making pavements and steps slippery, particularly in wet weather. Droppings can also corrode stonework and damage buildings. Nesting material, droppings and dead birds may block gutters and drains leading to water damage to buildings. Pigeon droppings are quite high in uric acid, which corrodes car exteriors like no one’s business. With an average pH of about 3, dried bird poop will peel away clearcoats, bleach paint, and leave cartoonish etchings of itself even after a car wash.

Pigeon droppings can cause severe damage to not just your roof but also other parts of your house. Some of the havoc birds poop can cause to your roof include:

Uric Acid

Bird poop contains uric acid, which can damage your roof. Since birds don’t urinate, the only way they could get rid of nitrogenous waste from their body system is through their poop. The acidic content of the white liquid can wreak havoc on materials like concrete, car paint, and roofing materials. The most vulnerable roof material to uric acid is the asphalt shingles.

Effect on Solar Panel

Roof-mounted solar panels have become a modern haven for pigeons and other bird species. This is so because solar panels provide warmth and shelter from the wind and rain. More so, it is a perfect spot for nesting, which ultimately results in massive bird dropping problems. Apart from the fact that these birds cause damage to the solar panel wiring, they also create a mess by leaving their droppings on top of them. These droppings, if left to sit for an extended period of time , blight solar panels and can render the system useless.

Blocked Gutters

Pigeons picking on dried poop for bugs can drop these waste into your gutters. These bird droppings contain seeds that may likely create additional problems for your drainage system. When a bird poop is left for long on your roof, wind or rain may eventually wash the bird poop and seeds into the gutters. These seeds can grow into weeds and shrubs in the gutter given the right conditions, thus affecting the flow of water. A clogged gutter will eventually lead to roof leakages. So make sure you clean your gutters regularly to ensure that they are free of debris and other waste products left by pigeons.

Moss Growth

Moss thrives in shady, damp places and are commonly found on the roof. Failure to tackle moss growth heads on can result in water leaks and damage. In addition, it can clog your drainage and gutters. Moss retains moisture, and this could further hamper the efficiency of your roof materials. What is for certain is that if birds and pigeons regularly leave droppings on your roof, the moss problem can be difficult and more expensive to contain. The nutrients from pigeon poop stimulate moss growth. More reasons why you need to get rid of pigeons and bird pests from your roof.

Bird Laws

Some laws protect native birds. So you need to follow laid down protocols when getting rid of them. Some of the legal methods of preventing birds nesting on your roof include roof spikes and bird deflectors. If you don’t want to face the wrath of the law, then make sure you contact reputable bird control service for assistance. Read More About Bird Laws Here

Source

About Pigeon Patrol:

Pigeon Patrol Products & Services is the leading manufacturer and distributor of bird deterrent (control) products in Canada. Pigeon Patrol products have solved pest bird problems in industrial, commercial, and residential settings since 2000, by using safe and humane bird deterrents with only bird and animal friendly solutions. At Pigeon Patrol, we manufacture and offer a variety of bird deterrents, ranging from Ultra-flex Bird Spikes with UV protection, Bird Netting, 4-S Gel and the best Ultrasonic and audible sound devices on the market today

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