Dan Frankian is an accomplished falconer, using his skills to provide a natural alternative to chemical and product driven Bird, Animal, and Pest Control in the Toronto and Golden Horseshoe Area... Read more »
Pigeons might seem harmless as they strut around city streets, but their droppings pose serious health risks if not handled properly.
Whether you're dealing with a small smudge on your balcony or a full-blown pigeon infestation, it's essential to take the right steps to safely remove pigeon poop and protect yourself and your loved ones from potential harm.
Health Risks of Pigeon Poop
Pigeon poop is both an unsightly mess and harbors harmful pathogens and bacteria that can make you sick:
Histoplasmosis, a fungal infection, can be contracted by inhaling airborne spores from dried pigeon droppings, leading to symptoms like fever, cough, and fatigue.
Cryptococcosis, another fungal infection caused by inhaling airborne particles from pigeon droppings, can result in pneumonia or meningitis.
Pigeon droppings can also contain Salmonella bacteria, causing symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
Materials Needed for Removing Pigeon Poop
Before you start cleaning, gather the necessary materials to ensure a safe and effective cleanup process. You'll need…
Gloves (taped) to protect your hands from direct contact with pigeon droppings
Mask (full face including ears) to prevent inhalation of airborne particles.
Full PPE
A sturdy scraper or spatula
Disposable bags for triple-bagging the pigeon poop after removal
A ladder, especially if you’re trying to figure out how to remove pigeon poop from balcony or another high surface
How to Remove Pigeon Poop: The Cleaning Process
Now that you've gathered your materials and geared up for the task, it's time to dive into the cleaning process. Follow these steps on how to remove pigeon poop effectively from your surfaces:
Prepare the area for cleanup. Lay down a tarp or newspaper to catch any debris or droppings that may fall during the cleaning process.
Next, put on your protective gear. Whenever you’re exposing yourself to the hazards of pigeon poop, you must use PPE, including a full face organic vapor filter mask (ears included!), and coveralls with taped gloves.
Dampen dried pigeon poop and scrape from surfaces, disposing of it in triple bags.
Clean the area with water and allow it to try completely.
Remove your full PPE and wash your hands thoroughly with soap to help prevent the spread of bacteria and pathogens.
The Disposal Process
Learning how to properly dispose of the waste is just as important as learning how to remove pigeon poop. In order to dispose of pigeon poop safely and responsibly, triple-bag any debris, droppings, or cleaning materials used in the process to prevent leakage and further contamination. Seal the bags tightly to contain any potential hazards.
Dispose of the sealed bags in a designated outdoor trash bin or dumpster.
If possible, contact your local waste management authority to inquire about any specific guidelines or regulations for disposing of animal waste — they may provide additional instructions or resources to ensure proper disposal.
Preventative Measures
Now that you know how to remove pigeon poop from patios, roofs, and other outdoor surfaces, you might want to know how to prevent pigeons from your property in general.
Using Bird Spikes
Install bird spikes on ledges, roofs, and other areas where pigeons tend to roost to prevent them from landing and leaving droppings behind.
Specifically, choose bird spikes made from durable materials such as stainless steel or polycarbonate for long-lasting effectiveness. These materials are sturdy and weather-resistant, ensuring that they remain effective even in harsh conditions. The product manufacturer should have instructions on whether to use adhesive or screws to secure the spikes in place to make sure it stays sturdy on your roof.
Using Repellents
Some use bird repellent, like bird gel, on surfaces where pigeons congregate to deter them from roosting, which will create a sticky or unpleasant surface that pigeons will avoid. However, there is really no bird repellent spray that truly does the job, so we don’t recommend it.
Many laws require you to use repellents that are non-toxic and safe for use around residential areas, humans, pets, and the environment. Reapply these repellents regularly, especially after rain or heavy wind, to maintain their effectiveness. Over time, the effectiveness of repellents may diminish due to weathering, so it's essential to reapply them as needed.
Important Things to Note When Removing Pigeon Poop
When it comes to dealing with pigeon poop, there are some crucial points to keep in mind when it comes to how to remove pigeon poop safely and effectively.
Everything Has to Be Dampened Before Cleaning
Before you start the cleaning process, it's essential to thoroughly dampen the affected area with water. This helps minimize the risk of airborne particles and dust, reducing the likelihood of inhaling dried pigeon poop particles.
Use a spray bottle or hose to dampen surfaces, ensuring they’re sufficiently wet but not soaked. This simple precaution can significantly reduce the spread of potentially harmful pathogens during cleanup.
Don’t Let It Enter City Drains
Hosing pigeon poop into city drains or stormwater systems, can lead to environmental contamination and potential fines. Instead, collect and dispose of any water used during the cleaning process in a responsible manner. Pour it down a sanitary sewer drain or collect it in a container for proper disposal.
If necessary, use absorbent materials such as paper towels or kitty litter to soak up excess water and dispose of them properly along with the triple-bagged waste.
Pigeon droppings contain uric acid, which can promote the growth of black mold when left unattended in damp or humid environments. Black mold poses serious health risks, including respiratory issues and allergic reactions.
To prevent the growth of black mold after cleaning up pigeon poop, use a mold-killing solution or disinfectant after cleaning pigeon poop to eliminate any remaining traces and prevent mold growth.
Regularly monitor the cleaned areas for signs of mold growth and take immediate action if it appears.
Natural Wood and Stone Are More Susceptible to Pigeon Poop Damage
Natural wood and stone surfaces are quite susceptible to damage from pigeon poop due to being porous and absorbing acitity found in pigeon excrement. Damage may include staining and overall deterioration and immediate attention is essential,.
Make it a habit to regularly inspect and maintain outdoor structures made of wood or stone to identify and address any pigeon roosting or nesting sites before they cause significant damage.
Contact Hawkeye to Safely Remove Pigeon Poop
Hawkeye knows how to remove pigeon poop from concrete, cars, roofs — just about anywhere you’re trying to clean up! Our professional services specialize in the safe and effective removal of pigeon droppings to address pigeon infestations and prevent future problems.
CA
US
Call 
