Eliminating Bird Droppings Without Contamination

Bird droppings can carry diseases, so it’s important to clean them properly without spreading contamination. Here is a comprehensive guide to eliminating bird droppings safely:

Understanding the Risks

Bird droppings contain bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi that can cause diseases in humans. Some of the main health risks include:

• Histoplasmosis – a lung infection caused by a fungus found in dried droppings. It’s particularly common with pigeon and chicken droppings.

• Psittacosis – a bacterial disease that causes flu-like symptoms. It’s transmitted through fresh droppings and respiratory secretions from infected birds.

• Salmonella – a common bacterial infection that causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps in humans.

• Encephalitozoonosis – a parasitic disease that can affect the nervous system.

• Cryptococcosis – a fungal infection that typically affects the lungs.

So cleaning up bird droppings properly is important to avoid inadvertent spread of these diseases. The droppings themselves, fluids, and dust from the feces can all harbor pathogens.

Safely Cleaning Droppings

Here are some best practices to safely eliminate bird droppings without contamination:

Supplies Needed

• Protective clothing – Wear gloves, safety goggles, a mask/respirator, coveralls, and boots when cleaning up large amounts of droppings. This prevents accidental ingestion or inhalation of pathogens.

• Bucket of soapy water – Use a dilute bleach or detergent solution to kill microbes. Avoid power washing droppings as this can aerosolize pathogens.

• Stiff brushes – Use brushes with stiff plastic or nylon bristles for scrubbing. Avoid wire brushes that can abrade the surface.

• Disinfectants – Cleansers containing quaternary ammonium salts or 10% bleach solutions help sanitize the area after cleaning.

• Spray bottle – Used to lightly wet the area and droppings before scraping. Don’t soak the area.

• Scrapers and shovels – Use plastic or metal scrapers and shovels to remove droppings. Don’t use wood materials.

• Trash bags – Seal removed droppings in trash bags for disposal. Double bagging is best.

Cleaning Steps

1. Put on protective gear before starting work. The mask should cover your nose and mouth tightly.

2. Lightly spray droppings and surrounding area with a dilute soapy water or bleach solution. Let sit briefly.

3. Use a scraper and stiff brush to remove all visible droppings. Scoop up with a shovel and place in trash bags.

4. Use a scrub brush and soapy water to thoroughly wash the affected area. This includes beams, roof tiles, ledges etc.

5. Rinse off the area with clean water and let fully dry. Avoid using a pressure washer.

6. Spray or wipe down the area with disinfectant. Let sit for 10 minutes before rinsing.

7. Double bag all waste and seal tightly before disposal. Avoid stirring up dust.

8. Remove protective clothing and thoroughly wash hands with soap and water after finished.

Preventing Future Buildup

To avoid repeated droppings buildup:

• Install bird spikes, netting, slope modification, or other humane deterrents.

• Block access holes or entry points into sheltered areas. Use hardware cloth or wire mesh to seal gaps.

• Use owl decoys or predator bird kites to scare off roosting birds. Move decoys regularly.

• Remove food sources like outdoor pet food or garbage that attract birds.

• Use bird repellent gels on beams, ledges, or rooflines where birds perch. Reapply after rain.

• Consider professional bird removal for large problematic flocks. They can humanely trap and relocate birds.

When to Seek Professional Help

Get professional hazardous waste cleanup if:

• Droppings are entering the living space through open windows or vents.

• There is heavy accumulation in hard to reach places like roofs, attics, or tall trees.

• You are immunocompromised and at high risk of infection.

• Droppings may contain lead or asbestos if an older building. Testing should be done.

• There is a very large flock of birds roosting. Too hazardous for DIY cleaning.

It’s important to stay safe while effectively eliminating bird droppings. Proper protective gear, cleaning techniques, and disinfection can remove droppings without contaminating the surrounding area. Prevent future buildup by excluding birds humanely. Seek expert help for large hazardous cases.