If pigeons are allowed to nest on your roof or in your loft, they can cause significant damage to your property. Moreover, if the old and dried pigeon droppings are not addressed promptly, they can lead to severe consequences. The removal of pigeon droppings can produce a considerable quantity of hazardous dust, which makes it crucial to handle the situation appropriately. At our company, we prioritize the health and safety of our team members as well as those in the vicinity of the work area, and take adequate measures to ensure a safe working environment.
Why Pigeon Guano Removal is Important
The removal of pigeon guano is crucial due to several reasons. If left unchecked for prolonged periods, bird guano can cause significant damage to buildings and pose serious health hazards. The highly acidic nature of bird droppings can lead to the corrosion of surfaces, particularly tar-based roofing materials and paint finishes. Additionally, bird droppings can clog ventilation systems and air ducting, resulting in expensive repairs. Moreover, the unpleasant odors and contaminants can quickly spread through the building’s ventilation system, which can be detrimental to the public and staff’s health due to the risks associated with inhaling bird guano. Therefore, it is essential to address the issue of pigeon guano promptly to prevent any further damage or health hazards.
Bird Droppings can be Hazardous to Health
Exposure to bird droppings, such as pigeon guano, can pose significant health hazards, leading to the contraction of various associated diseases. Some of these diseases include:
- Cryptococcosis: A fungal disease that can grow in soils and bird droppings. Though it is rare for healthy individuals to contract this disease even with high levels of exposure.
- Histoplasmosis: Caused by Histoplasma capsulatum, a fungus that grows in pigeon guano and soil worldwide.
- Psittacosis: An infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci, a type of bacteria found in bird droppings, including pigeons. Inhaling dried bird waste that becomes airborne can cause people to become ill.
Given the health risks associated with bird droppings, it is crucial to take appropriate measures to ensure that individuals are not exposed to such hazards.
Safe Pigeon Guano Removal
To ensure safe removal of pigeon guano and thorough disinfection of affected surfaces, our specialist team conducts a no-commitment site survey to assess the level of damage caused. We prioritize safety and efficiency, and operate 24/7 across London to address any pigeon-related issues you may have.
In addition to pigeon guano removal, we also offer bird proofing/prevention services, which include thorough cleaning and disinfection of the affected area before installing bird proofing devices.
We specialise in full decontamination of loft spaces and roof voids that have been invaded by pigeons, as well as loft clearances and attic decontamination of abandoned properties. Pigeons can quickly populate these areas, producing up to 25lb of guano per year, resulting in severe mess that requires a local loft clearance and clean-up service. Before any decontamination work can begin, a thorough risk assessment is conducted, and personal items, furniture, and insulation may need to be thrown out with skip hire required.
The clearance process involves dousing the affected area with a bespoke biocide cleaning agent to break down the guano and treat it for pathogens and bacteria. Professional strength bird mite killer spray insecticide is also applied to areas where nesting has occurred, using a directional sprayer and a ULV fogger to fill the entire space. Disposal of pigeon guano is done safely and in accordance with legislation, as it is classified as hazardous waste by local authorities.
We Were Called to a Property in London with Pigeons Living in the Loft
We were called to a property in London where the owners suspected they had bird living in their loft. They had heard scratching noises and louder than usual bird calls.
Unfortunately, when we opened up their loft to investigate, we found a lot of bird mess. At least 2 pigeons had gained access to the loft area and had built their nest. From our analysis, we estimated that they had been there for up to a year.
There was guano (pigeon poo) everywhere, every surface was completely covered, including the inside of the loft hatch and the steps to the loft.
We quickly found the access point and after removing the pigeons, sealed it up to prevent them from returning. The next job was to clean-up the mess.
The Clean-up and decontamination of the loft
We removed and safely disposed of the eggs and nest and proceeded with the clean-up.
The loft insulation was completely coated in pigeon guano so needed to be removed. We rolled this up and securely bagged it to prevent any spread of disease.
The rest of the surfaces would need to be cleaned with a biochemical which kills the bacteria and aids removal. All the surfaces were scrubbed with a wire brush and the solution.
Cleaning up bird guano in a confined space is not easy and can be hazardous so we used protective clothing and masks to prevent us breathing in the fumes and ensured the house was well ventilated for the entire time.
Contact Pigeon Control
Pigeon Control only uses humane methods to remove and deter pigeons from your home or business. Our team of experienced pigeon control specialists will assess the severity of the infestation and recommend the best course of action to remove the pigeons and prevent future infestations.
We also provide ongoing maintenance contracts to help ensure that your property remains pest-free. Our goal is to provide our clients with a comprehensive and effective pigeon control solution that is tailored to their specific needs.
If you’re experiencing pigeon problems, contact Pigeon Control today. Our team of experts will be happy to provide you with a free, no-obligation quote and answer any questions you may have about our services.
Contact us through our website or for 24-hour callout please call us on 0203 600 1045.