- Is Pigeon Waste Dangerous?
Yes! Here are the two most dangerous diseases associated with pigeon poop.
Histoplasmosis is a disease caused by a fungus that grows in pigeon droppings. The fungus can also be found in bat droppings or in the soil, and is carried by the wind. When removing droppings, people may breathe in some of the fungus. When exposure is high, the fungus can cause infection.
Symptoms of Histoplasmosis begin to appear about 10 days after initial infection and can include fatigue, fever, and chest pains. Most infections have no symptoms or appear as a mild respiratory illness. People with weakened immune systems (like cancer patients or people living with HIV/AIDS) are generally more at risk of developing Histoplasmosis. The disease cannot be transmitted from person to person.
Cryptococcosis is another fungal disease related to pigeon droppings and grows in soils throughout the world. It is very unlikely that healthy people will become infected even at high levels of exposure. A major risk factor for infection is a compromised immune system.
Other diseases carried or transmitted by birds affect humans to a lesser degree. Psittacosis is normally mild in man; however, serious illness can occur rarely. Pigeons and sparrows also have been implicated (along with many other species of birds) as reservoirs for Encephalitis Viruses such as West Nile Encephalitis Virus, which are carried by mosquitoes. back to top
- Can I Clean Pigeon Waste Myself?
There are no laws regarding the cleanup of pigeon poop and nesting materials. However, if done improperly, there are severe health risks possible, as outlined in Question 1 above. It is highly recommended that a professional company trained in Personal Protective Gear, Respirators, Proper Pigeon Waste Cleanup Techniques, and Electrostatic Disinfection is hired. back to top
- Is Pigeon Droppings Cleanup Expensive?
The cost to clean and properly decontaminate an area affected by pigeon poop/waste, is determined by several factors listed below. This is why an onsite assessment is needed before any costs will be known.
1) Size of area needing cleaning
2) Access limitations to area needing cleaning
3) Severity of soiling
4) Involvement of structure, or structure and contents
5) Amount of technicians needed to perform the job
6) Amount of time needed to complete job
7) Disposal costs of biohazardous waste (pigeon feces) back to top
- How Quickly Can Steri-Clean Respond to Help Me?
Steri-Clean's pigeon droppings clean up services are available 7 days a week, and can be scheduled around work hours most of the time if needed. We do need light to properly clean affected areas, so night time cleaning is typically not recommended unless the cleanup would disrupt your business operations. back to top
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