Are Pigeon Feces Dangerous?

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One of the biggest disease factors that can be associated with pigeons is in fact their droppings, and while there are some cultures that believe to be hit by pigeon droppings is lucky, it is actually very important that it is cleaned up quickly. In most cases, people will be encountering the feces when they have to clean up a sizable amount of droppings, and this can mean that the process will be a little different to those who are just cleaning up a hit of fresh feces.



How Diseases Can Be Transmitted By Pigeon Feces

There are two ways in which pigeon droppings can transmit diseases, and the first of these is through direct contact, and when the feces comes into contact with broken skin, the eyes or the mouth, where it can be ingested, this is one way of disease transmission. The other method of disease transmission is that in some pigeon feces there are fungal spores, and these can be released into the air when the feces is disturbed, and these can then be inhaled.

Diseases Found In The Feces

One of the most common conditions that can be caught by those who are dealing with pigeon feces is histoplasmosis, and this is a very serious disease that is caused by the inhalation of spores that can go on to have some serious repercussions. Psittacosis is another condition which can be caused by pigeon droppings, and is transmitted in a very similar way.

Precautions To Take Before Cleaning

The key part of any precautions that are taken before dealing with pigeon feces is that they need to make sure that you are protecting yourself from transmission of disease in both of the ways specified. This means that it is important to wear a mask, particularly if you are working in a confined space, that will filter out any such spores, along with using goggles and long sleeved clothing and gloves to protect any other areas which can be a transmission area of the body.

Disposing Of Pigeon Feces

There are several ways in which this can be done, and certainly the safest way is to incinerate the feces which will then destroy any active spores in the feces. However, the most common way of dealing with the feces is to seal it, either in a plastic container or in a double sealed bag with no holes, and then to put the feces out with the garbage.

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How to Remove Pigeon Feces from the Attic

If you have ever had to experience an animal infestation in your attic, you will be familiar with the kind of work that is required if you have to deal with feces, and when it comes to a pigeon infestation they will usually leave you with a significant amount of droppings to deal with. It is also worth noting that in many cases the soiling will be quite heavy, meaning that you will need to replace the insulation, and if this is the case then it may be worth checking to see if your homeowners insurance will cover this kind of damage.



Precautions And Protective Clothing

Pigeon feces can carry several different types of diseases that can have some serious repercussions, so precautions to prevent from direct contact with the feces will include clothing with long sleeves and gloves. There are also conditions that can be transmitted through inhalation and the eyes, so wearing goggles and a mask that will filter out such spores is a very valuable investment too.

Collecting And Cleaning The Feces

It is usually best to have an airtight bag or container in which to put the feces which can be sealed, and the feces can then be picked up and placed in the container using a small trowel or similar implement. The best approach is to try and avoid handling to ensure minimum disturbance of the feces as you move it into the bag or container, to prevent disturbing any more of the feces than you have to.

Disposing Of Pigeon Feces

When you are thinking about the disposal of pigeon feces, it is important not to expose others to the conditions that can be transmitted by it, so make sure it is disposed of while it is still sealed. The container or bags can either be incinerated if you have the option, or it can be placed out with the garbage.

Sealing The Attic

The most important thing to do after cleaning up the feces is to make sure the attic is safe and secure. Make sure that you carry out a thorough investigation and seal any holes that the pigeons were using to get in and out, while it is also worthwhile carrying out a disinfection of the attic, which is usually completed with a fumigant, which can either be purchased or hired from a local hardware company.

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