Pigeon Droppings: General Safety and Clean-up

Why care is sensible

Dry droppings break down into fine dust that can be stirred into the air when brushed or swept. Public health bodies generally advise avoiding breathing in dust from bird droppings. Most people cleaning a small amount occasionally are at low risk, but sensible steps reduce it further.

People with lung conditions, weakened immune systems or who are pregnant may wish to avoid the job altogether.

Basic protection

Wear disposable gloves and old clothes you can wash straight afterwards. For anything more than a light clean, a well-fitting dust mask helps. Keep children and pets away while you work.

Avoid touching your face, and wash your hands thoroughly when finished.

Damp down before cleaning

The key step is to wet the droppings before removing them. A light spray of water softens them and stops dust forming. Leave it for a few minutes, then scrape or wipe the softened material into a bag.

Never dry brush or use a leaf blower on droppings, as this creates exactly the dust you want to avoid.

Cleaning surfaces afterwards

Once the bulk is removed, wash the surface with warm water and a household cleaner suited to the material. Rinse well. Natural stone and some paving can mark with strong products, so test a small area first.

Wash any tools afterwards, or bag disposable cloths and gloves with the droppings.

Disposal

Small amounts of droppings, double-bagged, can usually go in general household waste. Check with your local council if you are dealing with a large build-up.

Do not wash large quantities into surface water drains, which often lead straight to streams.

When to leave it to others

Large accumulations in lofts, under solar panels, on flat roofs or around commercial buildings are best handled by people with the right equipment and access. Working at height on a roof while handling droppings adds to the risk.

Our commercial bird proofing guide covers larger buildings.

Damage to stone, metal and paint

Droppings are acidic and can etch natural stone, mark paintwork and corrode metal over time. Car paint is especially vulnerable in warm weather. Removing droppings promptly reduces the damage they cause.

On a house, droppings left on window ledges, stone sills and render can leave lasting stains that are harder to clean the longer they stay.

Lofts and enclosed spaces

Droppings that have built up inside a loft or enclosed roof space are a different matter from a few spots on a patio. Confined spaces trap dust, and the build-up can be considerable. That kind of clean-up is best left to specialists with suitable protective equipment.

We clear accessible debris as part of external proofing; internal loft clearance is discussed separately where needed.

Pets and children

Keep pets and young children away from areas with droppings until they have been cleaned. Dogs in particular may investigate or eat droppings. Wash children's hands if they have played near affected areas.

Cleaning garden furniture and play equipment under a roosting spot regularly helps until the source is proofed.

Garden furniture and play areas

Tables, chairs, trampolines and sandpits under a roosting spot collect droppings quickly. Covering them when not in use, and cleaning them with warm water and a mild cleaner before use, keeps them usable while the source is dealt with.

Moving furniture away from directly under the roof edge or panels also helps until proofing is in place.

Stopping the droppings at source

Cleaning is temporary if birds keep returning. Proofing the perching or nesting spots, such as gutters, ledges, eaves or the gap under solar panels, reduces droppings in the long run. See our pigeon proofing service for the options, with free quotes.