Removal of Bird Excrement

Removing bird excrement is not a fun chore.

Birds are an integral part of the wildlife society. Although beautiful and pleasant, birds can cause serious problems especially when they gather together in large numbers. Bird excrement has a high acidity and can destroy nearly any surface including stone, concrete, steel and wood. Accumulated droppings can destroy roofs, clog gutters, discolor paint and rust metal. The health problems are also a huge concern if bird droppings are inhaled or accidentally ingested. Several steps can be taken to properly remove bird excrement from outside hard surfaces.

Things You'll Need

• 3/4 cup chlorine bleach
• 1 gallon warm water
• 1 tablespoon powdered laundry detergent
• Latex gloves
• Bucket
• Garden hose with sprayer
• Spray bottle
• Sponge or rag
• Ventilation mask
• Goggles

Instructions

Instructions

1. 

   Use a garden hose to saturate the area.

   Use a garden hose and saturate the area of bird excrement with water at low pressure.

2. 

   Wear rubber gloves when cleaning bird excrement.

   Mix a solution of 3/4 cup of chlorine bleach, 1 gallon of warm water, and 1 tablespoon of powdered laundry detergent in a bucket. Be sure to wear protective clothing, including overalls, hat, boots, rubber gloves, ventilation mask and goggles.

3. 

   Spray soltution directly on the area

   Pour the solution in a spray bottle, and spray the solution directly and thoroughly on the bird excrement.

4. 

   Pigeons leave excrement everywhere

   Let the solution sit for about five to seven minutes to kill the bacteria and disinfect the hard surface. The longer that the solution sits on the the hard surface the better the disinfection works.

5. 

   Use a high pressure sprayer with hose tor remove the excrement.

   Take the garden hose/sprayer and spray the excrement with water at high pressure until it disappears or almost disappears.

6. Remove any excess excrement, residue or stain by rubbing with a wet sponge or rag.

Tips & Warnings

• If available, use a pressure cleaner instead of a hose sprayer because it removes the bird excrement more powerfully and easily. If the bird excrement is still wet and not old, you may be able to get away with just using water, a general all-purpose cleaner and a rag. For heavy accumulations, contact a waste removal professional for safe removal and disposal.

• Bird excrement is highly acidic and spreads disease. Be sure to wear protective clothing and proper safety equipment.

References

• Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management: Cleaning Up the Excrement of Wildlife, Birds, Bats, Raccoons and Rodents
• Acme How To: How To Clean Bird Droppings from Wood
• State of Arizona: Bird Dropping/Excrement Removal Checklist
• Nixalite: Bird Droppings Unhealthy, Unsightly & Unnecessary