Bird droppings, technically known as bird guano, can be a serious problem: It can cause permanent damage to masonry and potentially cause severe health risks to those who come into contact with it.
We'll cover this in more detail below, but for now, let's say that it's vitally important that guano is cleaned up quickly, thoroughly and professionally.
In most cases, the main issue is pigeon guano, and local authorities and businesses spend millions of pounds a year trying to address this.
The good news for those in all areas of Scotland is that Clean Team Scotland offers a premium guano removal service that restores your surfaces to a safe, clean condition!
Bird droppings (and pigeon guano in particular) are extremely acidic in nature. It's common to see pigeons with one leg or foot, and this is usually because the limb has been dissolved by the acid in the pigeon poop!
Over time, pigeon droppings accumulate on buildings and attack the surface of stone and brick, and this can damage structures severely.
In fact, other materials are affected as well as masonry. A build-up of bird droppings can damage concrete, marble, wood, copper, iron, steel and a host of other building materials.
The problem lies in the high uric acid content of bird droppings. This is due to the fact that birds have a high-protein, low-water diet, which makes their bodies more efficient when in flight (water would weigh them down).
While this ingenious trait is great for the birds, it's not such good news for our buildings; guano causes discolouration, corrosion and rot in most of the materials it comes into contact with over long periods.
With an estimated 18 million pigeons (of different species) in the UK, it's easy to see why our towns and cities suffer so much from this problem. As an example, around nine tonnes of guano was removed from the Tyne Bridge between 2020 and 2024, illustrating the extent of the problem.
Aside from structural damage, bird guano also poses a potential risk to human health.
Water droplets or dust contaminated with pigeon droppings can cause the following conditions:
It's important to stress that cases are incredibly rare, and that it is more likely you'll contract any one of these from family pets than pigeons.
However, the risk is greatly increased when a person comes into contact with a large concentration of bird guano, which is why it's best to use a professional bird droppings removal service. This is especially so when there is accumulated nesting material and a lot of dried pigeon guano at the scene.
As well as the above diseases, bird guano harbours bacteria, fungus, mould and parasites that could be harmful. The odour (along with airborne particles) from accumulated bird waste can make its way into your property via ventilation systems.
This is not only unpleasant but may also lead to sickness among staff, visitors or occupants of the building.
As if the corrosion and health hazards weren't enough, bird waste looks unattractive and can project a negative company image.
This mostly affects buildings in towns and cities, with coastal regions especially affected due to higher bird populations (gulls, as well as pigeons).
Accumulations of bird droppings on floors may lead to slips and falls. While this is bad enough in itself, you may also be liable for any resulting injury claims.
Bird droppings and nesting materials often block gutters and downpipes, leading to leaks and water damage.
So, if you want a clean, fresh exterior and wish to reduce your maintenance and repair bill, it's time to invest in a bird guano cleaning service!
Guano removal must be done properly, and the Clean Team Scotland team is fully trained and ready to tackle the most challenging case.
When you contact us, we'll take all the details and offer a sensible estimate based on the facts provided, then set a date for the site visit.
When our team arrives, they will follow a tried-and-tested procedure to get the job done:
A qualified team member will perform an initial inspection and risk assessment. This will identify any potential hazards on site and allow the team to select the best course of action.
We need to factor in several possible scenarios, such as whether the affected areas are close to water sources or where the general public may congregate.
This will necessitate special measures to ensure there is no risk of contamination.
The team will then safely remove all bird droppings from the area using specialist equipment. They will wear full PPE (personal protective equipment) throughout to minimise the risk.
We are never satisfied with anything but the complete removal of pigeon droppings, and the Clean Team Scotland team will continue to work until this is achieved.
Bird guano is considered hazardous waste, so responsible and legal disposal of the offending matter is essential.
The Clean Team Scotland team is licensed to dispose of guano in the relevant hazardous waste depot and will ensure that it is bagged and labelled appropriately.
The next stage involves full decontamination and sanitisation of the affected areas.
The method chosen will depend on the condition of the surfaces and materials involved. This may include power/jet washing machines, or the highly effective TORC or DOFF washing systems.
Whatever the method chosen, you can be sure that the surface will be left completely clean and safe.
The team will check the area to make sure that every trace of guano is removed and that the surfaces are completely clean.
All equipment, tools and debris are tidied away to leave the site safe and clear of clutter.
Easily book your cleaning service with our straightforward online form – convenient and hassle-free.
Once booked, you’ll receive a prompt confirmation, securing your chosen service date and time.
Let us handle the work while you relax. Enjoy the results of a professional, thorough clean tailored to your needs.
Cleaning pigeon guano is one thing, but we strongly recommend that you also take preventative action.
It's wise to consider investing in bird spikes or nets across vulnerable areas to dissuade pigeons and other birds from nesting on your property. All of the methods we recommend are humane and throughout the procedure, we ensure that no harm comes to any animals.
If this is not a viable option, it's a good idea to arrange for regular cleaning sessions to keep on top of the problem.
Please contact us for more detailed information on these issues.
It depends on the amount we need to remove and the size of the area. We also need to factor in any access considerations.
Please contact us to discuss your case and we will provide a free, no-obligation quote.
While it's understandable that clients want to save money by taking matters into their own hands, this is never a wise idea.
The risk to human health - whether from the guano itself or from working at height - is too great.
Please leave this to the experts!
Protect your property with Clean Team Scotland's bird dropping removal and disinfection service, provided by a trusted cleaning company.
We guarantee the complete removal of all bird waste and our fully trained technicians will ensure that the area is safe and clean.
Contact us today for a free quote and to restore your building to its former state. With our support and advice, you'll never have to worry about bird droppings again!
Pigeon guano is the droppings produced by pigeons, often found on buildings and rooftops. It can be a serious issue as it carries harmful bacteria and pathogens, which can lead to health problems and cause damage to structures.
Pigeon guano can erode building materials and damage roofing, gutters, and other structures. It also poses health risks due to the bacteria and diseases it can transmit, such as histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis.
Pigeon guano removal services help by safely and effectively removing the droppings, preventing further damage to your property, and eliminating health risks. These services also offer sanitation and decontamination to ensure a safe environment.
Health risks from pigeon guano include respiratory diseases like histoplasmosis, salmonella, and other bacterial infections. Direct contact with the guano or inhaling dust from dried droppings can lead to serious illness.
Yes, pigeon guano can cause significant damage to your property. Its acidic nature can corrode metal, wood, and stone, and prolonged exposure can lead to costly structural repairs and staining of surfaces.
Pigeon guano is removed using specialised cleaning equipment, protective gear, and disinfectants. The process involves containment, removal of the guano, and thorough cleaning to ensure the area is free of pathogens and bacteria.
