What does bird poop look like?
Bird droppings can come in a variety of colors, textures, and amounts. Here are some of the most common characteristics of bird poop:
- White and black: Most bird droppings are white with black or brown specks mixed in. The white is made up of urine and uric acid, while the dark specks are digested seeds or insects.
- Green and brown: Some birds like parrots and budgies produce green and brown droppings made up of bile pigments.
- Runny or wet: Droppings from juvenile birds tend to be more liquidy as their digestive systems are still developing.
- Chalky with white cap: Bird poop from seed or grain-eating birds often has a white cap of uric acid on top of more chalky black and white poop.
- Reddish or pink stain: The droppings of birds like flamingos and lories contain pigments that can stain surfaces pink or red.
- Large splats or puddles: Large birds like geese and seagulls produce big splatterings of bird poop.
- Small dots: Small songbirds like sparrows leave small dotted droppings.
The color, texture, and amount of bird droppings can provide clues on what type of bird left it behind. However, there is a wide range so it’s not an exact science.
Where are bird droppings usually found?
Some common places to find bird poop include:
- On the ground below trees, telephone wires, ledges, or anywhere birds commonly perch
- On cars, outdoor furniture, decks, patios, and other open structures
- On statues, signs, or architectural elements of buildings that provide a perching spot
- Below nests up on buildings, cliffs, or trees
- On bird feeders and bird baths
- Along fence posts or any other raised areas in a yard
Birds often establish regular perches and territories where they will return to repeatedly. So you may notice heavy buildup of droppings in their favorite spots. Also be aware of surfaces above you, not just below, when looking for bird poop.
What health hazards are associated with bird droppings?
Although bird droppings may just look like a mess, they can also pose some health hazards:
- Histoplasmosis – This respiratory disease is caused by breathing in spores from a fungus that grows in dried bird droppings. It causes flu-like symptoms.
- Candidiasis – Sickness caused by yeast found in bird droppings. Can result in infections of the skin, mouth, or respiratory tract if droppings are handled without protection.
- Salmonella – Bird feces can contain this bacteria which causes diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps if accidentally ingested from unwashed hands.
- E. coli – Another bacteria that birds can transmit through their feces onto surfaces where it could infect people.
- Parasites – Droppings can contain parasites like giardia and cryptosporidium that can cause gastrointestinal illness if accidentally ingested.
To protect yourself, be sure to wear gloves and a mask when cleaning up bird droppings. Also wash hands thoroughly afterwards. Seek medical treatment if any unusual symptoms present after exposure.
How can I tell if it’s bird poop vs other animal poop?
Distinguishing bird droppings from other animal feces without seeing the animal can sometimes be tricky. Here are a few ways to tell:
Bird Droppings | Other Animal Poop |
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So look for the distinguishing factors of each poop type. Bird droppings tend to be up on things with less defined shape and color variation. Other animal poop is generally on the ground, uniform, and in areas of wildlife activity. Still, there may be times when you simply aren’t sure!
What tools do I need to clean bird droppings?
Cleaning up bird poop safely and effectively requires having the right supplies:
- Disposable gloves – Protect your hands from bacteria.
- Face mask – Avoid breathing in particles.
- Trash bags – For waste containment.
- Scrub brush or scraper – Removes stuck-on droppings.
- Ladder – For reaching high areas like roof peaks.
- Hose – To rinse off surfaces or launder items hit by poop.
- Disinfectant – Kill lingering bacteria; look for ones proven effective against avian flu.
- Eye protection – When using solutions that could splash.
It’s also a good idea to seal up any food items or cooking surfaces that could become contaminated during the cleaning process. And prevent access to the area by children or pets until disinfected.
Having the proper safety and cleaning gear will make the job faster and reduce health risks. Be sure to also use separate supplies when cleaning indoor vs outdoor areas to avoid tracking in bacteria.
What’s the safest way to clean bird droppings?
Follow these steps for safe and effective bird poop removal:
- Put on disposable gloves and a particle mask to protect yourself.
- Remove any solid droppings with a brush or scraper and dispose in a sealed trash bag.
- Rinse the area with a hose if outside to dilute remaining waste.
- Mix a disinfectant solution according to label instructions. Look for one that kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
- Apply the disinfectant over any affected surfaces and let sit for the recommended contact time.
- Scrub to remove any remaining streaks or stains.
- Rinse thoroughly since most disinfectants should not remain on surfaces we touch.
- Wash hands, tools, gloves, and any other exposed items with soap and hot water when finished.
Make sure to keep children and pets away from any chemicals used. And rinse edible plants thoroughly if accidentally exposed. When in doubt, call a professional who is experienced with bird waste removal and disinfection.
How should I clean bird droppings off my car?
Your car’s exterior can easily become covered in splattered bird droppings. Follow these tips for automobile bird poop removal:
- Allow the droppings to dry fully first, as they are easier to remove.
- Soften old, dried-on poop by soaking the area with a wet rag for a few minutes.
- Use a plastic edge or specialty poop scraper tool to gently lift off the solids without scratching the paint.
- Rinse the area clean with a hose.
- Mix a car wash soap solution and wash the car as normal.
- For any remaining stains, use a bird poop-specific enzyme cleaner made for automotive finishes.
- Rinse off all chemicals thoroughly and air dry or chamois the car.
- Wax and buff the affected area to seal and protect the paint.
Never use abrasive scrub pads or brushes, or pick at dried poop that could scratch the paint. And rinse all cleaners off quickly, as extended contact can damage the clearcoat.
What’s the easiest way to clean bird droppings out of my pool?
To easily clean bird droppings out of your swimming pool, just follow these simple steps:
- Use your pool skimmer to remove any floating solid poop.
- Run your pool vacuum over the bottom to suck up sinkers.
- Remove and clean your pool filter to flush out any collected waste.
- Add a dose of shock treatment to your pool water.
- Let the bleach and sanitizer work for 8-12 hours.
- Confirm the chlorine level is in ideal range before swimming again.
- Install bird deterrents around the pool area to prevent more poop from getting in.
The pool’s chlorinated water will quickly kill any bacteria in bird droppings. So focus on removing the solids then give a strong shocking to cleanse the water. Avoid swallowing the pool water until fully disinfected. And perform regular water tests to ensure your chlorine and pH stay balanced after cleaning up poop.
What are some tips for preventing bird droppings buildup?
To discourage birds from frequenting and fouling an area, try these proven prevention tips:
- Install bird repellent spikes, nets, or sloped surfaces on common perches.
- Use scent or ultrasound bird deterrents.
- Keep the area clean and remove food sources like spilled seed.
- Trim back trees and shrubs to reduce roosting spots.
- Use dummy decoy predators like owls or hawks.
- Keep pet cats and dogs active in the area to scare birds off.
- Set up moveable compact mirrors to startle birds.
- Apply non-toxic bird repellent gel.
- Hang old CDs to create flashes of light that disturb them.
A combination of techniques is most effective since birds can get used to single deterrents over time. Persistence is key to retrain birds to roost and feed elsewhere.
When should I call a professional to deal with bird droppings?
It’s a good idea to contact a professional pest control or wildlife company for help when:
- Droppings are in dangerous places like tall trees, roofs, or ledges.
- There is a very heavy infestation needing large scale disinfection.
- You need specialized high pressure cleaning equipment.
- Droppings have gotten into HVAC systems.
- There are dead birds or nests that also must be removed.
- You want them to professionally identify the bird species.
- Prevention measures you’ve tried haven’t worked.
- Health issues arise that may be related to exposure.
- The area is a public space like a park or business.
For widespread issues, hazardous locations, or very stubborn bird problems, calling the pros can ensure everything gets fully disinfected and the birds properly evicted.
Conclusion
While cleaning up bird droppings may seem straightforward, it’s important to take proper safety precautions given the health hazards bird waste can present. Identifying if it is indeed bird poop vs other animal feces can be done by looking at the color, texture, placement, and surrounding signs of bird activity. Using the right tools and disinfecting process helps minimize risks when tackling cleanup. And deterrents, exclusions, and professional help should be utilized for ongoing bird poop issues. By understanding the particulars of bird waste, you can clean and control it for cleaner and healthier living spaces.