Whereas it’s quite common to identify pigeon poo on roofs and it might sound innocent, it will possibly truly lead to a protracted listing of issues for each your well being and your own home, in addition to doubtlessly stalling your renovation plans.
Not solely can extreme quantities of pigeon droppings corrode brickwork and result in drainage issues, however it will possibly additionally change into a severe well being hazard whether it is disturbed throughout cleansing or building work.
To search out out when it’s time to take away it, how to take action safely, and the way it may intervene together with your renovation plans, maintain studying – we spoke with two consultants to study extra.
How do I take away pigeon poo from my roof?
Eradicating pigeon poo out of your roof is not so simple as getting a bucket of heat water and wiping it away. James Rhoades, Founding father of ThermoPest, advises that when coping with a big space or an enclosed house, akin to lofts and roof voids, skilled remedy is strongly advisable attributable to well being dangers and the extent of contamination.
“We put on private protecting gear, use respirators, apply specialist disinfectants, observe managed waste removing procedures, and generally make use of damaging air programs to forestall spreading dangerous particles,” he explains. “The world needs to be sanitised first to scale back airborne contamination earlier than any removing begins.”
James Rhoades is the founding father of ThermoPest a nationwide specialist in heat-treatment mattress bug eradication. BPCA and NPTA member, working with householders, accommodations, HMOs and councils throughout the UK. His group additionally provide humane chicken management.
When does pigeon poo must be eliminated?
As quickly as you discover a visual build-up, detect sturdy odours, observe nesting exercise, or see contamination round entrances, roofs, lofts, balconies, or HVAC programs, James Rhoades says it’s time to take away the pigeon poo.
“We suggest eradicating droppings earlier than any home renovation, roofing, insulation, or electrical work. As soon as droppings dry out and are disturbed, contaminated mud particles can change into airborne and unfold all through the property,” he warns.
Can pigeon poo harm my house?
Sure – since pigeon droppings are extremely acidic, they will trigger harm to your property if left untreated, confirms James Rhoades.
From corroding brickwork, steel, paint, stone, photo voltaic panels, roofing supplies, and air flow programs to blocking gutters and drains (which might result in structural issues), pigeon poo may cause extra points than you may initially assume. If that is one thing you’ve got seen, our information on photo voltaic panel pigeon proofing can be useful.
James warns that older buildings and loft areas are significantly in danger, as you could not discover the harm immediately.
Can pigeon poo delay my renovation?
Probably. You probably have giant quantities of pigeon droppings in your roof and renovation work is scheduled, staff might refuse to do the job, which may delay the undertaking.
“Beneath the Management of Substances Hazardous to Well being Rules 2002 (COSHH), building staff could also be in danger from dangerous micro-organisms throughout property renovation,” says Andrew Boast, Property Specialist at SAM Conveyancing. “Consequently, they’re inside their rights to refuse to undertake any work till the pigeon guano has been safely eliminated.”
“We have now seen tasks halted as a result of contamination was discovered beneath insulation, in roof areas, or round air flow programs. In some circumstances, timber, insulation, or ceiling supplies may additionally must be changed if the contamination has been current for a very long time,” provides James Rhoades.
Andrew is the CEO, Govt Director & Co-Founding father of SAM Conveyancing, having guided hundreds of shoppers by the complicated course of of shopping for a house each personally and thru his groups of professional solicitors, surveyors and mortgage advisers.
Are pigeon droppings a well being hazard?
Sure, pigeon droppings are a well being hazard and might doubtlessly carry micro organism, fungal spores, parasites, and pathogens linked to respiratory sicknesses and infections.
James Rhoades says they’re significantly harmful when disturbed throughout cleansing or building work, particularly in poorly ventilated areas or properties with heavy, long-term infestations.
“While pigeons might seem as a nonchalant neighbour, what they depart behind could be expensive to your property. It’s best to take preventative motion earlier than the harm to your property turns into a expensive restore invoice,” concludes Andrew Boast.
Should you discovered this beneficial, you may additionally need to learn cease birds consuming grass feed and why utilizing mothballs to cease pigeons is a foul thought.
