Pigeons are a nuisance long before they are a serious hazard, but a settled flock can cause blocked drainage, soiled entrances and hygiene concerns. Here is how to weigh the risks sensibly.
Droppings are acidic enough to mark paint, stain stonework and speed the wear of some surfaces, particularly when they build up over a long time. Feathers and nesting material block gutters, downpipes and gullies, so that overflowing water that soaks walls. Nests in roof voids and behind cladding can hide leaks, and birds working at loose slates or tiles may make existing weaknesses worse.
Dried droppings can produce dust, and people who clean them without protection may breathe it in. Pigeon waste has been linked with a number of illnesses, so cleaning should be done carefully, with gloves and a suitable mask, and not by sweeping dry. Anyone with a weakened immune system, or who has respiratory problems, should avoid the task altogether and ask a professional.
Customers notice fouled entrances and outdoor areas, and sites that handle food, medicine or retail stock have particular concerns about birds. A flock on a visible frontage may cause complaints, extra cleaning and repeated repairs. Those costs add up, which is why a roost on a commercial premises is rarely something to leave to resolve itself. Proofing is the usual way to break the cycle.
Droppings on steps, ramps and walkways are a slip hazard when wet, and a dry, crusted layer can be loose underfoot. Where members of the public, staff or delivery drivers walk through, the person responsible for the premises has to take reasonable care. Regular cleaning, a log of when it was done and a plan to deal with the cause all show that the risk is being managed.
Also consider access to roofs and plant rooms. Maintenance workers may have to clear droppings from places where footing is poor, and this adds to the hazards of working at height. If such areas are fouled, arrange for cleaning to be done by trained people with proper protection, and take the chance to fit proofing so the job does not need repeating every few months.
Keep the scale in proportion. Pigeons in towns are common and most people live alongside them without trouble. The risk grows where a large flock settles, where droppings accumulate in enclosed or busy places, or where food is handled nearby. Judging which of those applies to you is the first step, and a visit from someone who deals with this regularly often makes the picture much clearer.
Not every sighting is serious, but heavy droppings, blocked drainage, nests in voids and complaints from users all suggest action is warranted. Call 0113 347 0014 or message us on WhatsApp for a free quote, and we will talk through the risks on your site and what could reasonably be done.
They can carry organisms that cause illness, particularly when dried waste is disturbed and the dust is inhaled. The risk is low for most people in passing, but it rises with heavy deposits and enclosed spaces. Use protection and wet the waste when cleaning, or hire someone trained.
Not usually directly, but nests and droppings block gutters and drains, and the resulting water can cause damp and decay. Birds nesting in voids may also hide problems from view. Regular inspection of roofs and gutters helps you catch any issues early.
Not necessarily. A few birds passing through are different from a flock that roosts every night. If droppings are accumulating, nests are appearing or the area is becoming a nuisance, it is wise to start looking at proofing options.
Tell us what you have seen and where, and we will come back to you. There are no call-out charges and surveys are free for homes and businesses.
