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Pigeon Droppings Health Risks: What You Need to Know

By WD Pigeon SolutionsJanuary 10, 20268 min read

WD Pigeon Solutions

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Professional pigeon control technician inspecting a commercial property for signs of infestation

Pigeon droppings carry over 60 diseases including histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis. Learn about the serious health risks associated with pigeon feces and why prompt cleanup is essential for your family's safety.

The Hidden Danger on Your Property

Pigeon droppings may seem like nothing more than an unsightly nuisance, and most property owners treat them as a cosmetic problem. They power-wash their sidewalks, scrub their ledges, and hope the birds move on.

But pigeon feces are far more dangerous than they appear. The dried droppings become friable β€” meaning they crumble into fine particles that become airborne with the slightest disturbance. A footstep, a gust of wind, or a maintenance worker sweeping without proper protection can launch thousands of fungal spores into the air. Therefore, understanding the real health risks of pigeon droppings isn't just important β€” it could save your life or the lives of your family, employees, or tenants.

The Centers for Disease Control has documented more than 60 diseases associated with pigeon droppings. These range from mild respiratory irritation to life-threatening systemic infections. And the risk level correlates directly with the volume of droppings and the duration of exposure.

A single pigeon produces approximately 25 pounds of droppings per year. A flock of 30 pigeons β€” common on a single commercial building β€” generates 750 pounds of disease-carrying waste annually. That waste accumulates on rooftops, inside HVAC systems, in attic spaces, and on every surface the birds frequent.

Detailed view of the hidden danger on your property β€” professional pigeon control documentation photo

Pigeon Fact

Pigeons can find their way home from over 1,300 miles away β€” they were used as message carriers in both World Wars.

Diseases Carried by Pigeon Droppings

**Histoplasmosis** is the most common pigeon-related disease in the United States. The fungus Histoplasma capsulatum grows in soil enriched by bird droppings, and its spores become airborne when contaminated material is disturbed. Inhaling these spores causes respiratory infection that can progress to chronic lung disease or disseminated infection affecting multiple organs.

And histoplasmosis isn't rare. The CDC estimates that up to 80% of people in certain regions have been exposed to the fungus. But most healthy adults experience mild, flu-like symptoms or no symptoms at all. Therefore, the real danger lies with vulnerable populations: children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and anyone with a weakened immune system β€” including HIV/AIDS patients, organ transplant recipients, and cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

**Cryptococcosis** is caused by the yeast Cryptococcus neoformans, which thrives in environments rich in pigeon droppings. This fungal infection primarily attacks the lungs but can spread to the brain, causing cryptococcal meningitis β€” a condition with a mortality rate of 20-30% even with treatment.

**Psittacosis** (parrot fever) is a bacterial infection caused by Chlamydia psittaci. Transmission occurs through inhalation of dried secretions or droppings from infected birds. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, and atypical pneumonia. And while treatable with antibiotics, delayed diagnosis can lead to serious complications including endocarditis and hepatitis.

**Salmonellosis** and **E. coli** infections spread when pigeon droppings contaminate food, water, or surfaces. Pigeons roosting above outdoor dining areas, near food processing facilities, or around water supply infrastructure create direct contamination pathways.

Pigeon Fact

A single pigeon produces about 25 pounds of droppings per year, which can corrode metal and damage building facades.

Safe Cleanup Procedures

If you must clean pigeon droppings yourself, proper safety precautions are non-negotiable. And the most critical step happens before you touch anything: never dry-sweep or dry-brush pigeon droppings. This launches dangerous spores into the air.

But many property owners make this exact mistake, creating a hazardous exposure event for themselves and anyone nearby. Therefore, follow these professional cleanup protocols:

**Step 1: Personal Protective Equipment** β€” Wear an N95 or P100 respirator (not a surgical mask), disposable coveralls, rubber gloves, and eye protection. This is not optional.

**Step 2: Wet the Droppings** β€” Thoroughly soak the affected area with water mixed with a hospital-grade disinfectant. Allow 10-15 minutes of soak time to kill pathogens and prevent spores from becoming airborne.

**Step 3: Careful Removal** β€” Use a plastic scraper or shovel to collect wet droppings into sealed bags. Avoid aggressive scrubbing that generates splashing.

**Step 4: Disinfection** β€” Apply antimicrobial solution to all affected surfaces. Allow appropriate contact time as specified by the product manufacturer.

**Step 5: Proper Disposal** β€” Double-bag all waste materials, seal tightly, and dispose in appropriate waste containers. Decontaminate all tools used.

For large accumulations (more than a few square feet), elevated locations, or enclosed spaces like attics, we strongly recommend hiring a professional cleanup service. The health risks of improper cleanup can far exceed the cost of professional remediation.

Detailed view of safe cleanup procedures β€” professional pigeon control documentation photo

Pigeon Fact

Pigeons can fly at speeds of up to 77.6 mph, making them one of the fastest birds in the world.

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What Our Customers Say

Trusted by thousands of homeowners and businesses

β€œWe had pigeons nesting under every solar panel on our roof. WD Pigeon Solutions installed mesh guards around all 24 panels and cleaned up years of droppings. Our solar output increased by 15% after the cleanup. Worth every penny.”

James Mitchell

Phoenix, AZ Β· Solar Panel Pigeon Protection

β€œThe pigeon problem at our apartment complex was out of control. Droppings everywhere, nests in every corner. The team installed bird netting and spikes across the entire building. Haven't seen a single pigeon in three months.”

Sarah Thompson

Las Vegas, NV Β· Bird Netting Installation

β€œOur downtown restaurant was losing customers because of pigeons on the patio. WD Pigeon Solutions installed a nearly invisible netting system over our outdoor dining area. Customers love it and we passed our health inspection with flying colors.”

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Los Angeles, CA Β· Restaurant Pigeon Solutions

β€œI called about pigeons in my attic and they came out the same day. They removed over 30 nests, sanitized everything, and sealed every entry point. It's been six months and not a single pigeon has gotten back in. Incredible service.”

Maria Gonzalez

Houston, TX Β· Attic Pigeon Removal

β€œManaging a 40-story office building with a pigeon problem is a nightmare. WD Pigeon Solutions brought in rope-access technicians who installed bird spikes on every ledge. The building looks clean for the first time in years. Our tenants are thrilled.”

David Park

Chicago, IL Β· Bird Spikes Installation

β€œPigeons were destroying our hotel's pool area. Guests complained constantly about droppings on lounge chairs and in the water. The deterrent system they installed is invisible to guests but 100% effective. Our reviews have improved dramatically.”

Jennifer Williams

Miami, FL Β· Hotel Bird Management

β€œWe own a warehouse and the pigeon situation was creating serious OSHA concerns. The team installed a comprehensive netting system across our 50,000 sq ft ceiling. The installation crew was professional and finished ahead of schedule.”

Michael O'Brien

Denver, CO Β· Warehouse Bird Control

β€œAfter three different companies failed to solve our pigeon problem, WD Pigeon Solutions got it done right. They did a thorough assessment, identified entry points we didn't even know existed, and sealed everything. Problem solved permanently.”

Lisa Anderson

Seattle, WA Β· Structural Exclusion

β€œThe bird spikes on our commercial building were long overdue. The installation team worked over a weekend to minimize disruption to our business. Clean, professional work and the pigeons are completely gone from our ledges.”

Thomas Rodriguez

San Antonio, TX Β· Bird Spikes Installation

β€œPigeons had completely taken over our church steeple. The droppings were damaging our 100-year-old stonework. WD Pigeon Solutions used methods that protected the historic architecture while completely eliminating the pigeon colony. Truly expert work.”

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Atlanta, GA Β· Church Steeple Protection

β€œOur parking garage had a massive pigeon problem. Cars were getting damaged, tenants were threatening to leave. The electric track deterrent system they installed on every level was the only thing that worked. Zero pigeons now.”

Brian Foster

New York City, NY Β· Parking Garage Bird Control

β€œI was skeptical about the pigeon birth control program, but the results speak for themselves. Our building's pigeon population has dropped by over 80% in eight months. It's the most humane and effective long-term solution I've seen.”

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San Francisco, CA Β· Pigeon Birth Control (OvoControl)

β€œWe needed our loading dock cleared of pigeons before a major FDA inspection. WD Pigeon Solutions responded within 24 hours, removed all nests, cleaned and sanitized the entire dock area, and installed deterrents. We passed the inspection.”

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Dallas, TX Β· Loading Dock Bird Control

β€œThe balcony of our condo was unusable because of pigeons. They installed a custom netting system that's barely visible and matches our building's aesthetic. We can finally enjoy our outdoor space again. Thank you!”

Rachel Kim

Portland, OR Β· Balcony Pigeon Proofing

β€œOur school district hired WD Pigeon Solutions to address pigeon problems at three campuses. They handled everythingβ€”assessment, removal, cleanup, and preventionβ€”across all locations. The kids and teachers are much happier without pigeons on the playground.”

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Nashville, TN Β· School & Campus Bird Control

β€œI had pigeons nesting in my chimney and could hear them cooing all night. The team installed a heavy-duty chimney cap and removed all the nesting material. No more noise, no more mess. Quick and affordable service.”

Patricia Martinez

Tucson, AZ Β· Chimney Cap Installation

β€œAs a property manager for 12 commercial buildings, I've tried every pigeon control company in the area. WD Pigeon Solutions is the only one that delivers lasting results. They now handle all our properties and the tenants couldn't be happier.”

Daniel Jackson

Charlotte, NC Β· Commercial Bird Exclusion

β€œOur rooftop AC units were full of pigeon nests and the smell coming through the vents was terrible. WD Pigeon Solutions cleaned everything out, installed screening around all units, and the air quality improved immediately. Life-changing.”

Emily Watson

San Diego, CA Β· AC Unit Protection

β€œThe dropping cleanup alone was worth calling them. They power-washed our entire building facade, treated everything with antimicrobial solution, and then installed spikes and wire to prevent the pigeons from returning. Building looks brand new.”

Mark Sullivan

Boston, MA Β· Dropping Cleanup & Sanitization

β€œWe run a food processing plant and a pigeon infestation nearly shut us down. WD Pigeon Solutions mobilized a team the next morning. They cleared the facility, sealed every opening, and set up a monitoring program. We haven't had an issue since.”

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Minneapolis, MN Β· Industrial Pigeon Control

β€œThe gutter guards they installed are fantastic. Pigeons were constantly nesting in our gutters, causing water damage to our foundation. Now the gutters flow freely and there's no place for pigeons to nest. Should have done this years ago.”

Christopher Lee

Philadelphia, PA Β· Gutter Guard Installation

β€œWe had an emergency situation with pigeons getting into our medical clinic through a damaged vent. WD Pigeon Solutions arrived within hours, safely removed the birds, sanitized the area, and installed proper vent screens. Fast and professional.”

Samantha White

Columbus, OH Β· Emergency Pigeon Removal

β€œOur historic downtown building was being destroyed by pigeon droppings. The team used heritage-sensitive methods that don't damage the original architecture. The building looks beautiful again and the pigeons are gone. Excellent attention to detail.”

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Salt Lake City, UT Β· Historical Building Protection

β€œRunning a daycare with pigeons on the playground was a constant worry. WD Pigeon Solutions installed deterrents around the entire outdoor play area. The parents are relieved and the kids can play without pigeon droppings everywhere.”

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Orlando, FL Β· Pigeon Feces Disease Prevention

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Scottsdale, AZ Β· Solar Panel Pigeon Protection

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Raleigh, NC Β· Pigeon Wire Installation

β€œWe manage a grain storage facility and pigeons were consuming and contaminating tons of product annually. WD Pigeon Solutions designed a complete exclusion system for our silos and storage buildings. The contamination losses have dropped to zero.”

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Detroit, MI Β· Agricultural Bird Control

β€œOur wedding venue was losing bookings because of pigeons roosting on the ceremony pergola. The deterrent gel they applied is completely invisible but pigeons won't land on it. We've had four pigeon-free weddings since the treatment.”

Laura Scott

Tampa, FL Β· Pigeon Deterrent Gel

β€œThe property damage assessment they provided was incredibly detailed. We used it to file an insurance claim for the pigeon damage to our roof and HVAC system. The claim was approved and covered most of the repair and prevention costs.”

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Indianapolis, IN Β· Property Damage Assessment

β€œWe tried every DIY pigeon solution on the market before calling WD Pigeon Solutions. Fake owls, shiny tape, sound machinesβ€”nothing worked. Their professional exclusion system solved the problem in one visit. Don't waste time with DIY. Call the pros.”

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Austin, TX Β· Residential Pigeon Control

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Henderson, NV Β· Seasonal Pigeon Prevention

β€œPigeons were getting into our retail store through gaps in the roof every time the loading door opened. The strip curtain and exclusion system they installed solved both the pigeon and the temperature control problem. Highly recommend.”

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San Jose, CA Β· Retail Store Bird Solutions

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Did You Know?

Fascinating pigeon facts that might surprise you.

Pigeons can find their way home from over 1,300 miles away β€” they were used as message carriers in both World Wars.

A single pigeon produces about 25 pounds of droppings per year, which can corrode metal and damage building facades.

Pigeons can fly at speeds of up to 77.6 mph, making them one of the fastest birds in the world.

Pigeon droppings carry over 60 transmittable diseases, including histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis.

Pigeons mate for life and can breed up to 8 times per year, producing 2 eggs each time.

Feral pigeon populations can double in just 2 months under ideal conditions.

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WD Pigeon Solutions β€” Professional Pigeon Control2:45