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Category: Pigeon droppings

Pigeon droppings and the problems they cause

  • Pigeon Proof Solar Panels ?

    Pigeon Proof Solar Panels ?

    Should you pigeon proof your solar panels?

    If you have solar panels on your roof in the Metropolitan areas, it’s only a matter of time until you get pigeons moving in. Preventing this ahead of time can save you thousands of dollars and a lot of headaches.

    At Pigeon Pros We See The Worst Pigeon Problems Under Solar Panels

    Your solar panels before pigeon pros
    Your solar panels before pigeon pros

    The average pigeon will poop about 25lbs of Pigeon Guano per year. This adds up when you consider that many flocks of pigeons may exceed 20 birds. Doing the math 20 birds at 25 lbs of pigeon poop per year equals 500lbs of droppings annually. Also, consider that each pigeon nest is making 2 more flying pigeons every 3 months annually. Each nest is making 8 more pigeons per year. If your panels have 3 nests underneath that is 24 more pigeons annually. This imaginary flock of pigeons will continue indefinitely to make more pigeons. The amount of droppings on your roof can cause major damage including roof leaks, pest infestations, noise, smell, and disease. We recommend preventive measures for this reason.

    Pigeons May Move to Your Unprotected Solar Panels

    Pigeon proof solar panels have huge value for homeowners. Most people have no idea what damage and annoyance pigeons cause under their solar panels and on their rooftops. Many people are pigeon proofing their solar panels and causing large flocks of pigeons to move from one house to another. If your solar panels are not pigeon proofed, a huge flock of pigeons may move in overnight. The neighbors got sick of their pigeons and pigeon proofed their panels. These pigeons must go somewhere. You may be next.

    Let Pigeon Pros Pigeon Proof Your Solar Panels

    Your solar panels after Pigeon Pros
    Your solar panels after Pigeon Pros

    Let Pigeon Pros pigeon proof your solar panels. Why? We have over 26 years of experience doing just that. We have been pigeon proofing solar panels since solar panels were invented. We have perfected the art and we offer a 5 year guarantee. You can trust us to do a great job and stand by our work. Don’t trust your roof and panels to a guy working out of his garage. If you have problems, he won’t be back. Use the trusted source in our industry. Pigeon Pros sets the standard of excellence and we will give you a quality service.

    Schedule a free estimate

  • Find Out How Toxic Pigeon Poop Can Be

    Find Out How Toxic Pigeon Poop Can Be

    Is Pigeon Poop Toxic?

    The short answer is that yes, pigeon poop is toxic and full of diseases and fungi that can be harmful to humans. The good news is that cases of humans catching these diseases are few and far between. 

    That being said, while cases of humans getting sick from pigeon poop aren’t common, it’s important to understand how these droppings can get you sick, what happens if you get sick, and the best ways to prevent getting sick in the first place.

    Pigeon Poop Diseases

    Pigeons are not known as the cleanest of birds. In fact their living conditions are downright disgusting. In one year the average pigeon produces 25 lbs. of droppings. Most of that pigeon poop is deposited in and around where they live. In fact, pigeons use their droppings to insulate and cement their nests together. As their nests grow, the buildup of feathers, droppings, and other deposits create a breeding ground for disease and fungi. Some of the more common fungal diseases found in pigeon poop are Histoplasmosis,  Cryptococcosis, and Psittacosis, to name a few.

    These diseases aren’t transferable from pigeon to human through direct contact. Instead these diseases are transmitted by breathing in dust created when droppings are disturbed, which is why it’s important to use caution when dealing with large amounts of pigeon poop. 

    Getting Sick

    When individuals do get sick, the symptoms can include lung inflammation, cough, chest pain, fever, and fatigue. Rarely do these symptoms develop into something more. However, in infants, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, the effects of getting these diseases can be more severe. Always use care when dealing with pigeon droppings. 

    Avoiding Infection

    Get Rid of Pigeon Poop
    Pigeon & Bird abatement of solar panels on a flatroof by the Pigeonpros

    The first, and most important step, for avoiding these diseases, is to prevent the buildup of large quantities of pigeon droppings in the first place. Don’t wait for pigeons to go from a minor problem to an infestation.

    This is especially true for business owners, who are responsible for keeping their patrons healthy. When left unchecked, pigeon infestations can create huge health hazards, not to mention aesthetic eyesore, for businesses.

    Take the time to investigate areas that might be infested with pigeons, and look into installing pigeon deterrents in areas where pigeons are roosting. In some cases, where the problem is minor, a home or business owner may take on the responsibility themselves. 

    When cleaning up pigeon droppings consider wearing gloves, a respirator/face mask, and use a hose or pressure washer to minimize the likelihood of inhaling the fungal spores. 

    If it’s too late for that and the pigeon poop buildup is severe, consider calling in professionals, such as Pigeon Pros, to take care of the problem. Pigeon Pros has been cleaning up and taking care of pigeon problems in Phoenix for 23 years. The staff are trained to safely remove and clean up pigeon poop to make the area safe for everyone.

    Schedule a Free Quote

    Author

    David Wylie

  • Bird Control In Arizona

    Bird Control In Arizona

    Does it seem strange that we need so much bird control in Arizona? at first glance, it might. Taking a second look, Arizona has a wonderful climate for birds, especially pigeons. If you were a pigeon, why wouldn’t you live in Arizona?

    The weather here in Arizona specifically the lower desert basins is perfect for pigeons. As a pigeon control expert, I’m constantly looking for pigeons as I travel the country to see where the pigeons live. I have noticed they definitely prefer the warmer climates over the colder ones.

    When we hear the words bird control, what comes to mind? Of course my first thought is pigeon control and the need for it because that’s what we do at Pigeonpros.

    There are other birds that need some controlling as well, such as Woodpeckers, Sparrows, Starlings, and Canadian Geese. These birds are often controlled much easier than pigeons and the market for companies to do this work is limited. We will focus here on the pigeon, which accounts for the majority of the money spent on bird control in Arizona by far.

    pigeons fly away from a commercial building
    Pigeons fly away from a commercial rooftop

    To Migrate or not to migrate?

    Have you ever wondered why some birds migrate and some birds don’t? There are many common types of birds that migrate including Pelicans and some hummingbirds.

    Pigeons don’t migrate

    Pigeons live in the same place when left alone for their entire lives. This is where the term homing comes from. A Pigeon will home for its entire life near or in the same nest it was born into when left alone.

    The only thing that makes a pigeon leave its nest and go to a new nest is overcrowding. At least, in their natural surroundings. So when you start having problems with pigeons, you can plan on a battle because the pigeons don’t plan on leaving. No Migrating and no easy shooing away.

    List of birds that migrate

    Birds that don’t migrate

    Why do some birds migrate and some birds don’t?

    Food, shelter, and basic survival dictate why birds do what they do. Birds that don’t migrate such as pigeons can be a real problem. There is no respite because they are here to stay. So what can you do to gain some control of these pesky birds? Specifically, pigeons, there are lots of things you can do to eliminate the problem.

    Bird Control That Works

    Pigeons are difficult to control. Here is a list of things that do work with pigeons.

    • bird spikes
    • screening or mesh
    • netting
    • birdwire
    • electric shock
    • trapping

    Bird Control That Doesn’t work

    Pigeons especially can’t be controlled with the list below. Other birds may have marginal success with some of these things, but long term these things won’t work on pigeons and other birds.

    • Fake Owl
    • Cd’s
    • Shiny tape
    • Reflectors
    • Sound devices
    • sticky gel

    In conclusion, if you need bird control, it’s a good idea to do your homework and probably trust a professional. If you’ve tried your hand at controlling your bird problem and failed, it may be time to call in a pro. Pigeons especially can be very frustrating to deal with. Other birds, besides the pigeon can be just as frustrating. At Pigeonpros, we understand your pain.

  • Cutting Corners – Why you still have pigeons!!

    Cutting Corners – Why you still have pigeons!!

    Why do you still have those pigeons?

    It’s another day. Once again, you woke up early. Really early! I mean way before you wanted to. You were wondering to yourself “Why do I still have pigeons?” Thanks to your friends upstairs, you know them, your pigeons. The cooing started an hour before your alarm went off. So why? Why do you have those pigeons? I mean, you’ve put an honest effort in. You started out with the standard fake owl. This worked for a little bit. You thought you had them, but…

    Common Home Remedies For Pigeons That don’t work

    Let’s see? first, it was the fake owl. Next, you bought an air soft gun and shot at them for a month straight. You even got really good and hit them with the plastic pellets on a regular basis, only to find out that air-soft pellets don’t kill pigeons, or scare them away for good. Next, you read about another idea, sound devices. You relented and spent a little more and got a higher quality sound device. That worked for a little bit. Back to the drawing board.

    List of Deterrents That Don’t Work on Pigeons

    • Fake owl
    • air soft gun
    • sound/noise making devices
    • reflective tape
    • sticky bird gel
    • reflective whirlybird devices
    • Chicken wire (improperly installed)
    • Garbage stuffed in nest area
    • Other dead pigeons
    • Nails hammered into boards
    • Many other home made devices

    Your next step…Hiring a Pro

    At this point you’ve realized that this pigeon problem is way over your head. You do some research and guess what? They actually have people that handle this sort of thing. You reach out to a few companies and get some experts out to assess the problem. The solutions offered vary greatly but hold some common denominators. In the end you go with the cheaper version of a solution.

    3 months Later… Still have a problem

    Pigeons sitting on rooftop
    a flock of pigeons sit together on a rooftop

    After having a company clean and block off the pigeon nests, everything was great. For about a week. Then, the pigeons slowly moved back in. Now they are nesting right in front of the screen mesh the company installed and sitting in new places they never sat much before. At least you never noticed them there before like now. You’ve called the pest control company you’ve hired, but they won’t return your calls. Frustration is mounting.

    Now what? You still have pigeons

    You still have pigeons. You are desperate, and you reluctantly call more companies after doing extensive online research about what to do. This time you finally hire the right company and are able to eliminate your pigeons.

    This is a true story of the frustration of a pigeon problem

    The story you just read is no joke, or laughing matter. Many of our customers at Pigeonpros go through this exact scenario. It is definitely a trip on the “NO Fun” bus. If you’ve ever had a problem you couldn’t get a handle on then you may know what it’s like.

    Over the years, I’ve had a few people confront me as I’m helping people with their pigeon problems, letting me know how terrible we are as a company. Obviously, they don’t know what it’s like to live with a constant pigeon problem on their home or business.

    It’s a terrible battle that can feel like you can’t win. The poop, the feathers, the smell, the flies, the noise, the problem is constant. The truth is Pigeonpros exists because this problem is real and a solution is needed. We provide that solution. We provide a humane and effective solution to pigeon problems.

    Ready to do something about it?
  • Histoplasmosis and Pigeons

    Histoplasmosis and Pigeons

    Not just here in the Phoenix Metro area where we have millions of pigeons, but also across the World one of the many health risks that comes along with pigeon infestations is Histoplasmosis. The fungal spores that cause this infection are often found in pigeon droppings, and these spores can easily spread through the air, even entering the ventilation systems of our homes or commercial buildings. Histoplasmosis can put everyone inside a pigeon infested structure at risk. Histoplasmosis is one reason that you may not want to clean up those nasty pigeon droppings on your own. It is much safer for you to leave pigeon abatement and cleanup to the professionals such as our company here in Arizona Pigeonpros.

    What is Histoplasmosis?

    Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by the Histoplasma Capsulatum fungus. These spores are very light, so they may float easily through the air. Histoplasmosis spores are often reintroduced to the air over and over again when the surfaces on which they land are disturbed. This kind of fungus is very prevalent in pigeon droppings, which contain the right ingredients needed for these spores to survive, i.e. dampness and rich organic matter.

    What are the symptoms of Histoplasmosis?

    How would you know if you have been infected by Histoplasmosis? In the cases of a mild infection, there may not be any symptoms. In more severe cases, fever, headache, muscle aches, dry cough, and chest discomfort are common. In some cases, joint pain and rashes may also develop. If the infection does become chronic, weight loss can also occur. Severe Histoplasmosis cases will affect every organ in the body, from the skin to the liver, and are fatal if left untreated. This severe kind of infection is rare and occurs mostly in babies and people with compromised immune systems.

    How can I avoid Histoplasmosis?

    Histoplasmosis is not contagious and cannot be spread from person to person. It is only contracted when fungal spores are inhaled. If you have a pigeon infestation on your structure or property, instead of trying to clean the waste yourself, consider hiring a professional pigeon abatement company that knows how to safely remove the droppings and prevent the birds from returning such as Pigeonpros. If you are in the Phoenix Metro area of Arizona Or Tucson Metro Arizona, we would love to help you become Pigeon free. You can call us at 480-888-8838 or fill our our quick online form here.

    Links

    Mayo Clinic Information about Histoplasmosis

  • Pigeons at Taco Bell?

    Pigeons at Taco Bell?

    Solid sized pigeon nest at the taco bell in glendale az
    Pigeons nest at a Taco Bell in Glendale Arizona

    At Pigeonpros we are often faced with the unique challenge of eliminating a pigeon problem, or coming up with a solution to a pigeon problem that both works and functions long-term, and doesn’t ruin the place from an aesthetic point of view, or in short words, doesn’t look ugly. We want you pigeon free and we want it to look good.

    So for this Taco Bell with pigeons nesting exactly over the front entry we had to plan something that looked amazing and kept the pigeons from doing their dirty thing. “Living over the front door to the place.”

    Pigeons were nesting here at this Taco Bell Pigeonpros used netting to eliminate this shaded area
    Pigeons were nesting here at this Taco Bell Pigeonpros used netting to eliminate this shaded area

    The solution in this case was netting and man did it turn out awesome. Our technicians knew it was going to be a sensitive area. They made sure it wouldn’t be a stand out to the customers of the Taco Bell. The pigeons however disagreed. They are currently looking for a new place to live. I believe the Mcdonalds across the street is available?

    Watch to see what this Taco Bell looked like before the Pigeonpros.
    Pigeonpros Youtube Channel
  • Pigeon Cleanup and Nest Removal in Phoenix

    Pigeon Cleanup and Nest Removal in Phoenix

    Pigeon Pros provides pigeon cleanup, pigeon droppings removal and nest removal for homes and businesses across the Phoenix metro area. We have served Arizona since May 1999. Start with a free in-person inspection so we can assess the buildup, access and affected surfaces and explain the recommended work.

    Request a Free In-Person Inspection

    Pigeon droppings removal for homes and businesses

    Pigeon nests and droppings can accumulate on roofs, beneath solar panels, on ledges and around the areas below them. Our cleanup plan addresses the accessible affected areas and the nesting locations that need attention. We explain what is included in the estimate before the job is scheduled.

    Pigeon Clean Up Comes First

    Pigeons collect sticks and other nesting material around homes and businesses. Droppings can become mixed with that material and build up over time. Removing loose pigeon waste and nests is an important part of preparing the area for cleaning and any recommended pigeon proofing.

    Very dirty solar panels need pigeon proofing by the Pigeon Pros
    Pigeon droppings and nesting activity around a solar-panel array before cleanup and pigeon proofing.

    Professional residential and commercial pigeon cleanup and removal

    1. Remove pigeon nests and loose droppings

    We begin by collecting and bagging loose droppings and nesting material from the agreed work areas. Removing this material before washing helps contain the mess. Access, the condition of the structure and the amount of buildup affect the work required.

    2. Clean the affected surfaces

    After the initial removal, we clean the affected areas using methods suited to the surface and its condition. Pressure washing is used where appropriate. Roof materials, solar equipment, walls and paved areas can require different treatment, which we assess during the inspection.

    3. Apply a bio-cleaner where appropriate

    Our cleanup process may include a bio-cleaner for areas with heavy pigeon-dropping accumulation and odors. The inspection and estimate establish the recommended treatment for your property. Cleanup does not replace a plan to address continued nesting and roosting.

    Pigeon cleanup and nest removal: project photos

    before Pigeon Pros
    Before Pigeon Pros
    After Pigeon Pros
    After Pigeon Pros

    Help prevent the pigeon mess from returning

    Pigeon cleanup removes the existing mess, but accessible nesting and roosting areas can attract continued activity. We can combine cleanup with pigeon control, proofing and abatement to address the areas pigeons are using.

    Depending on the structure, that may include solar panel bird proofing, suitable screening for pigeons on your roof, or commercial pigeon netting. We explain the options and whether pigeon removal or trapping needs to be considered.

    Questions about pigeon cleanup

    How much does pigeon cleanup cost?

    The amount of nesting material and droppings, the size of the affected area, access and the cleaning methods all affect the price. Cleanup and exclusion may be quoted together when both are recommended. Request a free in-person inspection for an estimate based on your property.

    Can you clean pigeon poop from roofs and solar-panel areas?

    We inspect roof and solar-panel nesting areas and recommend the cleanup and access needed. Pigeon poop cleanup beneath an array is different from routine solar-panel washing. Tell us where you are seeing the mess so we can assess the affected areas and discuss suitable bird proofing.

    Do you provide commercial pigeon cleanup?

    Yes. We provide residential and commercial pigeon cleanup and removal. For commercial properties, please tell us about access requirements, affected entrances or work areas, and any scheduling restrictions when you request an inspection.

    Where is pigeon cleanup available?

    We serve Phoenix metro communities including Phoenix, Mesa, Gilbert, Chandler, Queen Creek, San Tan Valley, Surprise, Goodyear and Peoria. View our service areas or contact us to confirm service at your address.

    Request a free pigeon cleanup inspection

    Tell us your city, where the pigeons are nesting and which areas need cleanup. We will inspect the problem and explain the recommended scope of work. Call 480-888-8838 or use our contact form.

    Request a Free In-Person Inspection

    See more of our work in the project gallery and on the Pigeon Pros YouTube channel.

  • Pigeonpros Featured on Fox10

    Pigeonpros Featured on Fox10

    One customers pigeon control experience

    As a business owner or manager, it can be really hard to know what to do when it comes to a pigeon problem.  Pigeons can literally ruin business.  Wilhelm Automotive, one of Pigeonpros recent customers was dealing with pigeons pooping down on their customers and their customer vehicles.  It was a real problem for them.  

    Enter the Pigeonpros.  We stepped in and formulated a custom plan to alleviate the problem.  The pigeons simply had to be stopped.  Our plan was simple: First, clean up the mess, which took a couple of days alone.  Second block the pigeons from nesting in their favorite places, which we did as well.  Lastly, trapping, which in this case was very necessary as the pigeons were here at Wilhelm Automotive in large numbers.

    Schedule a free quote
    Pigeonpros is hard at work everyday eliminating pigeon problems for our customers

    We really appreciate Fox10 doing a news feature on Pigeonpros. Their reporter and camera guys were the best. We highly recommend them if you get invited for a feature on your company, do it. They were quick about it and showed a true representation of what we do here at Pigeonpros and how we control those pesky pigeons. Here’s the link below to their website if you want to go check it out.

    https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/pigeon-problem-one-valley-business-knows-how-to-get-rid-of-them