60+
Diseases linked
pH 3
Acidity level
12kg
Per bird per year
$5K+
Annual damage cost
Most Canberra property owners underestimate the danger of bird droppings. Far from being just unsightly, pigeon and myna droppings carry over 60 diseases, damage building materials, and create serious workplace health hazards.
The health risks from bird droppings increase dramatically when the droppings dry out and become airborne. In Canberra’s dry climate — particularly during summer and autumn when humidity drops and winds pick up — dried pigeon droppings crumble into fine dust that can be inhaled without people even realising it. This is especially dangerous around air conditioning intakes, where fungal spores can be drawn into a building’s ventilation system and distributed to every room.
Certain groups are at significantly higher risk. People with weakened immune systems, the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing respiratory conditions like asthma are most vulnerable to bird dropping-related illness. In commercial settings, staff who work near bird-affected areas — rooftop maintenance workers, warehouse staff, outdoor dining area cleaners — face occupational exposure that employers are legally required to manage under ACT Work Health and Safety legislation.
Diseases Transmitted by Bird Droppings
Histoplasmosis
High Risk
How: Inhaling spores from dried droppings
Symptoms: Fever, cough, chest pain — can be fatal in immunocompromised
Cryptococcosis
High Risk
How: Inhaling yeast from pigeon droppings
Symptoms: Headache, fever — can cause meningitis
Psittacosis
Moderate Risk
How: Inhaling dust from dried droppings
Symptoms: Pneumonia-like symptoms, high fever
Salmonellosis
Moderate Risk
How: Contaminated food surfaces
Symptoms: Diarrhoea, fever, stomach cramps
E. coli
Moderate Risk
How: Contaminated water or food
Symptoms: Severe stomach cramps, diarrhoea
Bird Mites
High Risk
How: Nesting birds near living spaces
Symptoms: Itchy bites, skin irritation, allergic reactions
How to Safely Clean Bird Droppings
Safe Procedure
- Wear P2/N95 mask, gloves, and safety glasses
- Wet droppings thoroughly with disinfectant solution
- Wait 10 minutes for soaking
- Scrape wet droppings into sealed bags
- Disinfect the area after cleaning
- Dispose of PPE and wash hands thoroughly
NEVER Do This
- Dry sweep — creates infectious dust
- Pressure wash dried droppings
- Clean without respiratory protection
- Let children near accumulated droppings
- Ignore droppings near air intakes/vents
For Commercial Property Owners
Under ACT Work Health and Safety laws, you’re legally required to manage bird dropping hazards:
- Regular cleaning schedules
- PPE for affected staff
- Bird deterrent systems
- Risk assessments documented
- Incident reporting for exposures
- Professional cleaning for large accumulations
Professional Bird Control & Cleaning
We provide safe dropping removal, full decontamination, and long-term bird deterrent solutions for Canberra properties.
Still have questions?
The best pest control company will solve your issue for a long time. Bugs Patrol is Canberra’s trusted choice for professional bird dropping risks with lasting results.
Bird Dropping Problem?
Professional cleaning and long-term bird deterrent solutions for Canberra homes and businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Over 60 diseases including histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, psittacosis, salmonellosis, and E. coli. Risk increases when dried droppings become airborne dust.
Wear P2/N95 mask, glasses, and gloves. Wet droppings first to prevent dust. Never dry-sweep or pressure wash dried droppings.
Yes. Under ACT WHS laws, business owners must manage health risks including regular cleaning, deterrents, and PPE provision.
Yes. Droppings are highly acidic (pH 3-4.5) and corrode metal, stone, concrete, and paint. Annual damage can exceed $5,000.
