The dangers bird droppings on human health associated with commercial building HVAC systems

Numerous cities around the world have suffered the bane that is bird poo. For decades, bird poo has continued to cause messes and slip-and-fall accidents everywhere, and Adelaide is no exception. Due to the prevalence of pigeons in the capital, pigeon poo is a common and unsightly problem that literally leaves its mark on almost every flat surface. It is no secret that cleaning pigeon poo in Adelaide’s areas is easier said than done.

To make matters worse, the health risks it poses are serious as it is a transmitter of various human pathogens. These range from the potentially fatal respiratory disease histoplasmosis to the bacteria E. coli. Additionally, pigeon poo and feathers can get into the heating and cooling components of building HVAC systems because they typically build their nests inside the units.

Once inside the system, the pigeon poo or any other related organic matter circulate in the air freely. This means that the people in the building in question can easily come into contact with these contaminants or even inhale the airborne particles. Consequently, everyone in any of Adelaide’s compromised commercial buildings is essentially at risk of falling sick, due to the air circulation indoors.

Problem Areas to Clean

Those responsible for maintaining a building’s HVAC system need to know where the pigeon poo is located at so they can clean it and what parts the pigeons may have damaged:

• Fresh Air Vents
  Pigeons like to nest at the fresh air vents because of the constant air movement and the protection from the elements they provide.
• Fan Assemblies
  A build-up of pigeon poo and feathers in the fan blades negatively affects the building’s airflow.
• Coil Drain Pans
  When they are clogged, the drain pans become a potential source of the harmful microorganisms and chemicals associated with pigeon poo.

• Filter Banks
  Filter banks are common pigeon-pecking targets, resulting in unfiltered air and contaminants to enter the air supply ducts.
• Evaporator Coils
  Air conditioner coils can get clogged by pigeon-related debris.
• AHU Insulation
  Pigeons frequently peck out insulation to use as nesting material which also leads to raw fibreglass fibres entering the HVAC system.

Dealing With the Source

For those who want to get rid of the pigeons, there are services to prevent them from nesting or eradicate them outright:

• Netting
  The main appeal of bird netting is how they blend in with their urban environment and maintain the building’s aesthetic.
• Wire
  Ideal for dealing with larger birds like pigeons, wire systems help pigeon-proof flat building roofs.
• Shooting
  A professional can be hired to deal with the pigeons by killing them humanely.

• Spikes
  Deterrent spikes prevent pigeons from roosting or even perching on the building.
• Trapping
  Using pigeon traps, it is possible to capture and get rid of the pigeons infesting the building.

If you’re located in Adelaide, looking to get rid of pigeons and other pests from your commercial or residential property, contact the professionals at O’Shea’s.

With 27 years of experience, our team of licensed experts are confident in assisting you with a complete bio waste and pigeon waste removal service.

Through a combination of the above solutions, O’Shea’s team of experts will help rid your building of pigeons and clean it of pigeon poo in one fell swoop. This will in turn significantly reduce the chances of your building’s occupants being exposed to pigeon-related health risks