Pigeons and Diseases: The Terrifying Risks You Should Know About

It seems a little odd to refer to the pigeon as an animal to be feared, but when you delve a little deeper into the bird, specifically, the diseases it can carry and then transmit to other animals, you can start to understand why no one seems to want them in their back gardens. Starlings, sparrows and other bird species are fine, even welcomed into back gardens with bird baths and feeders. But pigeons are an entirely different story. An entirely different DANGEROUS story. Much more dangerous than you'd probably have thought.

Why are pigeons so dangerous?

The problem with pigeons is within their poop really. The bird itself is a relatively harmless bird, and there's a slim chance that this particular bird is going to peck you to death. More likely to flap away from humans than stay and fight them, the only time this animal will come really close to you is if it thinks you might have food, at which point you'll never be able to get rid of it. Feeding these creatures is what has led them to become such a pest, not just in the United States, but also all across the globe.

Pigeon feces, however, doesn't go anywhere. At all. It sticks, like concrete, and the birds even use it as a concrete-like substance to help build their nests. As it dries, it hardens, and as more fecal matter is dropped into the nest, first by the other male and female and then from any young pigeons they breed, it becomes more sturdy and safe. With enough time, these birds could build a virtually indestructible nest.

Not only does pigeon feces dry like concrete, look pretty awful, and prove difficult to get rid of, but it also has the opportunity to spread around a whole host of different and sometimes deadly diseases. Unfortunately, the disease threat goes UP as the fecal matter dries, which means you can't deal with it in the same way that you can with certain other pest animals.

There'll be no sweeping up this poop!

Pigeon droppings need to be handled with care and caution, and preferably vacuum cleaned away. Once the droppings have dried, part of it is left dry and dusty and these particles can then become airborne because they are so small and light. What this means, however, is that the disease spores present on the fecal matter can then become airborne, too. This is the same for a lot of bird poop, and also bat poop, too. You just can't wash or sweep it away like you would with the dried droppings of bigger, non-flying pests.

When it comes to actually cleaning up the fecal matter, you will need to ensure that you are appropriately and properly protected. Disposable protective coveralls or clothing is advised, but if you can't get your hands on these just be prepared to throw any clothing that you do wear away. Wear your oldest, most throw-away clothes.

Shoes covers are just as important. You can't guarantee that you are washing off every shred of disease spores when you throw your clothes in the washing machine, and this is even more so the case when you're talking about footwear. If you can't get protective covers for your shoes, be prepared to throw the shoes that wore you clean up the pigeon mess away.

You will also need gloves and goggles to protect your eyes, and also a breathing mask. This should be worn by everyone partaking in the cleanup operation, and should be disposed of in the same manner as the rest of the material that you are cleaning up — safely and properly. Some people find a fire is the best ending, and this can destroy the disease threats as well as the physical material.

Diseases that you can expect to come into contact with when you're dealing with pigeons include:

• Salmonellosis, also known as ‘food poisoning' or a ‘tummy bug
• E.coli, similar to salmonellosis, but can be more deadly
• Candidiasis, also known as a yeast infection
• Histoplasmosis, a respiratory disease that can become airborne when fecal matter is dry, and can also be contracted from bats and other birds
• St. Louis encephalitis, spread around when an infected bird is bitten by a mosquito.

Also read our other bird tip: Will the city or county animal services help me with a pigeon issue?