Birds are a common presence around commercial properties, and while they can add a touch of nature to urban environments, their droppings pose significant challenges for businesses. 
The Impact of Bird Droppings on Commercial Properties: Understanding Volume and Consequences
Understanding the volume of bird droppings produced daily and their potential impact is crucial for effective property management and maintenance.
Daily Dropping Frequency and Volume
The frequency and amount of droppings a bird produces vary by species and size. On average, a single bird defecates approximately 48 times daily. Smaller birds tend to defecate more frequently, while larger birds may do so less often. Over a year, this accumulation becomes substantial; for instance, a pigeon can generate around 25 pounds of fecal matter annually.
To put this into perspective, consider a commercial property with a modest population of 40 pigeons. Collectively, these birds would produce:
- Daily: 40 birds × 48 droppings = 1,920 droppings per day
- Annually: 1,920 droppings × 365 days = 700,800 droppings per year
In terms of weight, this equates to 40 birds × 25 pounds = 1,000 pounds of droppings annually. Such substantial accumulation underscores the importance of proactive bird management strategies for commercial properties.
It’s also worth noting that the impact goes beyond what can be seen. Bird droppings accumulate on ledges, rooftops, HVAC units, loading docks, and signage—often in hard-to-reach or rarely noticed areas. If left untreated, these spaces can become long-term problem zones, fostering mold, bacteria, and other contaminants that worsen over time.
Read: What Are the Hidden Costs of Pest Birds at Your Facility?
Impact on Commercial Properties
Accumulated bird droppings can lead to several issues for commercial properties:
- Structural Damage: The acidic nature of bird droppings can corrode building materials, including metal, stone, and paint. Over time, this can lead to significant structural damage, necessitating costly repairs.
- Health Risks: Droppings can harbor pathogens responsible for diseases such as histoplasmosis, cryptococcosis, and psittacosis. These diseases pose health risks to employees and customers, especially when droppings are disturbed and particles become airborne. Read our case study about Pigeons Causing Health Risks to a Distribution Center.
- Aesthetic Concerns: Visible droppings can tarnish the appearance of a business, potentially deterring customers and impacting the company’s reputation.
- Slip-and-Fall Hazards: Accumulated droppings can create slippery surfaces, increasing the risk of accidents and potential liability for property owners.
- Equipment and Machinery Damage: Bird droppings and nesting materials can interfere with the proper functioning of equipment and machinery, leading to malfunctions and increased maintenance costs.
Effective Management Strategies
To mitigate the challenges posed by bird droppings, commercial property owners can implement several strategies:
- Regular Cleaning: Proper Bird Droppings Cleaning is Essential. Establish a routine cleaning schedule to promptly remove droppings, preventing buildup and reducing health risks.
- Exclusion Techniques: Install physical barriers to prevent birds from accessing roosting and nesting sites on the property.
- Professional Assistance: Engage bird control specialists to assess the situation and implement tailored solutions for effective bird management.
Understanding the volume of bird droppings produced daily and their cumulative impact underscores the importance of proactive management. By addressing the issue promptly and effectively, businesses can maintain the structural integrity, health standards, and aesthetic appeal of their commercial properties.
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