How to Clean Up Guano

Bird and bat droppings can bring disease in addition to being unsightly. Histoplasmosis, a fungal infection of the lungs, can be contracted by contact with bird or bat feces, or the areas in which it accumulates. Cryptococcus neoformans is another disease carried in the droppings of birds and bats. Guano must be removed with great care. Droppings are most often found in places where birds or bats roost or the ground beneath them. Old and dry guano can be just as dangerous as fresh droppings and should be cleaned properly to protect humans.

Things You'll Need

• Vinyl sheeting
• Duct tape
• NIOSH-approved half-face respirator with P100 filters
• Hat
• Gloves
• Protective clothing
• Goggles
• Hose
• Shovel
• Trash bags

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Instructions

• 1

  Schedule a cleanup day and warn anyone who may come to the area to avoid it. Check with local authorities to find out the legal way to dispose of the guano after you remove it. Admit only authorized personnel into the work areas. Seal heating and cooling ducts with vinyl sheeting and duct tape during the removal so that the fungi spores cannot enter the building.

• 2

  Dress in protective gear. Use a NIOSH-approved half-face respirator with P100 filters, not simple dust or particle masks. Wear a hat, goggles, clothing that covers the entire body, including covering the shoes, and wear gloves that can be thrown away.

• 3

  Wet the droppings with water, but do not use pressurized water as it may spread the spores around.

  Shovel or scrape the guano from the affected area. Put it in durable plastic bags. Seal it tightly and double bag. Rinse the outside of the bags before placing them in bin or removal truck.

• 4

  Take off protective clothing but not the mask. Discard the clothing in a plastic bag or place it in a washing machine. Do not remove the respirator until this is done. Take a shower.