Dubai: Pigeon droppings in homes and offices can lead to major health problems, experts have warned. Dr Hussain Hattawi, Consultant and Head of Immunology at Dubai Hospital, said: “Pigeon droppings can be very harmful to health. They contain a fungus that can cause severe respiratory infections. They can also cause meningitis among those with weak immune systems or those on prolonged use of antibiotics or steroids.”
James Nicholson, General Manager of Rentokil Pest Control, who gets two-three calls for a bird control job in a week, said: “The concern largely stems from pigeons resting or nesting on AC systems typically in balconies. The bacterial dust from pigeon droppings can enter your home through AC units and contaminate food and cooking surfaces causing diseases like salmonella.”
He said another common disease resulting from pigeon droppings is histoplasmosis, a respiratory illness caused by the bacteria feeding on dried bird droppings. Nicholson said pest control companies do pigeon-proofing as an effective form of pigeon control. “This could entail gels, spikes, netting or electronic methods, all of which prevent the birds from nesting. We use a combination of these methods.”
