Why Do Pigeons Poop on Cars?
Now that’s a gorgeous pigeon, isn’t it? But it won’t be as beautiful when it poops on your car. I am telling you pigeons have a knack for beefing with human and their assets either by nesting on the rooftop or leaving their droppings as an offering on your car.
So why do pigeons poop on cars out of all places? Well, it all boils down to their natural behavior and instincts. They are allured to flat and open surfaces just like the roof of your clunker as it resembles the ledges and cliffs where they would naturally roost.
As if that wasn’t enough, these avian have the audacity to poop on your car so it can mark its territory and attract potential courters.
Well, there’s more to it. And that’s why I am here today to tell you all the things that you need to know about pigeon pooping on cars, why they do it, its aftermaths, how to get rid of it and more.
Read more about pigeon habits:
5 Reasons Why Pigeons Poop on Your Car
Upon finding out the reasons why pigeons are making a mess on your car you can take necessary steps to prevent this from happening. Let’s be real you don’t want your car to get damaged because the repairing and maintenance are going to cost you a king’s ransom.
Thus, instead of feeling frustrated and cussing these feathery creatures lets wade through the reasons and find out the solution to it.
01. Pigeons think your car is a giant bird feeder. They see all the tasty bits of food that have fallen on your car and can’t resist.
02. These birds have no respect for personal property. They don’t care if your car is brand new or a classic vintage model or a mustang. All they see is a convenient spot to do their business (more like shitty business)
03. You already know that these winged rats are territorial creatures. Therefore, they may see your car as a threat to their territory and mark it with their droppings to claim it as their own.
04. Pigeons are lazy birds. They prefer to poop where they eat, and if there’s an easy food source nearby, they’ll fully capitalize on it.
05. Since pigeons are social creatures, they like to congregate in groups, and when one pigeon finds a good spot to poop, the others will follow suit. So, if you see one pigeon on your car, there’s a good chance more will follow.
Learn about pigeon lifestyle in “Pigeon Habits” . We cover their eating, nesting, and interactions with humans.
The Negative Consequences of Pigeon Pooping on Your Car
After a knackering day you just want to take a long drive home and hit the sack. But things don’t always go as you fancied.
There’s always a possibility of some sky rats leaving their precious pooping artistry on your car. Sad part is, they are not going to be a muse to your eyes, and the stench will almost make you gag and throw up.
Now these aren’t even the real problems, the downsides of pigeon pooping on your car are very severe which can actually make you go ballistic. Let’s have a look.
Damage to the Car Paint
Pigeon droppings contain an acid that can eat away at the clear coat and paint on a car. If left untreated, the droppings can cause permanent damage to the vehicle’s exterior.
Health Hazards
In case you didn’t know pigeon poop has the potential to pose a health hazard as they might contain bacteria and diseases such as salmonella and psittacosis (parrot fever).
If you inhale the dust created by the droppings it can lead to respiratory issues and even pneumonia.
Decrease in Car Value
Say you are intending to sell your car for some instant liquid money and no shit sherlock you want the best price for it. What if I tell you that pigeon poop can decrease the estimated value of your car, making it less desirable to potential buyers.
As that poop have marred the luster of your once attractive car now it’s going to be almost impossible to get a fair price. Means, you are not only losing potential customers but also spending some extra dough on fixing it.
Difficulty in Cleaning
I have dealt with many greasy and gunky mess before, but I must tell you pigeon poop is something else. This thing is unexplainably sticky and its mad tricky to get rid of it.
To remove the droppings, you may require professional cleaning services and I must remind you that it’s going to cost you a fortune. And if God isn’t smiling at you then the cleaning might not be as adequate as you thought.
Result? The poop stains are now living rent-free on your car, forever. Because getting rid of the stains is one of the tightest and most time-consuming job.
Pests
Pigeons can also attract other pests such as rats and cockroaches. This could lead to an infestation in and around your car, causing further damage and health hazards.
How Do I Stop Pigeons from Pooping on My Car?
Now, let’s talk about how we can fix this problem. But know that pigeons will stop pooping when pigs fly.
Meaning, it’s their natural instinct and despite all that preventative measures and safety methods they can find ways to bypass your defenses.
Also, it’s important to note that some methods like the use of bird spikes and netting are illegal in some areas and could lead to fines.
Here I will outline the solutions in three categories, so it becomes easier for you to follow.
Prevention
- Cover your car with a car-cover or tarp to prevent pigeons from landing and pooping on it.
- Park your car in a garage or under a carport to provide protection from pigeon droppings.
- Install physical barriers such as bird spikes or netting on ledges and surfaces where pigeons perch. It can prevent them from accessing your car.
Deterrence
- Use visual deterrents such as plastic owls or hawk decoys to scare pigeons away from your car.
- Ultrasonic devices that emit high-frequency sounds can also be used to deter pigeons.
- Consider applying a sticky substance such as bird repellent gel or oil to surfaces to make it uncomfortable for pigeons to land on your car.
Cleaning
- If pigeons have already left droppings on your car, it’s important to clean them off as soon as possible.
- Use a mixture of water and vinegar to gently scrub away the droppings, being careful not to scratch the paint. Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water and dry with a microfiber towel.
How Do I Get Pigeon Poop Stains off My Car?
Pigeon poop stains can be a real pain to remove from your car. Not only do they leave unsightly marks, but they can also cause damage to your paint if left untreated for too long.
But don’t despair, there are several ways to remove these stains and get your car looking like new again.
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
To remove pigeon poop stains from your car, you will need a few basic supplies.
These include a bucket of warm water, a mild detergent, a sponge or cloth, and a car-specific cleaning solution. If the stains are particularly stubborn, you may also need a clay bar or a fine-grade sandpaper.
Step 2: Pre-Clean the Area
Before you begin cleaning the stains, it’s important to pre-clean the area. This means removing any loose debris or dirt from the area.
You can do this by gently wiping the area with a damp cloth or sponge. Be sure to avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasives, as these can damage your paint.
Step 3: Apply Detergent and Cleaning Solution
Once the area is pre-cleaned, it’s time to apply your detergent and cleaning solution. Mix a small amount of detergent with warm water in your bucket and dip your sponge or cloth into the solution.
Gently scrub the stained area with the sponge or cloth, being careful not to apply too much pressure. If the stains are particularly stubborn, you can also apply a small amount of cleaning solution directly to the area.
Step 4: Rinse and Dry
After you’ve finished scrubbing the area, it’s important to rinse it thoroughly with clean water. This will help to remove any remaining detergent or cleaning solution. Then, use a clean, dry cloth to dry the area completely.
Step 5: Use a Clay Bar or Sandpaper (Optional)
If the stains are still visible after cleaning, you can try using a clay bar or fine-grade sandpaper to remove them. These tools work by gently removing the top layer of paint, which can help to remove the stains.
Be sure to use a light touch and avoid applying too much pressure, as this can damage your paint.
What Is in Pigeon Poop that Makes It Damaging to Cars?
Pigeon poop contains an array of substances that can be damaging to your vehicle. The main components are uric and feces, which are both highly acidic.
Uric
It’s a strong acid that can eat away at the paint and other car surfaces, leaving unsightly stains and even causing corrosion.
Feces
This contains a variety of microorganisms that can cause discoloration and damage to the car’s surface. Apart from that pigeon poop bear other contaminants such as dust, dirt and debris that can leave scratches over your car and wither the beauty of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
01. Do pigeons have a preferred temperature to poop on cars?
Well, pigeons do not have any preferred temperature to poop on cars instead they will poop on cars whenever they are in the vicinity and can do so. Factors such as food availability, shelter, and nesting locations may influence where pigeons choose to congregate and defecate.
02. Do pigeons poop more on certain colors of cars?
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that pigeons prefer certain colors of cars when it comes to defecating. Pigeons typically choose to roost and defecate in areas where there is a food source and shelter, rather than being influenced by the color of a car.
End quote
Now getting back to the elephant in the room which was to know why do pigeons poop on cars, I believe you have got your answer.
No need to fret if your car is covered in pigeon poop. Just follow the preventative process and immediately get rid of the stains, as mentioned above.
If you come to think of It, humans voluntarily vandalize pigeon’s nest without compunction so them pooping on your car shouldn’t come as a surprise (might be their silent revenge).
That being solved, if you have further queries about pigeons make sure to connect us through Pinterest and twitter.
Image Credits:
- https://www.canva.com/photos
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/myfavoritepetsitter/
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/dearbarbz365/
