Bird poop on surfaces like glass, plastic, or metal is relatively easy. But if it’s on porous surfaces such as wood, brick, or concrete, it can be more difficult to clean.
If you have bird poop on your wooden deck, the best way to remove it is by using vinegar and water solution.
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a bottle, then spray the mixture all over the area. Allow it to sit for a couple of minutes, then remove the poop with a brush.
Make sure you do not soak the porous wood surface in the solution for long, as moisture can cause your decking areas to warp or crack.
Can Bird Poop Damage Wood?
Although not damaging to the wood itself, bird droppings, if allowed to sit for longer, can cause the paint and finishes on the wood to break down.
Plus, if it’s a composite wood on outdoor patio furniture or decks, it can leave a chalky finish and even void the warranty. So, removing bird poop as soon as you see it on any wood surface is best.
Bird droppings, in particular those from pigeons, sparrows, crows, gulls, and starlings, are breeding grounds for pathogens that may harm people.
If you allow the feces of these birds to accumulate on your property without removing them, you may inadvertently be inviting harmful bacteria and viruses into your home.
Removal of Bird Droppings from Wood – Different Ways
You can use a few practical ways and home remedies to clean bird poop off the wooden deck. Some of the most common ones include:
1- Use Boiling Water
In this method, you need to boil a pot of fresh water and pour it over the bird poop. The heat will cause the poop to harden and make it easier to remove.
When using boiled water on wood, make sure not to keep the water on the wood for too long, as it can cause the wood to warp or crack.
If you have a power washer, this can also work. The high-pressure stream of water will quickly break down the bird poop and blast it away.
2- Use a Putty Knife
If the bird poop is fresh on painted wood furniture or walls, you can try to remove it with a putty knife. Gently scrape off the poop.
When using the knife, ensure you do not scratch the wood surface.
3- Use Vinegar and Water
Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a bowl. Then pour the solution into a sprayer bottle.
Spray this mixture on the bird poop and let it sit for a couple of minutes. The acid in the vinegar will break down the poop, making it easier to remove.
4- Use WD-40
WD-40 is a great solvent that can dissolve bird poop on wood and concrete very effectively.
Spray WD-40 on the bird poop and let it sit for a few minutes. The WD-40 will help to break down the bird poop, making it easier to remove.
5- Use Laundry Detergent
Laundry detergents such as Molly’s Suds or Mrs. Meyer’s Liquid Laundry Detergent are also great options for removing bird poop from all types of surfaces, including wood and concrete.
Mix one part laundry detergent with two parts water in a bowl. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray it on the bird poop.
Let it sit for a few minutes, then remove the bird poop and stains with a brush or sponge.
6- Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a great disinfectant bleaching agent that can be used to clean bird poop from wood.
Pour hydrogen peroxide into a bowl and add a few drops of dish soap. Mix well and pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
Then spray the bird feces with the hydrogen peroxide solution and let it sit for a few minutes, which will help to break down the poop, making it easier to remove.
7- Use Baking Soda
Baking soda is another very effective natural cleaning agent that can be used to clean bird droppings from wood.
Make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the bird feces, allow it to sit for a few minutes, and then scrub the area with a brush.
You can also use a vacuum cleaner to remove the baking soda paste from the wood.
8- Use Sandpaper
If the bird poop has dried and is difficult to remove, you can try using fine-grit sandpaper of about 220.
Gently sand the area around the bird poop to remove the feces. Be sure not to sand too hard, as you don’t want to damage the finished wood.
When used correctly, the sandpaper will help to remove the bird poop without damaging the wood.
9- Try Applying Some Toothpaste
Toothpaste is a smart home remedy that can also be used to clean bird poop from wood or vinyl sidings outside your home.
Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the bird poop using your old toothbrush and let it sit for a few minutes.
The toothpaste will help to break down the bird poop, making it easier to remove by gently scrubbing it with a brush or plastic scraper.
Tip: Do not use a gel paste, as it may contain dyes & chemicals that can stain/damage the wood surface.
10- Use Commercial Bird Poop Removers
If you have a large area to clean, products like Poop-Off bird poop remover can be very effective.
A few other products also include :
- Bird Stain & Odor Remover by Moso Natural
- Rescue It! Pet Stain and Odor Eliminator
- Nature’s Miracle Stain and Odor Remover
Unlike homemade products and remedies, these commercial bird poop cleaners are designed to quickly break down and remove bird feces from all types of surfaces, including wood.
You just need to spray the bird poop with the cleaner and let it sit for a few minutes. Then remove the bird poop by scrubbing it with a brush or sponge.
11- Hire a Professional Cleaning Service
Lastly, if you don’t want to deal with the hassle of cleaning bird poops yourself, you can always hire a professional cleaning service to do it for you.
They will have the necessary equipment and solutions to quickly and effectively remove bird poop from all types of surfaces.
If you have a large decking or fencing areas to clean, this may be the best option for you.
How Do You Stop Birds Pooping On the Deck, Fence, and Furniture?
To stop the birds from pooping on your wooden fence, deck, and patio, first, try to figure out what type of birds are visiting your property and why they are doing it.
If sparrows nest in your eaves, for example, you may need to remove their nest to stop them from coming back.
Once you know it, you can take steps to deter the birds from pooping in the same area.
Some common deterrents include:
1- Installing bird spikes:
Bird spikes are a physical barrier that can be installed on ledges, railings, and fences to deter birds from landing and roosting.
2- Hanging bird netting:
Bird netting can also be hung over ledges, fences, and other areas to deter birds from landing.
3- Applying bird repellent gel:
There are also commercial bird repellents available that can be applied to ledges, fences, and other surfaces to deter birds.
4- Playing recorded bird distress calls:
You can also try playing recorded bird distress calls in the area to deter birds from coming.
5- Using a water spray:
Another effective deterrent is to keep a water spray bottle handy and use it to spray birds when they land in the area.
6- Trim trees and shrubs:
If birds are roosting in trees and shrubs near your house, you can try trimming them back to deter the birds.
Regularly trimming the plants in your garden will also help to keep the birds away.
7- Use a visual deterrent:
Another option is to use a visual deterrent like a fake owl or hawk.
You can also try hanging shiny objects from the fence or trees. The movement and noise of the objects will deter the birds from coming.
8- Use a physical barrier:
If you have a large area to protect, you can also try using a physical barrier like chicken wire or bird netting.
9- Remove the food source:
If the birds are attracted to your property because there is food available, try to remove the food source.
For example, if you have a bird feeder in your yard, move it away from the house.
You can also try to keep your trash cans and pet food dishes clean and free of any food scraps.
These are just some of the things you can do to stop birds from pooping on your deck, fence, and patio furniture.
If you have a problem with birds pooping in your yard, try one or more of these methods and see what works best for you.
Trying these techniques will also train the birds to stay away from the areas. So, you need not worry about their coming back.
Final thoughts
Cleaning bird poop can be a hassle, but it doesn’t have to be. You can easily remove bird poop from your deck, fence, or patio furniture with the right cleaner and some elbow grease.
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of cleaning up bird poop yourself, you can always hire a professional poop cleaning service near you to do it for you.
And do not forget to prevent the birds from pooping on your property in the first place. This will, hopefully, keep your home and surroundings clean and poop-free.
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Hi, I am Mark Garner a professional carpenter, woodworker, and DIY painter. I live in the small city of Peoria, Arizona as a semi-retired woodworker. I have started this blog with a simple motive to help you with my wood experience in this sector. If you like to know more about what I love doing and how it all got started, you can check more about me here.