Dealing with Bat Poop: Bleach Removes Stains Quickly

  • Thread starter Hornbein
  • Start date
In summary, the tree looms over my property, bats eat its fruit, and then poop on my sidewalk. Bleach removes the stains in seconds, but dilute the bleach by a factor of five and nothing happens. I thought it would take five times longer to have the same effect. Nope, nothing doing. Can anyone suggest an experiment that might explain this?
  • #1
Hornbein
2,444
2,014
A tall tree looms over my property. Bats eat its fruit then dump their purple poop on my sidewalk. Bleach removes the stains in seconds. But dilute the bleach by a factor of five and nothing happens. I thought it would take five times longer to have the same effect. Nope, nothing doing. Can anyone suggest an experiment that might explain this?
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
  • #2
Hornbein said:
A tall tree looms over my property. Bats eat its fruit then dump their purple poop on my sidewalk. Bleach removes the stains in seconds. But dilute the bleach by a factor of five and nothing happens. I thought it would take five times longer to have the same effect. Nope, nothing doing. Can anyone suggest an experiment that might explain this?
Bleach interacts with the chromophore, the coloured part of the molecule, in your case fruit juice/ cells.

Diluting it down just has less effect, less molecules are effected to the point where you cannot notice it.

You would need to take concentrations of bleach using the same concentration of bat faeces to assess it.

What species of fruit bat is it?

Animal faeces can make good compost but I would be wary with bats because of possibility of diseases

https://www.crittercontrol.com/wildlife/bats/bat-guano

EDIT. Info on UK bats and disease but globally a different matter

https://www.bats.org.uk/about-bats/bats-and-disease
 
  • #3
Hornbein said:
A tall tree looms over my property. Bats eat its fruit then dump their purple poop on my sidewalk.
Natural enemies/predators of fruit bats are owls, hawks, falcons, cats, etc. You might consider putting some decoy predators up in the tree to keep the bats away...

https://a-z-animals.com/blog/bat-predators-what-eats-bats/
 
  • #4
There could be some pH effect happening.
Bleach has a pH dependancy, it more reactive below 6.8.
At alkaline pH values of about 8.5 or higher, more than 90 percent of the bleach is in the form of the chlorite ion (OCl-), which is relatively ineffective antimicrobially. At acidic pH values of about 6.8 or lower, more than 80 percent of the bleach is in the form of hypochlorite (HOCl).
Bleach is typically around pH 11.

The particular proportions of bat poop and bleach could result in different pH solutions that could affect its ability to clean (based on bleach's oxidizing ability).

On the other hand, some of bleach's cleaning ability is just due to its high pH.
 

Related to Dealing with Bat Poop: Bleach Removes Stains Quickly

What precautions should I take before cleaning bat poop with bleach?

Before cleaning bat poop with bleach, wear protective gear such as gloves, a mask, and eye protection to avoid direct contact with the guano and inhaling any harmful particles. Ensure the area is well-ventilated to minimize inhalation of bleach fumes.

How do I prepare a bleach solution for removing bat poop stains?

To prepare a bleach solution, mix one part bleach with ten parts water. This dilution is generally effective for disinfecting and removing stains while minimizing the risk of damaging surfaces.

Can bleach be used on all surfaces to remove bat poop stains?

Bleach can be used on many surfaces, but it is important to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first. Some surfaces, such as certain fabrics, upholstery, or delicate materials, may be damaged by bleach. Always follow manufacturer guidelines for cleaning specific surfaces.

What should I do if the bat poop stain persists after using bleach?

If the stain persists after using bleach, you may need to repeat the cleaning process. Alternatively, consider using a commercial stain remover specifically designed for the type of surface you are cleaning. For stubborn stains, professional cleaning services may be necessary.

Is it safe to use bleach indoors for cleaning bat poop?

Yes, it is safe to use bleach indoors if proper precautions are taken. Ensure good ventilation by opening windows and doors, and avoid mixing bleach with other cleaning agents, especially ammonia, as this can produce toxic fumes. Always follow safety guidelines and use bleach in a well-ventilated area.

Similar threads

Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
13
Views
4K
Replies
94
Views
9K
Replies
13
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
3K
Back
Top