Plastic Bird Spikes get rid of Pigeons

Alex kecskes

For years, the U.S. military recruiting station in New York's Times Square-often referred to as “The Booth"-has been invaded by growing flocks of pigeons. The birds left behind pounds of smelly disease carrying droppings and created a noisy nuisance. Lately, however, the U.S. Army has gone on the offensive to get rid of pigeons, making sure its office is the “Best it Can Be."

The initial plan of attack was to broadcast intimidating predator sounds, specifically the sounds of pigeons under attack. Speakers were strategically placed and the volume turned up. But the pigeons held fast, refusing to budge, actually ignoring the threat. Bird experts reasoned that because the birds are so accustomed to the high-decibel Times Square soundscape, the pesky pigeons simply couldn't hear the “predators."

Another problem was that the pigeons really couldn't resist the free meals constantly provided by passers-by. In terms of an ideal habitat, the pigeons had it made-free rent, free food and free heat from the subway grates.

The Army will also be using chemicals to repel the pigeons. If that fails, they'll try placing spikes on the recruiting station roof to keep the pigeons from landing. Smart move by the Army, especially if they opt for plastic bird spikes. For these have a number of advantages.

Humanely Denying Pigeons the Ability to Land

Plastic Bird Spikes are an ideal way to get rid of pigeons. They work because they deny birds the ability to land. With wings and feet splayed, negotiating a landing is virtually impossible, so they simply move on.

The spikes can be used virtually anywhere and require little or no maintenance. The blunted spikes are safe for birds and maintenance crews, so it's not hard to see why they have earned the approval of humane groups around the world-including the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service). They are also GSA approved. When you factor in their excellent deterrent capabilities, it's not hard to see why plastic bird spikes have been widely embraced by building contractors, architects, and municipalities.

Plastic Spikes for Big Birds Like Pigeons

If you've been invaded by pigeons, plastic bird spikes should be numero uno in your arsenal of bird deterrents. Put them on ledges, parapets, rooftops and other structures and watch as pigeons move on, seldom to return. Without spikes, pigeons will gather and feed in huge flocks, devouring seeds, bread, vegetables, meat and almost any food discarded by humans. The filthy birds will roost on rooftops, in walls, or any nook or cranny on your property or building. And everywhere they gather, you can expect a huge mess in droppings, which often carry any of 60 known diseases. A few of these diseases can even be life-threatening to humans.

Plastic Spikes for Non-Conductive Applications

Plastic Bird Spikes have a number of nifty advantages. For one thing, unlike steel bird spikes, they are non-conductive, which means you can safely use them next to electrical equipment. And because they won't interfere with EM transmissions, they can be placed next to or near cell phone towers, airport towers, relay stations and other areas where high-frequency transmissions are being propagated.

Plastic bird spikes are also highly durable. They can stand up to extreme weather conditions. The best plastic spikes use100% post-industrial plastic materials. The material is tough, strong, and eco-friendly. Better plastic spikes are also U.V. protected to endure extended periods in sunlight. One popular brand of plastic spike can stand temperature swings form +310 degrees F to -200 degrees. F. Now that's a tough spike.

A growing number of architects and builders prefer plastic bird spikes because they blend into a building's design and color scheme. They're simply not as visually noticeable as other bird deterrents. One company even sells plastic bird spikes in a wide range of colors-including white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and even crystal clear.

Plastic Spikes for Easy Installation

Plastic bird spikes are very easy to install. They come in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths and they require no assembly. When installing these spikes, a single row of spikes will cover a 7-inch wide area. The best plastic spikes will have a flexible base that readily conforms to any flat or curved surface. Each spike strip comes pre-drilled with holes along the base, so it can easily be screwed onto any surface. Glue can also be used in situations where screws are either impractical or prohibited. The best plastic spikes have a glue trough at the base of each spike strip to facilitate fast and easy installs.

When installing plastic bird spikes on conduits or curved surfaces, gutters or pipes, try to use hose clamps, nylon ties or wire lashings. When installing spikes on large flat surfaces, use multiple rows of spikes. For high-perched surfaces, be sure to install spikes on both sides of the perch. When installing plastic spikes on wood, use wood screws, make sure the ends are secured tightly, and place at least one screw every six inches. For concrete installations, use outdoor construction adhesive and run a bead line of adhesive down the underside of the spike. Silicone adhesives are not recommended.

Plastic Spikes for the Savings

Yes, plastic bird spikes cost less than their steel counterparts, but some come with a full 5-year warranty. It covers the spike against breakdown and UV degradation. Price can be a factor in large installations or for companies that have an extremely tight bird control budget.

A Final Word on Pigeons

Pigeons are basically filthy birds that often carry diseases. They can be very aggressive, going after pets and children for food. They often feed in flocks, devouring seeds, bread, vegetables, meat and almost any food discarded by humans. They roost together in buildings, on rooftops, in nooks and crannies of walls and near ponds and water fountains-which they quickly contaminate with their droppings. They can reach speeds of up to 50 mph and can out maneuver a predator hawk. Pigeons are also among the most intelligent birds on Earth.

Related articles

• Bird Proof Your Store with Bird Spikes (pigeon-spikes.co)
• How to Install Plastic bird spikes Keeping your Home Pigeon Free! (how-to-install-bird-spikes.com)

Pest Birds at Coffee Shops Can Be Grounds for Installing Bird Spikes

by Alex A. Kecskes

If you own or operate a coffee shop, you know that too many pest birds can be bad for business. This is especially true if you have outdoor tables and chairs. People love to sit and chat while sipping their favorite cup of java and munching on a scone. But birds pooping on tables and chairs can be a turnoff. So can loads of droppings on your fancy umbrellas, decorative awnings and colorful canopies. Let’s face it, what you don’t need in this economy are fewer customers.

Aside from scaring away customers, pest birds can cause real damage to your shop. They can build nests in your signage and possibly cause an electrical fire. Their nests and droppings can block and jam up your rooftop AC units, resulting in expensive repairs. The acid in bird droppings can eat into and eventually ruin awnings, umbrellas and canopies, again, more expense. Bird debris can also clog up rain gutters, causing water to back up under roofing tiles and that means roof leaks and more repairs.

To save you from all this expense, you need to implement a sound bird-proofing program. And one of the best bird proofing devices to use in such a program would be the tried-and-true Bird Spike.

Bird spikes get the job done because they have been specially designed to prevent pest birds from landing.  And they are particularly effective in deterring larger birds like pigeons, crows and gulls. Any bird approaching a bird spike will soon discover that landing on or near them is impossible. “Word” will get around that your store is inhospitable to birds and they will avoid it. If you’re concerned about spikes harming birds, don’t be. The blunted spikes are safe and have been approved by a number of humane groups worldwide, including the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service).

Today, you have many choices when it comes to bird spikes. You can opt for rigid unbreakable polycarbonate or flexible stainless steel. Steel spikes are available in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths and will bird proof areas up to 8 inches wide; poly spikes come in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths and will safeguard areas up to 7 inches wide. Either way, you’ll want to get your bird spikes from a reputable source. The best spikes are made of marine-grade stainless steel and feature a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base. You can also get bird pikes with a non-reflective metal finish, so they’ll be less noticeable on your roofline, parapet wall, fixed awnings or canopies. If you choose to go with slightly less expensive poly spikes, they come in a variety of colors to match your store’s color palette. The assortment of colors include white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear.

To keep pest birds out of your rain gutters, there’s the Gutter Spike. These uniquely designed bird spikes feature adjustable clamps at the base, so they install easily to the lip of most any gutter. If your coffee shop is being invaded by large pest birds like cormorants, turkey vultures or raptors, consider getting the Mega Spike. This bird deterrent features long, 7-inch spikes to ward off even the most aggressive large bird.

Regardless of the bird spike you finally decided to install, you should look for quality construction that’s backed by a manufacturer’s guarantee. One bird spike currently on the market comes with a 10-year guarantee. The best bird spikes are easy to install and require no assembly. They will have a flexible base that readily adapts to most flat or curved surfaces. To save time and hassle during installation, better spikes will also feature pre-drilled holes and glue troughs along the base. These allow the spikes to be quickly nailed, screwed or glued onto any surface.

Bird Proof Your Store with Bird Spikes

by Alex A. Kecskes

One small storeowner in New York complained that a ledge that runs 20 feet along the top of his storefront is typically covered with pigeons every day. The ledge extends out over the sidewalk and entrance to the store, giving pigeons a perfect place to drop their “daily loads.” Customers entering the store have to walk through or jump over this “gauntlet of guano” to reach the front door.

If you’ve had your store for any length of time, you’ve no doubt had to deal with the nuisance and expense of bird damage/defacement. These winged pests often build nests on your signage, rooftops, parapet walls, A.C. units, and rooftop vents. They can also create quite a problem in rain gutters and downspouts, filling these water runoffs with nesting materials, feathers and other debris. When that happens, water overflows and seeps under roofing tiles, causing leaks and, ultimately, very expensive roof repairs.
Pest birds can also literally drive away customers, swooping down on them from the elevated perches of your store. No one likes to visit a store where birds are dive bombing them as they try to enter or leave. There’s also the nuisance of bird droppings, which can cover everything from windows, awnings and canopies to signage, doorknobs and walkways.

The solution, of course, is to employ some sort of bird control. And one of the best bird control measures available today is the Bird Spike.

Recommended for pigeons and other large birds, bird spikes have been used by thousands of storeowners nationwide. They are easy to install and, in some cases, blend in with their surroundings to make them practically invisible.

Bird spikes remain an effective pest bird deterrent because they prevent pest birds from landing.  No bird wants to get its wings tangled in a splay of nasty looking spikes. Better to simply find another, more bird-friendly landing area. Rest assured, the blunted spikes are safe and won’t harm our fine-feathered friends--they have been approved by a number of humane groups worldwide, including the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service).

Bird spikes come in strong, rigid unbreakable polycarbonate or flexible stainless steel. Steel spikes are available in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths to cover areas up to 8 inches wide; plastic spikes come in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths to protect areas up to 7 inches wide. The best spikes will provide many years of dependable deterrence, for they are made of marine-grade stainless steel and feature a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base. Some bird spikes come with a non-reflective metal finish, which means they won’t stand out on your roofline or parapet wall. You can even get spikes in a variety of colors to match your store’s signage, awnings or fixed canopies. Available colors include white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear.

Knowing that pest birds often gather in rain gutters, one bird control manufacturer now offers a Gutter Spike. These specially designed bird spikes will keep pest birds out of your rain gutters. The best gutter bird spikes feature adjustable clamps at the base, which makes it easy to install them to the lip of a gutter. If you’re being plagued by really big pest birds like cormorants, turkey vultures or raptors, you’ll want to look into the Mega Spike, which features long, 7-inch spikes no bird would ever want to approach.

No matter which type of bird spike you get, better designed spikes are easy to install. They require no assembly and some have a flexible base that readily adapts to most flat or curved surfaces. Look for spike strips that feature pre-drilled holes and glue troughs along the base. These can be quickly nailed, screwed or glued onto any surface.

Related articles

• How to Install Plastic bird spikes Keeping your Home Pigeon Free! (bird-spike.com)
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• How to Install Plastic bird spikes Keeping your Home Pigeon Free! (birdcontrolspike.com)

How to Install Plastic bird spikes Keeping your Home Pigeon Free!

by Fran Prisco

Each year homeowners spend hundreds of dollars cleaning up after and repairing the damage created by pest pigeons.  The domestic pigeon has become quite a nuisance in urban areas. Pigeons build relatively flimsy nests from sticks and other debris, which may be placed in trees, on ledges, or on the ground, depending on species. They lay one or two eggs, and both parents care for the young, which leave the nest after 7 to 28 days. Pigeons build relatively flimsy nests from sticks and other debris, which may be placed in trees, on ledges, or on the ground, depending on species. They lay one or two eggs, and both parents care for the young, which leave the nest after 7 to 28 days.  Pigeons have adapted to most of the habitats available on the planet. 

How to Install Plastic bird spikes

There are many products out there that can help to get rid of pest pigeons from your property.  By far the easiest to use and one of the most effective are plastic bird spikes.  Bird spikes are made of plastic or stainless steel.  Some have a plastic base with stainless steel spikes.  They usually come in either one foot or two-foot sections.  Plastic bird spikes come in different widths some as wide as 7” to be sure to cover the entire surface where pest pigeons are landing.  They are used on flat as well as curved surfaces such as window ledges, roof edges, patio covers, arched entryways and other areas that pest pigeons like to roost and nest.

Installation of plastic bird spikes is relatively easy.  You can glue or screw them down.  Make sure that all debris left behind by the birds is cleaned up first.  Use a mixture of bleach or ammonia with water to wet down the area and rinse it clean.  Do not clean bird droppings dry as they can be inhaled in dry form and cause illness.  When cleaning bird droppings use a mask and gloves.  Use enough plastic bird spikes to cover the entire area that the pigeons are landing or roosting on.  If they are in an area that is hard to get to it might be wise to call an expert.  There are many companies that install bird control products like plastic bird spikes.

How Plastic bird spikes Work

Once properly installed plastic bird spikes make it difficult for pigeons to land.  The plastic bird spikes are usually 4.25” to 4.50” high so that pigeons and larger birds can not straddle the spikes.  Be sure to look for a spike that has a “center” spike running down the middle.  This will keep the birds from building nests in the spikes themselves.  Covering all of the surface of a ledge or widow sill, will keep the pigeons form landing as birds land feet first, they will sense that something is there and move on.  When first installing plastic bird spikes, you may want to watch and see if the birds find another area of your home or building to land on.  That area too will need to have plastic bird spikes installed.

If you are unsure if you can put in the plastic bird spikes yourself to call a local bird control installer.  Most pest control companies can help, or call the pigeon spike manufacturer for an installer near you.  Getting ride of pest pigeons can be as easy as “gluing and screwing”!

How Bird Spikes Can Protect Your Home from Pest Birds

by Alex A. Kecskes

If you’re like most homeowners, you spent some time this summer painting your home. You may also have painted your patio covers, gazebos, and fencing. To protect your roof, probably cleared out your rain gutters, getting rid of some bird nests and bird debris.  And you may even have cleaned off walkways, pool and spa areas that were covered with bird droppings. As an informed homeowner, you know that bird droppings can carry any of 60 known diseases. So the last thing you want is bird droppings on or near your pool, spa, patio tables and chairs, or BBQ.

The good news is your home and its surroundings are now sparkling clean and fresh; the bad news, the pest birds that created all those droppings will probably be back--unless you take steps to bird proof your home.

One of the pest ways to bird proof is to install some Bird Spikes along the rooflines of your home, on the tops of your patio covers and gazebos, and any other elevated areas of your property. Properly installed, these deterrents can keep a wide variety of pest birds--especially large birds like pigeons and crows--from perching and pooping all over your home and property.

The bird spikes that last the longest are constructed of flexible, marine-grade stainless steel and feature a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base. Some bird spikes come with a non-reflective metal finish, which means they won’t stand out on your roofline or patio cover. Steel bird spikes come in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths to cover areas up to 8 inches wide. For large birds like crows and gulls, you’ll need an 8-inch wide spike.

You can also get plastic bird spikes. These are less expensive than stainless steel spikes and will last many years. They come in a variety of colors to match your home’s color scheme. Available colors include white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear. These spikes come in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths to protect areas up to 7 inches wide. For mid-sized pest birds--usually from 9.5 to 11 inches long--you’ll need a 3-inch wide spike. One advantage of plastic spikes is that they can be installed near your dish TV antenna without worries about RF interference.

To keep your rain gutters clear of pest birds and nests, you can install some Gutter Bird Spikes. The best gutter spikes feature adjustable clamps at the base, so you can easily mount them to the lip of your gutter. If your home is out in the country or near the sea or a lake, you may be tired of dealing with really large pest birds like cormorants, turkey vultures or raptors. This is where you’ll want to invest in the Mega Spike, which features long, 7-inch spikes.

Regardless of which you choose, bird spikes typically come in two-foot sections. Better bird spikes will feature pre-drilled holes and glue troughs for fast, easy installation. The best bird spikes are blunted at the tips and won’t harm birds or pets. They have been approved by a number of humane groups worldwide, including the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service).

Before installing plastic bird spikes, make sure the surface is clean and dry. Be sure to remove any loose rust, peeling paint, bird droppings, feathers and nesting materials. Use commercial disinfecting cleaning agents to prevent exposure to any of the 60 known airborne diseases carried by birds. If the area is heavily contaminated with bird droppings, be sure to use proper eye and respiratory protection.

Bird Proof Your Strip Mall with Bird Spikes

by Alex A. Kecskes

Outdoor strip malls are popping up everywhere, slowly replacing the enclosed mall as leasing prices for the latter continue to rise. The one problem strip malls have is that they are exposed to the elements—and that includes pest birds. Without bird control measures to deter them, these "unwelcome shoppers" love to settle in on rooftops, parapet walls, signs, A.C. units, and rooftop ducting. From there, they can swoop down on walkways, tables, chairs, benches and umbrellas to feed on food scraps left by shoppers.

In many locations throughout the country, there's a war going on between strip mall owners/managers and pest birds. Strip mall owners spend millions of dollars annually on clean ups and repairs caused by birds. Bird droppings on a store's signs, windows and facades can seriously detract from its appearance. The acid produced by the fungi that live in bird droppings can corrode metal, mar plastic, deface wood and erode stone. Strip mall owners get a lot of grief from store owners who must constantly hire expensive cleaning and maintenance crews to repair the damage caused by pest birds. This includes clearing out gutters and down pipes, as well as repairing expensive rooftop A.C. compressors and fans.
Then there are the hidden costs of dwindling shoppers who are turned off by bird droppings and simply choose to shop at another store or strip mall. Who wants to eat at an outdoor restaurant whose tables, chairs and umbrellas are covered with smelly, disease carrying bird droppings? Bird droppings can also create serious slip-and-fall hazards that can result in a legal liability for the store owners as well as the strip mall owner.

So what can you do to keep pest birds away from your strip mall? Here's one suggestion: Bird Spikes.

Ideal for pigeons and other large birds, bird spikes have kept strip malls and retail stores bird free for many years. These popular bird proofing devices work because they prevent pest birds from landing. And if they can't land, they won't nest or roost.  And it's bye-bye birdie. Bird spikes come in strong, rigid unbreakable polycarbonate or flexible stainless steel. They are usually manufactured in two-foot long strips for easy installation on most any surface. And unlike some bird control methods, bird spikes are blunted so they won't harm birds or maintenance crews. The best spikes are made of marine-grade stainless steel and feature a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base. Some bird pikes come with a non-reflective metal finish. And you can even get bird spikes in a variety of colors to match a store's façade—including white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear.

A variation of the bird spike is the Gutter Spike. These are ideal bird control device for keeping pest birds out of rain gutters. The best gutter bird spikes come with adjustable clamps at the base for fast, easy installation to the lip of a gutter. There's also the Mega Spike, which features long, 7-inch spikes to deter cormorants, turkey vultures, raptors and other large birds.

How to Install Pigeon Spikes

Keeping your Home Pigeon Free!

by Fran Prisco

Each year homeowners spend hundreds of dollars cleaning up after and repairing the damage created by pest pigeons.  The domestic pigeon has become quite a nuisance in urban areas. Pigeons build relatively flimsy nests from sticks and other debris, which may be placed in trees, on ledges, or on the ground, depending on species. They lay one or two eggs, and both parents care for the young, which leave the nest after 7 to 28 days. Pigeons build relatively flimsy nests from sticks and other debris, which may be placed in trees, on ledges, or on the ground, depending on species. They lay one or two eggs, and both parents care for the young, which leave the nest after 7 to 28 days.  Pigeons have adapted to most of the habitats available on the planet.
 
How to Install Pigeon Spikes

There are many products out there that can help to get rid of pigeons from your property.  By far the easiest to use and one of the most effective are pigeon spikes.  Pigeon spikes are made of plastic or stainless steel.  Some have a plastic base with stainless steel spikes.  They usually come in either one foot or two-foot sections.  Pigeon spikes come in different widths some as wide as 7” to be sure to cover the entire surface where pest pigeons are landing.  They are used on flat as well as curved surfaces such as window ledges, roof edges, patio covers, arched entryways and other areas that pest pigeons like to roost and nest.

Installation of pigeon spikes is relatively easy.  You can glue or screw them down.  Make sure that all debris left behind by the birds is cleaned up first.  Use a mixture of bleach or ammonia with water to wet down the area and rinse it clean.  Do not clean bird droppings dry as they can be inhaled in dry form and cause illness.  When cleaning bird droppings use a mask and gloves.  Use enough pigeon spikes to cover the entire area that the pigeons are landing or roosting on.  If they are in an area that is hard to get to it might be wise to call an expert.  There are many companies that install bird control products like pigeon spikes.

How Pigeon Spikes Work

Once properly installed pigeon spikes make it difficult for pigeons to land.  The pigeon spikes are usually 4.25” to 4.50” high so that pigeons and larger birds can not straddle the spikes.  Be sure to look for a spike that has a “center” spike running down the middle.  This will keep the birds from building nests in the spikes themselves.  Covering all of the surface of a ledge or widow sill, will keep the pigeons form landing as birds land feet first, they will sense that something is there and move on.  When first installing pigeon spikes, you may want to watch and see if the birds find another area of your home or building to land on.  That area too will need to have pigeon spikes installed.

If you are unsure if you can put in the pigeon spikes yourself to call a local bird control installer.  Most pest control companies can help, or call the pigeon spike manufacturer for an installer near you.  Getting ride of pest pigeons can be as easy as “gluing and screwing”!

Green Bay’s Got Gulls. Time for Stainless Steel Bird Spikes.

by Alex A. Kecskes

Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin has some serious pest bird issues. It seems thousands of seagulls have been breeding in the large parking lots in the stadium areas of Green Bay. The gulls also seem to like the lots at Ashwaubenon. The lots bordered by Bart Starr Drive, Tony Canadeo Run, Reggie White Way and Lombardi Avenue have drawn the gulls in huge numbers, creating a nuisance for businesses.

While the presence of the large birds isn’t new, they have been gaining in number.  The owner of a nearby sports bar admitted that his maintenance crews have been quite busy of late, cleaning up after the 5,000 to 7,000 gulls in the lot adjacent to his bar. Cleaning crews are constantly washing down the sidewalks and patio areas. No one wants to have bar patrons tracking in disease carrying gull droppings. There’s also the noise, which can be particularly loud and annoying.

Observers note that the gulls have been breeding on the roof of nearby Tundra Lodge, which was badly soiled from gulls that perched there for hours at a stretch. Over time, the acids in gull drippings can eat into roofing materials and cause a leak. Gull nests, droppings and debris can also clog rain gutters and spouts, again, causing roof leaks and possible long-term damage.

Officials say there’s not much they can do. The gulls are federally protected migratory birds, which means, once the eggs hatch, nothing can be done until they leave. The director of public works for Green Bay noted that more proactive bird deterrents would be used if the gulls return next year. Under consideration are kites that resemble ospreys and hawks to scare the birds away. The use of firecrackers is also being considered.

Fortunately, for the businesses around Lambeau Field, there is a solution to the gull problem. One that could save them a lot of grief and expense. It’s called the Stainless Steel Bird Spike.

These spike strips are easily mounted on rooftops, ledges, parapet walls, and signs--on any flat or curved surface where pest birds often flock. Today’s stainless steel spikes come in rows of spikes in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths and two-foot sections. For gulls, 8-inch spikes provide 8 to 10 inches of deterrence on a 10-inch wide ledge. The best stainless steel spike features a patented “bend-and-crush” design for permanent installations. It has 40 spikes per foot in a linear array and a special “no-nest” design with no-gap spacing to deter birds from roosting or landing. Gulls faced with landing on or near these large spikes will simply move on.

Installation is a snap. Glue, nails or screws can be used to keep stainless steel spikes securely mounted. When installing the bird spikes, leave no gaps wider than two inches between the spiked strips. Multiple rows of spikes should be used for extra wide ledges.

Finally, before installing bird spikes, the surface should be clean and dry. Be sure to remove any loose rust, peeling paint, bird droppings, feathers and nesting materials. Leaving this debris will signal to birds that this is a lived-in area. You should also use commercial disinfecting cleaning agents to prevent exposure to any of the 60 known airborne diseases carried by birds. Use eye and respiratory protection if the area is heavily contaminated with droppings.

For additional advice on how to properly install stainless steel bird spikes, consult an expert like the folks at Bird-B-Gone.

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Bird Spikes Can Save Hawker Centers and Other Open-Air Eateries

by Alex A. Kecskes

Not long ago, pigeons invaded the Sims Lane hawker center in Singapore. The birds swooped down on empty tables to feast on leftover food. This created a potential health hazard for patrons who ate at the center.

A hawker center is typically an open-air complex most often found in Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Riau Islands. Usually situated near public housing estates, bus interchanges or train stations, the centers house many stalls that sell a variety of inexpensive food.
At Sims Lane, pigeons took advantage of dirty plates and bowls containing leftover rice and soup that were not removed quickly after patrons left their tables. In some cases, pigeons flocked to the main area of the hawker center while patrons were still eating at nearby tables. In the worst of all scenarios, the filthy birds left droppings on the tables. This can be real problem since birds can carry any of 60 known undesirable diseases—including the potentially lethal West Nile Virus.

All across the US, open-air fast food restaurants face the same challenge: How to keep filthy pigeons and other disease carrying birds from feasting and leaving droppings on tables and chairs. One way to prevent pigeons from swooping down on tables and chairs at outdoor eateries is to deny them a perch from which to survey the “food landscape.” Very seldom do pigeons simply swoop down from the sky without first making sure that food is present and that it is safe to land. This is where Bird Spikes come in. If birds can’t find a place from which to perch and observe, they will simply move on.

For best deterrent results, bird spikes should be mounted on rooflines, signs, light fixtures, awnings, umbrellas, parapet walls and other elevated areas. The spiked strips come in stainless steel spikes or plastic spikes. The stainless steel spikes cost a bit more but they last longer. The plastic spikes are non-conductive and come in a variety of colors—including white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear. Even custom colors are now available. This means the spikes can blend in with an eatery’s color scheme and be almost invisible. The best plastic spikes are made of rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate to last longer in harsh weather.

Bird spikes install easily. They can be glued down, nailed or screwed into virtually any surface. The best bird spikes will already have pre-drilled holes or glue troughs to make installation that much easier. Look for bird spikes that are crush proof and have a non-reflective metal finish.

Pigeons will often build nests in clogged rain gutters. To deter pigeons out of these areas, you’ll need what’s called a Gutter Bird Spike. These uniquely designed bird spikes typically come in two-foot long strips. Look for gutter spikes that have adjustable clamps at the base so they can be readily affixed to the lip of a gutter. If your eatery has curved signs and rooftops, you should look for bird spikes that have a flexible base.

Before installing any bird spikes, thoroughly clean the surface. Be sure to remove any loose rust, peeling paint, bird droppings, feathers and nesting materials. Use commercial disinfecting cleaning agents to prevent exposure to any of the airborne diseases carried by birds. You should also use eye and respiratory protection if the area is heavily contaminated with droppings.

For additional advice on how to properly install bird spikes, consult an expert like the folks at Bird-B-Gone.

Related articles

• How to Use and Install Plastic Bird Spikes (bird-spike.com)
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Plastic Bird Spikes for Big Pest Birds

by Alex A. Kecskes

Today's plastic bird spikes are a highly effective method of bird proofing your property against most large pest birds. The reason is simple: no matter how they try, birds just can't seem to get their wings or feet around the imposing-looking spikes to land. After a few unsuccessful attempts, birds just give up and move on. It's no wonder that plastic bird spikes have been widely recommended by building contractors, architects, and municipalities. They have also earned the approval of practically every humane group around the world--including the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service).

Because they are a humane bird proofing method, plastic bird spikes can be used to safely deter a wide range of birds. The spikes come in 3, 5 and 7-inch widths to discourage four of the most troublesome large pest birds.

Pesky Pigeons 

These filthy birds often carry diseases in their droppings. And they can be very aggressive, going after pets and children for food. They often feed in flocks, devouring seeds, bread, vegetables, meat and almost any food discarded by humans. They roost together in buildings or on walls or statues. They can reach speeds of up to 50 mph and can out maneuver a predator hawk. Pigeons are also among the most intelligent birds on the planet. Plastic bird spikes have proven to be highly effective in keeping pigeons from roosting and nesting on ledges, parapets, rooftops and other structures.

Cantankerous Crows

Clever and highly aggressive, American crows have been known to attack people and drive riders off their bicycles. They establish tight-knit communities to help defend their area against predators or intruders. In the winter, crows roost in large flocks reaching up to 1,000 birds. They will build stick nests in virtually any lofty area they can find. Unless controlled by plastic bird spikes, crows will invade schools, hospitals, and a variety of urban and suburban structures. Crows live about 6 to 10 years and will lay three to six eggs, which are incubated for 18 days. Crows will eat anything from seeds, grains, and fruits to scavenged carcasses and small animals (which means, they can carry diseases).

How to Use and Install Plastic Bird Spikes

by Alex A. Kecskes

Plastic bird spikes are an effective pest bird-proofing tool for many property owners across the country and around the world. What makes them so effective is that, no matter how they try, large pest birds just can't seem to get their wings or feet around them to land. After a few tries, birds just give up and move on. Plastic bird spikes are also more economical than steel spikes.

Where other means and products have failed, plastic bird spikes have succeeded in keeping pest birds from gathering and roosting on chimneys, ledges and signs. They have been equally effective in deterring pest birds from beams, parapets, security cameras and street light fixtures. In fact, these spikes have dissuaded birds from nesting in places once thought to be a haven for pest birds. It's no surprise that plastic bird spikes have been widely recommended by building contractors, architects, and municipalities for their effectiveness in deterring pest birds.

One of the key benefits of using plastic bird spikes is that, unlike steel bird spikes, they are non-conductive, which means they can safely be used near power lines, electrical switches, phone lines, transmission towers, junction boxes and electrical signs. They also won't interfere with radiated transmissions, so you can use them near cell phone towers, airport towers, relay stations and other areas where high frequency transmissions are being beamed into the air.

And like their stainless steel counterparts, plastic bird spikes are humane. Which means you can use them openly and freely to deter a wide range of birds--particularly, large birds like seagulls, which may be protected in some areas of the country. Beyond that, you'll know that you're using a bird deterrent that won't harm any bird species--for your own peace of mind. The fact is that while plastic spikes look like they might impale anything that flies near them, appearances can be deceiving. The blunted plastic spikes won't harm birds, pets or installation crews. This is one reason why plastic bird spikes have earned the approval of practically every humane group around the world--including the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service).

Another advantage that gives plastic bird spikes enormous flexibility is that they can be used in harsh weather conditions. This is because plastic bird spikes are extremely rugged. Made of 100% post-industrial plastic materials, the spikes are borne of discarded scrap plastic that is ground up and reformed into pellets. The pellets are used to create extremely strong eco-friendly bird repellent spikes. Each spike is U.V. protected to withstand long periods in sunlight and bad weather. They're not affected by extreme temperatures, and they can deter pest birds in the face of +310 degrees F to -200 degrees. F.

For those concerned about bird spikes detracting from the appearance of their building or structure, plastic bird spikes will assuage their worries. The new generation of plastic bird spikes is available in a full spectrum of colors. Which means you can use them above signs, marquees, and other buildings where other bird control measures might pose a distraction. Plastic spike color choices now include white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and even crystal clear-- to match a building's exterior décor.

As mentioned earlier, plastic bird spikes can be used to deter a wide range of birds. The spikes come in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths. Which means, if you're being inundated by large birds like pigeons, crows, gulls, vultures or raptors, plastic spikes will save you from their onslaught.

Plastic bird spikes are easy to install and require virtually no maintenance. The spikes can be used as soon as you take them out of their packing container. There's nothing to assemble. They are also very economical. One row of plastic spikes will cover an area 8-inches wide.
Before installing plastic bird spikes, thoroughly clean all surfaces using a 10 percent bleach or ammonia solution to disinfect the area. Remember to clear out all debris, overhanging branches, leaves, and nesting materials before disinfecting the area. Pest bird droppings and nests often carry infectious diseases, so be sure to wear gloves when cleaning out an area and use extreme care when removing any nests and droppings.

When installing the spikes, make sure you leave at least a 1/2-inch overhang on the outer edge of a ledge, roofline, windowsill, or similar landing. This will ensure that any pest bird that approaches the spike will not find a way around it. For areas wider than 8 inches, be sure to install multiple rows of plastic spikes to ensure complete coverage. Birds are pretty clever and will try to find a small area between the spikes to negotiate a landing.

For maximum ease of installation, the spiked strips come in two-foot sections and feature a flexible base. This allows them to easily conform to any flat or curved area you may have. Some plastic bird spikes even have pre-drilled holes along the base, which will allow the strip to be glued or screwed onto any surface. While the plastic spikes normally come in two-foot sections, these can easily be cut down into smaller lengths if needed using tin snips, wire cutters, or a hacksaw.

When installing plastic bird spikes on conduits or curved surfaces, gutters or pipes, use common hose clamps, nylon ties or wire lashings. For large flat surfaces, install multiple rows of spikes. For high-perched surfaces, install spikes on either side of the perch. When installing plastic spikes on wood, use wood screws, make sure the ends are secured tightly, and place at least one screw every six inches. For concrete installations, use outdoor construction adhesive and run a bead line of adhesive down the underside of the spike. Silicone adhesives are not recommended.

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Bird Proof Spikes Keep Pest Birds Away

by Alex A. Kecskes

It's no secret that pest birds have become a very costly nuisance. Their corrosive droppings ruin our finest statues, landmarks and entry monuments. Bird droppings can transform safe sidewalks, walkways and sports bleachers into slippery, potentially dangerous areas, creating a ruinously expensive slip-and-fall liability for both public and private property owners. So how does one prevent pest birds from staking claim to these areas?  Simple: Install Bird Proof Spikes.

This simple pest bird deterrent has been used by restaurant and storeowners worldwide to keep signs and outdoor eating areas clean and sanitary. After all, bird droppings can be a real turn off at a restaurant. They can also transmit any of 60 diseases, including salmonella and the lethal West Nile Virus, which is also carried by the fleas and mites that attach themselves to the bodies of birds. All of these negatives can dissuade customers from shopping at a store that sells just about anything--except maybe guano fertilizer.

Homeowners everywhere have had to pay for the problems caused by pest birds. Bird droppings and nests have clogged gutters and air conditioning units, covered solar panels, and contaminated pools, spas and BBQs. Boat owners have also suffered from pest birds whose droppings have eaten into sails and covers, jammed up antennas and created dangerous slip-and-fall hazards on decks and runners. Few things are as slippery as bird poop.

Bird Proof Spikes Save the Day

The surprisingly simple, ingeniously effective bird proof spike has made its mark as a safe, all purpose pest bird deterrent. It has, over the years, prevented birds from landing and roosting on ledges, parapets, cutouts, signs, beams, chimneys, security cameras, lights, and countless other areas. Although they appear menacing, the blunted spikes are safe and won't harm birds or people.

Bird proof spikes work so well because pest birds can't negotiate their wings or feet to land near the spikes. The spikes come in long-lasting flexible stainless steel or rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate (poly spikes cost a little less). The poly spikes are ideal is situations where their steel counterparts might present electrical conductivity or radio interference issues.

Designed to deter a wide range of bird species and sizes, bird spikes won't trap debris. The spikes have achieved such a high track record of success that they have earned the approval of virtually every humane group worldwide, including the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS. And because they blend aesthetics with functionality, bird proof spikes have also been widely recommended by building contractors, architects, and municipalities.

Purchasing Bird Proof Spikes

Because of their popularity, bird proof spikes are available in a wide range of types, sizes and colors. For example, many manufacturers offer spike strips in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths. Stainless steel spike strips typically come in 1",3", 5" and 8" widths. The strips  usually come in two-foot sections and can be easily installed using glue, nails or screws, depending on the mounting surface. The best bird proof spikes have a flexible, U.V.-protected polycarbonate base that allows you to easily bend the spike to accommodate curved surfaces. Flexible base spikes are ideal for use on rounded signs, signal lights, ledges or overhanging parapets. For high traffic areas on signs and signals, you might want to consider spikes with a crush proof, non-reflective metal finish.

To keep pigeons and larger pest birds from landing on girders or I-beams, opt for Stainless Steel Girder Spikes. These typically come in standard two-foot sections and are available in 3”,5”, and 8” widths. The spikes use adjustable “C” clamps along the base, which makes them easier to install. For large birds like seagulls, cormorants, turkey vultures, and raptors, there's the Mega Spike. These bird proof spikes usually have long, 7” high spikes made of marine-grade stainless steel.

If you have a problem with pest birds getting into gutters, there's the Gutter Bird Spike. Use these where seagulls, crows, and pigeons like to nest--in gutters or drains. These bird proof spikes come in two-foot long strips. The best spikes in this category feature adjustable clamps along the base, which allows them to be easily attached to the lip of a gutter.

Installing Bird Proof Spikes

To properly install bird spikes, you'll first need to do some prep work. That means cleaning out all bird droppings and other nesting materials. If you plan on gluing down the spikes, apply the glue generously onto the base of the spike (about 1/2-inch thick), then press the base of the spike level with the edge of the surface. Make sure not to leave a gap of more than two inches between spikes. If you're installing spikes on a wide ledge, use three or more rows of spikes, and close the gap between the rows to two inches or less. It's important not to leave any holes or gaps between the spikes. For gutter spikes, use the clips that attach to the bottom of each spike. Keep in mind that pest birds are fairly agile and have no trouble landing on surprisingly small areas. For best effect, be sure to install the spikes in these hard-to-perch areas.

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Top 10 Reasons to Use Plastic Bird Spikes

by Alex A. Kecskes

It's widely known that pest birds can cause all sorts of problems. When pigeons, seagulls, crows and larger pest birds come to roost and nest on private property, they typically cause the three Ds: damage, defacement and disease.

Thanks to these and other pest birds, property owners have had to put up with extensive damage to their roofs, gutters and air conditioning units. As any bird-beleaguered property owner will tell you, having to clean nests and debris out of a gutter can get pretty expensive. The same holds true for cleaning bird droppings off solar panels, skylights, rotating air vents, security cameras and other rooftop equipment.

For boat owners, the problems of pest birds could fill a seaman's logbook. Sailors from coast to coast have long had to deal with pest gulls and other annoying birds. Sails and sail boat covers splattered with bird droppings are difficult to clean. In some cases, if the bird droppings aren't removed, the damage to canvas covers can be permanent, causing them to rip and shred apart. Bird droppings can also cause expensive damage to sonar, radar and radio antennas and their motors and mountings. This equipment is very costly to repair.

Bird droppings can also create serious slip and fall hazards on your property. Should someone accidentally slip on a wet bird dropping, you could be held liable for personal injury damages. This can be very expensive and raise your property insurance rates.

The solution?  Plastic bird spikes. There are many reasons why you should bird proof your property with plastic bird spikes.

Here are the top 10:

1. Plastic bird spikes are proven effective. Year after year, bird spikes have proven their worth in deterring pest birds. They work because birds simply can't maneuver their wings or feet to land near the menacing looking spikes. They have kept all manner of large pest birds from landing and roosting on signs, beams, chimneys, ledges, parapets, cutouts, security cameras, lights, and countless other areas pest birds have sought to invade. Bird spikes have also been widely recommended by building contractors, architects, and municipalities for their effectiveness in deterring pest birds. The spikes are even approved by the government’s General Services Administration.
2. Plastic bird spikes are humane. While they may look menacing and torturous, blunted plastic bird spikes won't harm birds and can be safely installed by homeowners, boat owners and maintenance crews. A key advantage of these spikes is that they have earned the approval of practically every humane group around the world. This includes the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service).
3. Plastic bird spikes are non-conductive. The plastic spikes won't conduct electricity, so they can be safely used near power lines, electrical switches, phone lines, transmission towers, junction boxes, and electrical signs. They also won't interfere with radiated transmissions, so you can use them near cell phone towers, airport towers, relay stations and other areas where radio frequency transmissions occur.
4. Plastic bird spikes are rugged. The spikes are made of 100% post-industrial plastic materials. Discarded scrap plastic is ground up and reformed into pellets, which are used to create extremely strong eco-friendly bird repellent spikes. The spikes are U.V. protected to withstand long periods in sunlight and bad weather. They're not affected by extreme temperatures, and they can deter pest birds in the face of +310 degrees F to -200 degrees. F.
5. Plastic bird spikes are easy to install and maintain. The spikes are ready to use right out of the box and require no assembly. One row of plastic spikes will cover a 8-inch wide area. By installing the spikes with at least a 1/2-inch overhang on the outer edge of a ledge, roofline, windowsill, or similar landing, pest birds will be deterred. For areas wider than 8 inches, you can easily install multiple rows of plastic spikes to ensure complete coverage. The spiked strips come in two-foot sections and feature a flexible base, so they'll conform to any flat or curved area. Each spike strip has pre-drilled holes along the base, allowing the strip to be glued, or screwed onto any surface.
6. Plastic bird spikes are aesthetically pleasing.  The new breed of plastic bird spike now comes in a variety of colors to match a building's décor. Color choices include white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and even crystal clear. Installed properly, the colored spikes will blend in naturally with almost any building, sign or structure.
7. Plastic bird spikes can help prevent the spread of disease. The health problems created by pest birds have been widely documented. Some birds, like feral pigeons, for example, are extremely filthy and will eat almost anything. These and many other species of birds have been known to carry a variety of very serious diseases. One of these is a potentially fatal lung disease called histoplasmosis. Another disease called ornithosis has been known to cause lower or upper respiratory problems. And then there's pseudotuberculosism, which can result in fever and abdominal pain. Other diseases include the Bird Flu, salmonella and the lethal West Nile Virus.  West Nile is carried through the fleas and mites that attach themselves to birds' bodies. Plastic bird spikes will keep these pests and the diseases they carry away from your property.
8. Plastic bird spikes are extremely versatile. They're designed to repel a wide range of bird species and sizes. The spikes come in 3, 5 and 7 inch widths. They are particularly effective in deterring large birds like pigeons, crows, gulls, vultures, and raptors.
9. Plastic bird spikes are economical. They cost less than their steel counterparts and are highly durable, requiring no maintenance once properly installed. And unlike some bird control measures, plastic bird spikes won't get clogged with bird debris. This install-and-forget aspect of plastic bird spikes can be particularly appealing to large building owners faced with protecting expansive roofing areas.
10. Plastic bird spikes are guaranteed. One of the best plastic bird control spikes carries an industry leading 5-year guarantee. This guarantee covers the spike against both breakdown and UV degradation.

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Pest Birds Hate Bird Spikes

by Alex A. Kecskes

Not long ago, hundreds of turkey vultures invaded a northern Durham, North Carolina neighborhood. The gathering flock seemed to grow larger every day. According to one resident, the birds simply began roosting en masse behind her house. Some residents feared the vultures would swoop down on their pets. Then there were the droppings. They diseases they carried would make pets sick. Residents tried shooting blanks from a shotgun to scare them away, but the birds simply returned later.

Vultures are just one of many bird species that many property and facilities managers regard as pests. Of course, there are many other species of birds that, when gathering in large flocks on and around property, can become quite a nuisance.

Bird spikes are one way to get rid of vultures and other large, persistent pest birds. Typically, bird spikes are best used in lofty, difficult-to-reach areas where other methods may not be practical. You can choose large stainless steel spikes or plastic spikes. The stainless steel spikes cost a bit more but they last longer.  Plastic spikes are non-conductive and virtually invisible.  If you choose plastic spikes, opt for spikes made of rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate.

Either way, a quality brand of bird spike makes an ideal pest bird deterrent and should be installed in potential roosting areas—like roofs, awnings and windowsills. You should also install bird spikes on ledges, eaves, canopies or around the perimeter of a chimney top. (Some birds have been known to fall into chimneys and can be an expensive nuisance to remove.)

While vultures have been known to feast on rotting carrion, other birds like pigeons and crows can be just as “dirty.” These birds will eat trash and carry all manner of undesirable diseases—including the potentially lethal West Nile Virus. All the more reason to keep them away from your property. And one of the best ways to do that is by installing bird spikes. Bird spikes work because pest birds can’t land in their presence. They will flap around them but soon get discouraged and leave for better landing zones. Best of all, the blunted bird spikes won’t harm birds, animals or people. Installing bird spikes is easy. They can be glued down, nailed or screwed into most any surface.

The best bird spikes are designed not to get clogged by bird debris. Another major benefit of spikes is that they have been approved by virtually every humane group in the world--including The Humane Society of the United States and PICAS.

One leading manufacturer offers what they call a Mega Bird Spike. These huge spikes are ideal for deterring large birds like seagulls, cormorants, turkey vultures and raptors.
Mega spikes are typically 7 inches high and made of marine grade stainless steel for years of maintenance-free bird deterrence. Spikes with a crush proof, non-reflective metal finish are best.

Another spike designed for specific applications is the Gutter Bird Spike. Its purpose is to keep seagulls, crows, and pigeons out of rain gutters. Gutter spikes typically come in two-foot long strips. The best gutter spikes have adjustable clamps at the base so they can be readily affixed to the lip of a gutter.

In general, you’ll want to get high quality bird spikes that feature a flexible base—one that easily conforms to curved areas. This can come in very handy when installing spikes on outdoor signs or around chimneys.

Before installing bird spikes, the surface should be clean and dry. Clean out any rust, peeling paint, bird droppings, feathers and nesting materials. Birds are drawn to this debris and will consider the area “familiar and safe.” Use commercial disinfecting cleaning agents to prevent exposure to any of the 60 known airborne diseases carried by birds. Use eye and respiratory protection if the area is heavily contaminated with droppings.

For best results, close up the gaps between spike strips to less than two inches. For really wide ledges, use three or more rows of spikes and make sure to limit the gap between rows to two inches or less.

For additional advice on how to properly install bird spikes, consult an expert like the folks at Bird-B-Gone.

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You'll Like the Bird Spike For Humanely Deterring Pest Birds

by Alex A. Kecskes

Pest birds can be a real nuisance, even if they don't "attack" your property in huge flocks. One by one, they poop on your patio, your boat, or your pool and spa, and before you know it, you're faced with a big annoying clean up job.

For property and facilities managers, the problems are bigger and more expensive. Pest birds can ruin expensive rooftop air conditioners, clutter solar panels and jam up security camera mechanisms. Pest birds and their droppings can also get into electrical boxes, insulators and terminals, causing fires and shutting down factories and offices. The solution? Bird Spikes.

For municipalities, pest birds can ruin entry monuments, statues, park playgrounds and other public buildings and facilities. The cost to clean up bird droppings, nests and other debris left by pest birds can be daunting and quickly drain city coffers of much needed funds. Finally restaurants have long regarded pest birds as a costly nuisance that can drive away business. Many have sought and gotten relief from pest birds by installing bird spikes.

Pest birds can also pose a significant health problem, since many have been known to carry as many as 60 diseases. These include everything from ornithosis to the potentially lethal West Nile Virus. The bird spike can keep the carriers of these diseases from your property.

A highly effective and humane pest bird deterrent, the simple bird spike won't allow birds to land. Birds can't get their wings and feet around the threatening looking spikes, and they just move on to easier perches. Recommended by building contractors, architects, and municipalities, the blunted spikes won't harm birds or people.

Bird spikes come in rows of spike strips and are available with long-life stainless steel spikes or rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate spikes. The poly spikes are usually priced lower than their steel counterparts and preferred in areas where electrical conductivity or radio interference pose a problem.

What many people like about bird spikes is that they are an effective deterrent against a wide range of bird species. They also won't get clogged up by entrapping most debris. Another key benefit of bird spikes is that they have been approved by almost every humane group in the world--including The Humane Society of the United States and PICAS.

Buying bird spike strips is easy. They typically come in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths and two-foot sections. Installing bird spikes is easy. They can be glued down, nailed or screwed into most any surface. Many people like bird spikes because when they are installed on buildings, signs, and rooftops, the spikes are practically invisible from the ground. This makes them aesthetically pleasing for a growing number of applications.

Some manufacturers offer a Mega Spike. These huge spikes are ideal for keeping most large birds away. In other words, if you've been inundated by seagulls, cormorants, turkey vultures and raptors, this is the spike you need. Mega spikes are typically 7” high and fabricated of marine grade stainless steel so they'll last longer. Non-reflective spikes with a crush proof, non-reflective metal finish are best. One bird proof spike has a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base and can be bent to fit curved surfaces.

Another specialized spike is the Gutter Spike. It's also ideal for keeping large pest birds from landing--birds like seagulls, crows, and pigeons. But its major advantage is that it can keep these birds from nesting and clogging gutters or drains. Gutter spikes can typically be ordered in two-foot long strips. Some have adjustable clamps at the base so they can be conveniently attached to the lip of a gutter.

The best bird spikes have a flexible base. This means they will easily conform to curved areas, an ideal feature for many outdoor signs and other hard-to-cover areas. Before installing bird spikes, be sure to clean out the area. The surface should be dry and free of bird droppings and other nesting debris. When using glue to install the bird spikes, apply the glue generously onto the base of the spike (about 1/2-inch thick). For uneven surfaces, you'll need to apply more glue to ensure a firm seal. Be sure to press the base of the spike level with the edge of the surface. And remember to allow some overhang of the spike pins.

For best deterrent effect, close up the gaps between spike strips to less than two inches.  Birds are clever and will find a way to sneak around the spikes. For really wide ledges, use three or more rows of spikes and make sure to limit the gap between rows to two inches or less. Pest birds will find the cavity behind a spike strip and sneak in, so be aware of this and install the bird spikes carefully.

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How to Install Mega Bird Spikes

by Alex A. Kecskes

Some warehouses, airplane hangars, marinas, dumpsites, and other structures or buildings near lakes and coastal areas are acutely vulnerable to very large pest birds. Without proper bird control measures to deter them, these large birds can cause considerable damage to rooftop A.C. units, skylights, sliding doors and rooftop ventilators and many other areas.

If your property is being besieged by really large birds like larger pigeons, seagulls, cormorants, vultures, raptors and the like, you may want to look into getting the Mega Spike. Like Gutter Spikes, these marine-grade stainless steel spikes are built into a U.V. protected polycarbonate base. The big difference is that these bird spikes have long, 7-inch spikes and will cover a 3- to 7-inch area.

Mega Bird Spikes can be used in light to heavy pressure situations. Heavy pressure areas will have lots of birds nesting or roosting at the site with a food or water source nearby. Medium Pressure is often a food or afternoon resting site, but not used for nesting or roosting. Light Pressure sites offer no food or shelter and birds stop only briefly during the day.

Before installing Mega Spikes, make sure that the surface is clean and dry. When cleaning out bird droppings, feathers and nests, be sure to wear Proper Protective Equipment (PPE) like eye and respiratory protection, as bird debris can carry any of 60 known diseases.

Install the spikes on ledges, I-beams, parapet walls, conduits and pipes--on flat or curved surfaces--wherever pest birds are most likely to gather. Mega spikes come in convenient 2-foot lengths to make installation simple. When installing the spikes, the width of the spikes should protect the surface, leaving no more than a 1-inch gap on either side. To attach the spike, use glue, screws, or tie it down to the surface using common hose clamps, nylon ties or wire lashings. If you intend to glue the spikes in place, apply construction-grade adhesives (available at most hardware stores). And make sure you use a high elasticity U.V.-resistant sealant that stands up to weather extremes (40 to 170 degrees F). You can get this sealant in a variety of colors—like black, gray and white.

For additional advice on how to properly install bird spikes, consult an expert like the folks at Bird-B-Gone.

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Brainy Birds Get the Point

By Terra Anders

Being called a “bird brain” is not necessarily an insult.  The proper response might be, “Which bird?”  Scientists have studied this very topic; the size of birds’ brains in relation to the intelligent behavior that they exhibit.  Those who are waging a battle to get rid of birds on their roofs or rafters should take heed.  They may not be dealing with idiots. 

While admittedly the definition of intelligence itself is still controversial among the scientific experts, the study of how birds display intelligent behavior is based almost entirely on observational conclusions.  Still, observing is one of the fundamental scientific tools for any scientist, so it does seem to hold at least some weight.  Anyone considering bird prevention on property and structures must take into account the kind of bird that is causing the problem.

In his efforts to further define exactly what intelligence is, behavioral scientist, Louis Lefebvre, spent some time on researching birds and their ability to innovate.  In this case, he defined innovation as the ability to adapt to changing or different challenges.  Most of the studies revealed that birds seem to be most innovative when it comes to where to live and how to get their next meal.  Bird lovers around the globe have reported amazing bird behavior, and Lefebvre studied these reports to determine if we could learn anything new about human intelligence from these so-called “bird brain” activities. The information from this study also helps us understand how to more effectively adapt our own bird removal techniques.