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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