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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