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.
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