Scottish Market Shoppers Attacked by Dive-Bombing Gulls

Dumfries, a market town in Scotland, is being besieged by seagulls. At least two-dozen people have been attacked or had their lunches taken or “sampled.” Shoppers on High Street have been warned to watch out for the dive-bombing gulls. The large birds circle outside, just waiting for customers to walk out of shops. The birds have gotten so bold that they routinely swoop into shops to steal rolls from display baskets. Customers have been forced to literally conceal their food and not eat it in open view. At least four seagull attacks occur daily with the brazen birds “relieving” customers of their steak bakes or sausage rolls.

Gulls hovering around seaside eateries have always been a problem, regardless of their geographic latitude. Before they can harass customers in any commercial venue, gulls need a place to perch and observe. Effective bird controls can deny them that perch and force them to move on. One of the best anti-perching, anti-roosting bird deterrents currently available is the Stainless Steel Bird Spike.

Bird Control Starts with a No-Landing Zone

Stainless Steel Bird Spikes will not permit large birds—like seagulls—to land on or near them. The spiked strips prevent birds from gathering on ledges, rooflines, parapet walls, eaves, I-beams, windowsills, signs, light posts, awnings and canopies. Blunted at the tips, the spikes won’t harm birds, pets or people, and they have been approved by a number of humane groups—including the U.S. Humane Society.

A Bird Deterrent that Prevents Many Problems

When large birds perch and roost, they not only discourage customers, but can creates all sorts of maintenance, cleanup and repair problems for property owners. Bird droppings can quickly deface and permanently mar signs, canopies, umbrellas, windows and doors. Birds also pose a health hazard, a real problem for any establishment that sells or serves food. Bird droppings can carry any of 60 known diseases, including salmonella. Bird nesting debris can block vents, and prevent AC units from functioning properly. It can also create the kindling that can cause electrical fires. Stainless Steel Bird Spikes can prevent these and other bird-related problems.

Easy to Choose, Easy To Install

The Stainless Steel Spiked Strips come in two-foot sections, providing up to 40 spikes per foot in a linear array.  You can also choose the spike width that fits your bird problem area—3-, 5- and 8-inch sizes are available. Each spiked strip is just 1.5 inches wide, so installing it on narrow surfaces is easy. A built-in glue tough and pre-drilled mounting holes further simplify installation. The spike’s flexible base bends a full 360 degrees, allowing the spiked strip to follow the curved surfaces of lampposts, signs and other architectural features. The virtually invisible spikes feature a patented “bend and crush” design to ensure they stay secured in the base.

Stainless Steel bird spikes are embedded in unbreakable UV-protected polycarbonate base to last for years. Each is manufactured in the USA and comes with a 10-year guarantee.
 

Why You Need Plastic Bird Spikes for Your Commercial Building

Without proper bird control, pest birds can create a lot of expensive headaches for your commercial building. It may start with just a few birds on your building, but birds are drawn to the scent of their fellow birds and soon, you’ll have flocks of birds damaging your roofing, AC units, signage, lighting systems, solar panels, skylights and rooftop ventilators. Bird droppings can also damage the controls on skip loaders, power dollies and pallet trucks. These are expenses you don’t need in this down economy.

There’s also the problem of wet bird droppings on walkways and loading docks. These can create dangerous slip-and-fall hazards for workers. To get rid of birds around your commercial building, you should first start by removing any possible food sources around it. That includes sealing of dipsy-dumpsters to deny birds access to food scraps—a big draw for most birds. Once that’s done, consider implementing a tried and true bird deterrent. Here’s what today’s bird control experts recommend:

Plastic Bird Spikes

These anti-perching, anti-roosting spike strips have proven their value time and again in keeping birds away. No bird, no matter how skilled or determined, can negotiate a landing on or near these spikes. Ideal for large birds like pigeons, crows, and gulls, plastic bird spikes are used by commercial buildings nationwide. Plastic spikes are less expensive than stainless steel bird spikes, but they get the job done. They’re non-conductive, too, so you can use them around cell phone and other RF antennas without worries about interference.

Choosing the Right Plastic Bird Spikes

There are bird spikes and there are bird spikes. Make sure you get high quality bird spikes that last. The best plastic bird spikes are made of rigid UV-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate. They resist weathering and sun exposure and will provide many years of reliable bird deterrence. Incidentally, high quality bird spikes are blunted at the tips, so they won’t harm birds or installation crews. They have even been approved by humane groups like the US Humane Society and PICAS. The other advantage of high quality plastic bird spikes is that they come in a variety of colors—including crystal clear, brick red, light grey, brown, black and tan—to blend in naturally with your building.

Easy to Install

Plastic bird spikes are easily installed by your maintenance crew. They can be glued down, nailed or screwed into most any surface. High quality plastic bird spikes will have pre-drilled holes or glue troughs for easy mounting. Before installing any bird spikes, your maintenance crew should first thoroughly clean the surface, removing any loose rust, peeling paint, bird droppings, feathers and nesting materials. The use of commercial disinfecting cleaning agents is recommended to prevent exposure to any of the 60 known airborne diseases carried by birds. It’s also recommended to provide eye and respiratory protection if the area is largely contaminated with bird droppings.

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

Plastic Bird Spikes Combine Economy with Efficiency

by Alex A. Kecskes

One of the best values in bird proofing today is the Plastic Bird Spike. These clever devices deny birds a suitable landing zone. After a few unsuccessful attempts to negotiate around the intimidating spikes, birds wise up and just move on. The spikes are ideal for deterring larger birds--like pigeons, crows, gulls, vultures and raptors. And they can be used virtually anywhere with little or no maintenance. The blunted spikes are safe for birds and maintenance crews, which is 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. This might be one reason why plastic bird spikes have been widely recommended by building contractors, architects, and municipalities.

Spikes for Many Species

Let's say you're being inundated by pigeons. Plastic bird spikes have proven to be highly effective in keeping these filthy birds from landing and roosting on ledges, parapets, rooftops and other structures. As most property owners may have noticed, pigeons can be very aggressive and often feed in flocks, devouring seeds, bread, vegetables, meat and almost any food discarded by humans. They roost together on rooftops, on walls, or any nook or cranny they can find. And they create quite a mess in droppings, which often carry any of 60 known diseases, some of which can be quite serious and life-threatening to humans.

If you have a problem with seagulls--and many property owners do, since these birds have begun to migrate inland--you'll need an effective bird proofing measure. Gulls are attracted to food scraps in cities, suburbs and municipal dumps. Recently the large birds have begun to nest in shopping centers, near fast food eateries, and on supermarket roofs. Gulls are clever birds that have increasingly been born and bred in cities, scavenging for food and becoming very aggressive, especially during breeding season. What's most alarming is that gulls have begun to dive-bomb and strike construction crews and roof maintenance and repair workers. In one instance, they even grabbed an ice cream cone right out of a little girl's hand. Installing plastic bird spikes is economical and effective way to deter these pest birds.

Another pesky bird is the crow. These smart birds set up close-knit communities to keep an eye out for predators or other threats. In the winter, crows roost in large flocks reaching up to 1,000 birds. Plastic bird spikes will discourage these birds from landing, forcing them to move on. Crows will invade school grounds, commercial property, healthcare facilities and fast-food eateries. They are not very particular about their diet and will eat anything from seeds, grains, and fruits to scavenged carcasses and small animals--imagine the diseases they can transmit on their beaks and feet as they hop from table to table at an outdoor restaurant.

Plastic bird spikes also do a nice job in deterring turkey vultures. These big birds have wide 6-foot wingspans and a short, hooked bill, which they use to rip apart carrion.  Turkey vultures inhabit the southern United States, Mexico, and South America, as well as subtropical forests, shrublands, deserts, foothills, pastures, grasslands, and wetlands. The big birds will feast on lifeless animals, forage for food individually during the day, and return to a roost after dark. They mostly nest in the nooks and crannies of buildings, and as much as you might be tempted to shoot them, they are protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Advantages of Plastic Bird Spikes

One of the major benefits of using plastic bird spikes is that, unlike steel bird spikes, they are non-conductive. Which means they can safely be used near electrical equipment and any kind of antenna radiating RF energy. Since they won't interfere with EM transmissions, you can use them near cell phone towers, airport towers, relay stations and other areas where high-frequency transmissions are being generated.

Another advantage of plastic bird spikes is that they are highly durable. They can stand up to tough weather conditions. The best spikes in this category are made of 100% post-industrial plastic materials. The material is tough, strong, and eco-friendly. Better plastic spikes are also U.V. protected to endure long periods in sunlight and bad weather. One popular brand of plastic spike can stand temperature swings form +310 degrees F to -200 degrees. F.

Many architects and builders like plastic bird spikes because they blend into a structure's design and color scheme. Which means, the spikes are not as visually intrusive as other bird deterrents. One company even offers plastic bird spikes in a wide range of colors--including white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and even crystal clear.

Plastic bird spikes are also surprisingly easy to install. They come in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths and they need no assembly. A single row of plastic bird spikes will typically cover an area of 7 inches wide. The spiked strips come in two-foot sections. The best plastic spikes feature a flexible base that easily conforms to any flat or curved surface. Installation is a snap since each spike strip comes already pre-drilled with holes along the base, allowing the strip to be screwed onto any surface. You can also glue the strip down in areas where screws are either impractical or prohibited. A glue trough on the base of each spike strip allows for fast and easy application and facilitates rapid installs.

Finally, plastic bird spikes are more economical than their steel counterparts. This can be a factor in large installations or for companies that have an extremely tight bird control budget. Keep in mind that some manufacturers offer a full 5-year guarantee on their plastic bird spikes. So you are covered against breakdown of the product and UV degradation of the plastic.

Home Invaded by Pest Birds? Fight Back with Bird Spikes!

by Alex A. Kecskes

If your home is being invaded by pest birds, you need to take action now to prevent your home from being seriously damaged.  But wait, they’re just little birds, you say?
Did you know that pest birds cost homeowners millions of dollars every year? That the high concentration of uric acid found in some bird droppings can crumble stonework, discolor paint, stain wood, and turn decorative metal into Swiss cheese?  If you take great pride in your home, fencing, patios, metal or cloth awnings and patio furniture, pest birds can leave you crestfallen. Not to worry, high quality bird spikes can keep these pests away from your property.

Consider, too, the health risk of bird droppings. They contain disease carrying bacteria, fungi and parasites. Your pool, spa or BBQ grill can be easily contaminated by birds “dropping their loads.”  One homeowner woke up one morning to discover that pest birds had “bombed” his new car 100 times with bird poop. Needless to say, it was quite a chore to clean his car that day.

Pest birds come in all types and sizes. The most common are pigeons, crows, and gulls. They won’t hesitate to make your house their home. Starlings and grackles can invade structures by the thousands, leaving a huge mess. Imagine your AC unit, pool pump, BBQ, dish antenna or solar panels literally covered with bird droppings. Besides leaving you with a huge clean-up job, you could be faced with expensive repairs.

You can discourage pest birds from invading your property without resorting to BB guns, poisons or banging pots and pans at them (a temporary but entirely useless deterrent).
Bird control companies have spent years working with ornithologists to develop humane and highly effective bird deterrents. Chief among these is the aforementioned bird spike. It has saved many a home from damage and defacement.

The best bird spikes are made of flexible, marine-grade stainless steel and feature a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base. If you’re concerned about the appearance of bird spikes on your home, patio or garage, they come in a non-reflective metal finish. You can also get slightly less expensive plastic bird spikes, which come in a variety of colors--like white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear. These strong, eco-friendly spikes are made of durable polycarbonate to last many years.

Steel bird spikes come in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths to cover areas up to 8 inches wide. Plastic bird spikes come in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths to protect areas up to 7 inches wide. For pigeons, a 3-inch wide spike makes an effective pest bird deterrent. For larger birds—like cormorants, turkey vultures or raptors—you’ll need a bird spike called the Mega Spike, which boasts 7-inch long spikes. To keep pest birds out of your rain gutters, you’ll need some Gutter Spikes. These spikes have adjustable clamps at the base, which attach easily to the lip of your gutter.

The best bird spikes are blunted at the tips to prevent injury to birds or pets. These spikes have been approved by humane groups worldwide, including the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service).

Installing bird spikes is fairly straightforward. High quality spikes usually come in 2-foot strips with pre-drilled holes and glue troughs, so they can be easily glued, nailed, or screwed into any surface.

Before you install bird spikes, prepare the area by removing any loose rust, peeling paint, bird droppings, feathers and nesting materials. This is especially important when installing gutter bird spikes. Use commercial disinfecting cleaning agents to prevent exposure to any of the 60 airborne diseases carried by birds. If the area is heavily contaminated with bird droppings, use proper eye and respiratory protection.

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.

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.

Pest Birds Bugging You?

Time for Bird Proof Spikes

by Alex A. Kecskes

It doesn't take long for birds to gather in huge numbers and become destructive pests. Pigeons, sparrows, starlings, and gulls can drop an awful lot of poop and create quite a lot of noise. After they've decided that yours is a nice, safe place to nest, it's almost impossible to get them to leave on their own. Luckily, some clever people have studied and analyzed how birds land, and they now offer a way to prevent them from doing just that. What they've come up with is the Bird Proof Spike, get a simple device that prevents birds from landing.

The goal here is to convince them to move on, not harm them. For if allowed to gather and nest, pest birds can pose a serious health problem. It's common knowledge that birds can carry a wide range of some very serious diseases. These include a potentially fatal lung disease called histoplasmosis; a lower or upper respiratory disease called ornithosis; and pseudotuberculosism, resulting in abdominal pain and fever—up to 60 diseases in all, including salmonella. In fact, birds have even been known to carry the lethal West Nile Virus by way of the fleas and mites they carry. It's no wonder the Bird Proof Spike has become so popular.

Bird spikes are the ideal solution for keeping pest birds from landing and roosting on column tops, ledges, parapets, signs, beams, chimneys, cutouts, security cameras, lights, and more. The spikes on these devices are blunted, which makes them safe for birds and maintenance/installation crews. 

The bird proof spike is effective because birds simply can't maneuver their wings or feet to land on the menacing looking angled spikes. These spikes are so well regarded that they have earned the recommendation of building contractors, architects, and municipalities.
There are a number of different bird spikes currently available. They all basically use the same principle--spike strips covered with densely nested rows of durable stainless steel spikes. Some manufacturers also offer bird spike strips with rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate spikes. These cost less than their steel spike counterparts and are suggested for use in areas where conductivity or radio interference can be a problem.

What most property managers, homeowners and boat owners like about Bird Proof Spikes is that they deter a wide range of bird species. They also like the fact that they are low maintenance in that they won't trap most debris. For those who like the idea of a humane pest bird deterrent, bird proof spikes have been approved by virtually every humane group in the world, including The Humane Society of the United States and PICAS.

Bird proof spikes can be purchased in a number of different materials and configurations.

How to Keep Birds Out of Amusement Parks this Spring

by Alex A. Kecskes
If you run an amusement park, you know what a nuisance pest birds can be. They poop all over your outdoor eateries and snack bars, creating an unhealthful mess on tables, awnings, chairs and benches—places where your cleanup crew must spend valuable time scrubbing with disinfectant.

Keep in mind that bird droppings can carry any of 60 known diseases. Too many birds can create a health code violation that can result in sick patrons. One particularly troublesome illness caused by inhaled aerated bird droppings is a disease called histoplasmosis, which is characterized by constant flu-like symptoms.

Bird nests, feathers and droppings also wreak havoc with rides, moving displays and other exhibits, clogging wheels and mechanisms, leaving droppings on seats and handrails. This can result in ride breakdowns and very upset patrons. The maintenance and repairs to this equipment can be costly, and so can the lost revenue due to non-operation. It also means more mess for your cleanup crew to deal with.


And lest we not forget all the slip-and fall hazards bird droppings create. Just consider the countless kids and teens who visit your park every day, many of them running. All it takes is on injury blamed on bird droppings and you've got a huge legal liability that can damage your park's reputation and cost you plenty in a big settlement.


Which brings us to one of the most effective bird control measures ever devised--the Bird Spike. Properly installed on rooflines, parapet walls, light-posts and signage, bird spikes can prevent birds from landing virtually anywhere they're placed. Which means if you have a problem with pigeons, crows or seagulls, an investment in bird spikes made throughout your amusement park can make a huge difference. It can drive down your maintenance and clean-up costs and keep your park clean-looking and sanitary.


Your maintenance crew can easily install bird spikes using glue, nails or screws. And because they're blunted at the tips, they won't harm birds or your maintenance crew. Bird spikes have even been approved by the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service).

Today, bird spikes come in rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate or high strength, durable stainless steel. The steel spikes come in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths; the less expensive plastic spikes come in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths. Spikes with a non-reflective metal finish are also available. And colors now include white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear to match your park's color scheme.

Remember the best way to solve any bird problem is to plan ahead. And now is the time to install bird spikes to keep pest birds away from your amusement park.

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How to Keep Birds From Landing with Bird Spikes

 

By Alex A. Kecskes

Commercial buildings have all sorts of places pest birds like to gather. One of their favorite places to squat on is the parapet wall, especially with the approach of spring. These low walls, constructed above the roofline, usually span around the perimeter of a building.

The top of a parapet wall is most vulnerable to pest birds. These walls are usually capped off with limestone, terra cotta, hard-fired clay, or pre-cast concrete. All these materials tend to be porous and "drink up" bird droppings. This makes for a very unsightly wall. If the bird droppings are not removed and left to accumulate, they can eventually eat into the wall and cause it to crumble. If the wall is capped off in metal, bird droppings can discolor the metal and eventually eat into it, creating unsightly holes.

One of the most effective ways to keep large pest birds off parapet walls is the Bird Spike. Recommended by architects, contractors and government agencies, these spiked strips make it impossible for birds to land on or near the wall. The blunted spikes will not cut or injure the installer and are available in different sizes. You can get long-lasting stainless steel spikes, which come in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths; or the less expensive plastic spikes, which come in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths. Some bird spikes have a non-reflective metal finish.

The best steel bird spikes are manufactured into a UV-protected polycarbonate base. These feature a patented bend-and-crush design to keep the spikes from falling out of the base. The durable stainless steel bird spike comes pre-assembled in two-foot sections. They're easy to install because the strips feature pre-drilled holes along the base, so they can be glued, nailed, or screwed into any surface. One manufacturer offers a 10-year guarantee against UV breakdown of its product.

The best plastic bird spikes are made of a UV-protected polycarbonate plastic. They're GSA approved, humane and blunted at the tips so as not to injure birds or the installer. They work just as effectively as the stainless steel models, but since they are non-conductive, they won't interfere with cell phone antennas, dish antenna or other wireless transmissions or reception. They can also tolerate extreme temperatures from 310°F to -200°F.

Plastic bird spikes come in two-foot sections, 50 feet per box. The spiked strips are available in three different widths--3-, 5- and 7-inch--to accommodate the parapet on which they are installed. The base of the spike is 1.5 inches wide, and can be glued, nailed, or tied down to most surfaces. A handy glue trough on the base of the spike ensures fast, easy application. To more closely match the exterior façade of your commercial building, you can now plastic get bird spikes in different colors--like white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear. One manufacturer offers a 5-year guarantee on its plastic spikes.

Remember the key to keeping pest birds from your parapet wall is to install effective bird deterrents now, before the birds arrive in spring.

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Controlling Pest Birds with Bird Spikes

By: Fran Prisco

The name bird spikes conjures up notions of barbarians with studded weapons used against defenseless little birds, but that is just not true.  Bird control spikes, also known as needle spikes or anti-roosting spikes are devices consisting of long, needle-like spikes used to control pest birds.  The needles or spikes are usually all plastic or a plastic base with stainless steel spikes.  They are harmless to pest birds, the spikes are not sharp, but create an unsuitable landing area for the birds so they move on to a more hospitable site.  Bird spikes are designed to keep pest pigeons and larger birds off of building ledges, signs, parapet walls and other flat surfaces that pest birds like to roost and nest on.

Every year millions of dollars are spent cleaning up after and repairing the damage caused by pest birds such as pigeons, sea gulls, crows and other urban birds. Not only are these problems unsightly; pest birds and their feces can spread 60 plus transmittable diseases. Safety, sanitation and health hazards caused by bird droppings can pose serious liability risks, and left untreated, can lead to accidents and lawsuits. Bird feces, bird nests and debris can also create a bad public image with tenants and patrons. Individuals, companies and government agencies are tired of cleaning up bird feces or repairing the damage that is caused by pest birds and their droppings. Instead they have decided to invest in a Bird Control Solution, which is often as simple as installing bird spikes.

Bird spikes are made in one-foot or two-foot lengths, with different widths.  The widths of the spikes are usually 3”, 5” and 8”.  The width of the bird spike used is determined by the area to be covered.  It is best if the entire surface area that birds are landing on is covered with bird spikes.  Installation of bird spikes is often as easy as applying adhesive or screwing them down.  Once installed bird spikes are virtually invisible, not taking away from architectural detail.  If you look hard around any major city in the country, you will find bird spikes on building ledges, signs, light posts and other areas.

Bird spikes have been labeled as the “most effective type of bird deterrent”.  They are also one of the most economical pest bird deterrents; requiring little to no maintenance once installed.  Bird spikes made of rigid plastic and high-grade stainless steel can last over 10-years installed on a building and retain their effectiveness.  Most are manufactured with U.V. protectors in the plastic so that sun and weather have little effect on the material.  When purchasing bird spikes, be sure that they are constructed of rigid U.V. protected plastic like those available at Bird-B-Gone, Inc.

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Bird Spikes Keep Spring Birds Away

by Alex A. Kecskes

Spring is almost here. And one thing's for sure, this is the time when birds of all kinds "get busy." As the days warm up, birds are on the hunt, looking for meals, new nesting spots, and new mates. Bird Spikes can keep them away from your property.
Some birds will be returning from a winter migration, others will be eager to build nests and store food for autumn. They need to get through the next winter, build warm nests and seek protection from predators. To survive, they'll be looking at your home or garden.
The time to prepare your property for pest birds is now. Bird spikes are one proven way to deter pest birds, especially if you've had problems with nesting birds in the past. They'll come back unless you find ways to deter them; for once they begin to build a nest, birds will stubbornly resist leaving. To prepare for Spring, you'll want to bird proof certain sections of your dwelling.  These include:

•    Eaves
•    Open Attics
•    Garages, Barns or Boathouses
•    Under roof tiles
•    Under A.C. units

Survey these and other likely areas for nesting materials and plan your bird spike measures accordingly. Most birds prefer to build nests in elevated areas, so check beams, ledges and rafters. Also, before installing bird spikes, you'll want to remove and clean out old nesting materials and bird droppings. Use caution when doing this as these materials and dusty bird droppings can carry a variety of diseases. Cleanouts are important because they eliminate the scents that may draw birds one of their old nests.

Before buying bird spikes, you should know that they are ideal for use against a wide range of pest birds, including pigeons, seagulls and similar large birds. They're easily installed using screws, nails or glue. What makes bird spikes so effective is that birds just can't land near them no matter how hard they try. After a few unsuccessful attempts, they simply move on to someone else's property.
The spikes look like they would impale a bird, but the blunted tips won't harm birds or people. They have even been approved by a number of humane groups worldwide--including the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service).
There are number of different bird spikes to choose from. They come in various types, sizes and colors. There are stainless steel spikes, which come in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths, and rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate spikes, which come in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths. The plastic spikes are more economical, and they are ideal for use near antennas because they won't interfere with radiated energy. You can even get bird spikes in a non-reflective metal finish, or a variety of colors--like white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear. 

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