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.
