Using Pigeon Spikes to Keep Pigeons from Roosting and Nesting

by Alex A. Kecskes

Ever wonder why you don’t see many pigeons in Disneyland? After all, the place is a food paradise for pest birds, what with popcorn and food scraps under tables and chairs in just about every Kingdom. The reason is simple: the Magic Kingdom uses one of the most effective bird deterrents ever devised--the Pigeon Spike. You can see them if you really look for them.  They’re on many light poles and other lofty fixtures, structures and buildings. But they blend in because the spikes come in various colors.

The ubiquitous rock dove or pigeon is now just about everywhere. They have learned to live with humans and will boldly move into an area, digging for food in and around restaurants, trash bins, schools, colleges, amusement parks—anywhere there are people.

To survive, pigeons need a place to land and observe their surroundings. They’ll survey an area before roosting and nesting to makes sure there are plenty of food scraps, water and protection from predators and the elements. Unless there are deterrents like pigeon spikes to discourage them, they will quickly invade an area and take it over.

If you’re a property owner, you need to act proactively to ensure pest pigeons don’t invade your property and create an unhealthful mess.  One way to keep them away is through the proper use of effective pigeon spikes.

Pigeon spikes won’t allow these pest birds to land. The specially designed spike strips are easily mounted on rooftops, parapet walls and ledges using glue, nails or screws. Bird spikes come in rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate spikes or high strength, durable stainless steel. The less expensive poly spikes are suggested for use around RF or cell phone antennas, since they won’t interfere with radio transmissions. Pigeon spikes also come in different colors--including white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear so they’ll blend in better with a structure or building. One manufacturer offers bird spikes with a non-reflective metal finish.

Before you install pigeon spikes, clean the area thoroughly of bird droppings, feathers and nesting materials. Pigeons are attracted to this debris and will consider the area “friendly.” Use commercial disinfecting cleaning agents to reduce your exposure to any of the 60 known airborne diseases carried by birds. In some cases, it may be necessary to equip cleaning crews with PPE (Proper Protective Equipment) in the form of eye and respiratory protection. In severely infested areas, you may need to hire certified bio-hazardous waste removal companies to do the job. After live enzyme treatments are applied, germicides/viruscides or both may have to be employed to ensure that pathogens are completely removed.

When installing bird spikes, make sure to leave no gaps for the pigeons to squeeze through. Stainless steel spikes come in 3-, 5- and 8-inch wide spiked strips. The 3-inch spikes offer 2 to 4 inches of coverage on a 5-inch wide ledge; the 5-inch spikes will protect 5 to 7-inches on a 7-inch wide ledge; and the 8-inch spikes will cover 8 to 10 inches on a 10-inch wide ledge. One manufacturer offers a stainless steel bird spike with a patented “bend-and-crush” design for permanent installations. The best pigeon spikes feature a unique “no-nest” design with no-gap spacing to deter birds from roosting or landing.

Sometimes pigeons will build nests in rain gutters. This can clog the gutters and prevent them from directing water away form the roof. This, in turn, can cause extensive water damage. In this case, you should install Gutter Spikes, which are specially designed to fit onto gutters.

The best way to deter pest pigeons is through the use of effective bird deterrents like pigeon spikes. Once installed, they require very little maintenance. The best spikes will offer years of service and will hold up under harsh weather conditions.

Get Rid of Pest Birds with Plastic Bird Spikes

by Alex A. Kecskes

Alnwick and Amble, two small market towns in north Northumberland, England, had a real pest bird problem a few years ago. Both towns have historically suffered from pigeon infestations and messy droppings along its streets and market areas.

The pigeon droppings had defaced pavements, walls and rooftops, and had even blocked gullies and drains in the two towns. Pigeons had become a serious problem in Alnwick, particularly in the Market Place, along Fenkle Street and Narrowgate. In Amble, the pigeons had begun to roost on several buildings along Queen Street and on Lawrence's DIY store on Bridge Street.

The townsfolk had a number of meetings, and suggestions for solving the pigeon problem included the creation of a pigeon loft where the birds would be attracted to nest. The plan was to remove the eggs and replace them with dummy eggs. This, it was hoped, would reduce the exploding pigeon population. At one time, the Amble city council had even allowed firearm culling, but those methods were soon abandoned because citizens felt it was cruel to simply shoot the pigeons.

If only the townsfolk of Alnwick and Amble had consulted some professional bird control experts, their pest pigeon problems could have been solved efficiently and humanely, for among the many tools in a pro bird controller’s arsenal is the Plastic Bird Spike

Unlike firearms and birth control measures, plastic bird spikes are perfect for deterring pigeons, crows, gulls, vultures and raptors. These versatile bird-proofing devices are widely used on rooftops, ledges, signs and other elevated areas. The blunted spikes are harmless to birds, pets and installation or cleaning crews. The devices have been approved by the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service). In addition, plastic spikes are also GSA approved (U.S. General Services Administration).

Plastic bird spikes are made of a polycarbonate material that can be used around electrical and RF transmission equipment. They can be installed around cellphone antenna arrays and other radiating devices. The best plastic spikes are U.V. protected to withstand years in the sun and punishing weather. One popular plastic bird spike can withstand temperature extremes form +310 degrees F to -200 degrees F. It comes with a full 5-year guarantee.

To blend in better with their surroundings, plastic bird spikes now come in a full range of colors--including white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear. Even custom colors are now available. It’s small wonder architects and builders so often recommend plastic bird spikes as a bird control measure. Plastic spikes are also less expensive that steel bird spikes. This makes them ideal for large installations or for those on a very tight bird control budget.

Another advantage of plastic bird spikes is that they are virtually maintenance free and require no assembly. The spikes come in a variety of sizes--typically 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths and two-foot sections. A single row of plastic bird spikes usually covers a 7-inch wide area. For easy installation, look for plastic spikes that have a flexible base that you can bend and turn to fit onto any flat or curved surface. In some cases, the spike strips have been pre-drilled with holes along the base for fast, easy installation. You can also glue the strip by using the glue trough (a feature found in better spikes) on the base of each spike strip. Use outdoor polyurethane construction adhesive to firmly secure the spikes. Remember to close up any gaps between spike strips to less than two inches. For extra wide ledges, use three or more rows of spikes and be sure to limit the gap between rows to less than two inches.

Finally, before installing plastic bird spikes, make sure the surface is clean and dry. Clean out any loose rust, peeling paint, bird droppings, feathers and nesting materials. Use commercial disinfecting cleaning agents to prevent exposure to any of the 60 known airborne diseases carried by birds. If the area is heavily contaminated with bird droppings (wet or dry), use proper eye and respiratory protection.

Protect Your Home from Pigeons with Bird Spikes

by Alex A. Kecskes

Unless you protect your home with effective pest bird deterrents—like Bird Spikes—pigeons can cause a considerable amount of damage. Like most birds, pigeons look for sunny areas that provide safety from predators and shelter from the elements. They also look for venues that offer a close proximity to food and water. Most homes offer these and other advantages to pigeons.

A favorite nesting place for many pigeons is the rain gutter. The dish-shaped runways offer ideal nesting sites for most nests. While it’s great for pigeons, it’s bad for homeowners. The nests are often filled with bird droppings and form a solid clump that blocks gutters, sending water under roofing tiles and shingles, and eventually causing leaks when it rains. All the more reason to install specially designed bird spikes for gutters called Gutter Spikes. The best gutter spikes have adjustable clamps at the base, which makes them easy to mount to the lip of your gutter.

Another headache caused by pigeons occurs when they nest and roost on and in your home. Pigeons like to gather on rooftops because it affords them a “bird’s eye” view of the landscape, allowing them to spot predators, water and food.  If you have a broken attic window, vent grille or loose soffit, pigeons will end up in your attic and that can be a real problem. It’s surprising how little an opening they need to sneak into an attic. Bird spikes can keep them out—but you have to install the spikes before flocks of pigeons show up.

Once inside, the scent and cooing of pigeons will attract other pigeons (pigeons are very sociable) and before long, you’ll have a sea of nests and mini mountains of poop in your attic. This can create a potential fire danger and a breeding area for disease. Pigeons can carry and/or transmit any of 60 diseases—including bacterial, viral, parasitic and fungal.  Chief among these are Histoplasmosis and West Nile Virus.  There’s also the noise factor, which can drive you crazy in the mornings.  You can eliminate these headaches by installing bird spikes.

The high levels of uric acid in pigeon droppings can etch most surfaces--including brick, concrete, metals, paints and marble. If you leave your boat, car or RV in the driveway, pigeon droppings can eat into and permanently mar the paint. If you have a rooftop AC unit, solar heating panels or circulating air vents, pigeon droppings can damage these systems over time (unless you regularly clean the pigeon droppings off your solar panels, the efficiency of these panels will be drastically reduced). To save your home, car, boat and RV from the ravages of pest pigeons, you should install bird spikes, the proven effective pigeon deterrent. 

The best bird spikes are constructed of flexible, marine-grade stainless steel and feature a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base. Some bird spikes are available in a non-reflective metal finish, which means they’ll blend in more easily to your home’s aesthetics. Steel bird spikes come in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths to cover areas up to 8 inches wide. Mid-sized pest birds, like pigeons, can be easily deterred by a 3-inch wide spike.

If you’re on a budget, you can get plastic bird spikes. They do the job nicely and last many years. They also come in a rainbow of colors to match your home’s color scheme. Current colors include white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear. These spikes come in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths to protect areas up to 7 inches wide. Consider plastic spikes if you need to protect areas near your dish TV antenna, as the plastic won’t interfere with the antenna’s ability to pick up signals.

If your home is near the sea or a lake, opt for a bird spike called the Mega Spike. It’s ideal for deterring large pest birds like cormorants, turkey vultures or raptors.
Installing bird deterrents is easy. Especially if you choose high quality bird spikes. These come with pre-drilled holes and glue troughs for fast, easy mounting. The best bird spikes are blunted at the tips and won’t harm birds or pets. They’ve been approved by a number of humane groups worldwide, including the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service).

Before you install bird spikes, make sure the surface is clean and dry. Prepare the area by removing any loose rust, peeling paint, bird droppings, feathers and nesting materials. Use commercial disinfecting cleaning agents to prevent exposure to airborne diseases carried by birds. If the area is heavily contaminated with bird droppings, use proper eye and respiratory protection.

Plastic Bird Spikes get rid of Pigeons

Alex kecskes

For years, the U.S. military recruiting station in New York's Times Square-often referred to as “The Booth"-has been invaded by growing flocks of pigeons. The birds left behind pounds of smelly disease carrying droppings and created a noisy nuisance. Lately, however, the U.S. Army has gone on the offensive to get rid of pigeons, making sure its office is the “Best it Can Be."

The initial plan of attack was to broadcast intimidating predator sounds, specifically the sounds of pigeons under attack. Speakers were strategically placed and the volume turned up. But the pigeons held fast, refusing to budge, actually ignoring the threat. Bird experts reasoned that because the birds are so accustomed to the high-decibel Times Square soundscape, the pesky pigeons simply couldn't hear the “predators."

Another problem was that the pigeons really couldn't resist the free meals constantly provided by passers-by. In terms of an ideal habitat, the pigeons had it made-free rent, free food and free heat from the subway grates.

The Army will also be using chemicals to repel the pigeons. If that fails, they'll try placing spikes on the recruiting station roof to keep the pigeons from landing. Smart move by the Army, especially if they opt for plastic bird spikes. For these have a number of advantages.

Humanely Denying Pigeons the Ability to Land

Plastic Bird Spikes are an ideal way to get rid of pigeons. They work because they deny birds the ability to land. With wings and feet splayed, negotiating a landing is virtually impossible, so they simply move on.

The spikes can be used virtually anywhere and require little or no maintenance. The blunted spikes are safe for birds and maintenance crews, so it's not hard to see 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. When you factor in their excellent deterrent capabilities, it's not hard to see why plastic bird spikes have been widely embraced by building contractors, architects, and municipalities.

Plastic Spikes for Big Birds Like Pigeons

If you've been invaded by pigeons, plastic bird spikes should be numero uno in your arsenal of bird deterrents. Put them on ledges, parapets, rooftops and other structures and watch as pigeons move on, seldom to return. Without spikes, pigeons will gather and feed in huge flocks, devouring seeds, bread, vegetables, meat and almost any food discarded by humans. The filthy birds will roost on rooftops, in walls, or any nook or cranny on your property or building. And everywhere they gather, you can expect a huge mess in droppings, which often carry any of 60 known diseases. A few of these diseases can even be life-threatening to humans.

Plastic Spikes for Non-Conductive Applications

Plastic Bird Spikes have a number of nifty advantages. For one thing, unlike steel bird spikes, they are non-conductive, which means you can safely use them next to electrical equipment. And because they won't interfere with EM transmissions, they can be placed next to or near cell phone towers, airport towers, relay stations and other areas where high-frequency transmissions are being propagated.

Plastic bird spikes are also highly durable. They can stand up to extreme weather conditions. The best plastic spikes use100% post-industrial plastic materials. The material is tough, strong, and eco-friendly. Better plastic spikes are also U.V. protected to endure extended periods in sunlight. One popular brand of plastic spike can stand temperature swings form +310 degrees F to -200 degrees. F. Now that's a tough spike.

A growing number of architects and builders prefer plastic bird spikes because they blend into a building's design and color scheme. They're simply not as visually noticeable as other bird deterrents. One company even sells plastic bird spikes in a wide range of colors-including white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and even crystal clear.

Plastic Spikes for Easy Installation

Plastic bird spikes are very easy to install. They come in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths and they require no assembly. When installing these spikes, a single row of spikes will cover a 7-inch wide area. The best plastic spikes will have a flexible base that readily conforms to any flat or curved surface. Each spike strip comes pre-drilled with holes along the base, so it can easily be screwed onto any surface. Glue can also be used in situations where screws are either impractical or prohibited. The best plastic spikes have a glue trough at the base of each spike strip to facilitate fast and easy installs.

When installing plastic bird spikes on conduits or curved surfaces, gutters or pipes, try to use hose clamps, nylon ties or wire lashings. When installing spikes on large flat surfaces, use multiple rows of spikes. For high-perched surfaces, be sure to install spikes on both sides 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.

Plastic Spikes for the Savings

Yes, plastic bird spikes cost less than their steel counterparts, but some come with a full 5-year warranty. It covers the spike against breakdown and UV degradation. Price can be a factor in large installations or for companies that have an extremely tight bird control budget.

A Final Word on Pigeons

Pigeons are basically filthy birds that often carry diseases. 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, on rooftops, in nooks and crannies of walls and near ponds and water fountains-which they quickly contaminate with their droppings. 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 Earth.

Related articles

• Bird Proof Your Store with Bird Spikes (pigeon-spikes.co)
• How to Install Plastic bird spikes Keeping your Home Pigeon Free! (how-to-install-bird-spikes.com)

How to Install Pigeon Spikes

Keeping your Home Pigeon Free!

by Fran Prisco

Each year homeowners spend hundreds of dollars cleaning up after and repairing the damage created by pest pigeons.  The domestic pigeon has become quite a nuisance in urban areas. Pigeons build relatively flimsy nests from sticks and other debris, which may be placed in trees, on ledges, or on the ground, depending on species. They lay one or two eggs, and both parents care for the young, which leave the nest after 7 to 28 days. Pigeons build relatively flimsy nests from sticks and other debris, which may be placed in trees, on ledges, or on the ground, depending on species. They lay one or two eggs, and both parents care for the young, which leave the nest after 7 to 28 days.  Pigeons have adapted to most of the habitats available on the planet.
 
How to Install Pigeon Spikes

There are many products out there that can help to get rid of pigeons from your property.  By far the easiest to use and one of the most effective are pigeon spikes.  Pigeon spikes are made of plastic or stainless steel.  Some have a plastic base with stainless steel spikes.  They usually come in either one foot or two-foot sections.  Pigeon spikes come in different widths some as wide as 7” to be sure to cover the entire surface where pest pigeons are landing.  They are used on flat as well as curved surfaces such as window ledges, roof edges, patio covers, arched entryways and other areas that pest pigeons like to roost and nest.

Installation of pigeon spikes is relatively easy.  You can glue or screw them down.  Make sure that all debris left behind by the birds is cleaned up first.  Use a mixture of bleach or ammonia with water to wet down the area and rinse it clean.  Do not clean bird droppings dry as they can be inhaled in dry form and cause illness.  When cleaning bird droppings use a mask and gloves.  Use enough pigeon spikes to cover the entire area that the pigeons are landing or roosting on.  If they are in an area that is hard to get to it might be wise to call an expert.  There are many companies that install bird control products like pigeon spikes.

How Pigeon Spikes Work

Once properly installed pigeon spikes make it difficult for pigeons to land.  The pigeon spikes are usually 4.25” to 4.50” high so that pigeons and larger birds can not straddle the spikes.  Be sure to look for a spike that has a “center” spike running down the middle.  This will keep the birds from building nests in the spikes themselves.  Covering all of the surface of a ledge or widow sill, will keep the pigeons form landing as birds land feet first, they will sense that something is there and move on.  When first installing pigeon spikes, you may want to watch and see if the birds find another area of your home or building to land on.  That area too will need to have pigeon spikes installed.

If you are unsure if you can put in the pigeon spikes yourself to call a local bird control installer.  Most pest control companies can help, or call the pigeon spike manufacturer for an installer near you.  Getting ride of pest pigeons can be as easy as “gluing and screwing”!