Bird Proof Your Store with Bird Spikes

by Alex A. Kecskes

One small storeowner in New York complained that a ledge that runs 20 feet along the top of his storefront is typically covered with pigeons every day. The ledge extends out over the sidewalk and entrance to the store, giving pigeons a perfect place to drop their “daily loads.” Customers entering the store have to walk through or jump over this “gauntlet of guano” to reach the front door.

If you’ve had your store for any length of time, you’ve no doubt had to deal with the nuisance and expense of bird damage/defacement. These winged pests often build nests on your signage, rooftops, parapet walls, A.C. units, and rooftop vents. They can also create quite a problem in rain gutters and downspouts, filling these water runoffs with nesting materials, feathers and other debris. When that happens, water overflows and seeps under roofing tiles, causing leaks and, ultimately, very expensive roof repairs.
Pest birds can also literally drive away customers, swooping down on them from the elevated perches of your store. No one likes to visit a store where birds are dive bombing them as they try to enter or leave. There’s also the nuisance of bird droppings, which can cover everything from windows, awnings and canopies to signage, doorknobs and walkways.

The solution, of course, is to employ some sort of bird control. And one of the best bird control measures available today is the Bird Spike.

Recommended for pigeons and other large birds, bird spikes have been used by thousands of storeowners nationwide. They are easy to install and, in some cases, blend in with their surroundings to make them practically invisible.

Bird spikes remain an effective pest bird deterrent because they prevent pest birds from landing.  No bird wants to get its wings tangled in a splay of nasty looking spikes. Better to simply find another, more bird-friendly landing area. Rest assured, the blunted spikes are safe and won’t harm our fine-feathered friends--they have been approved by a number of humane groups worldwide, including the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service).

Bird spikes come in strong, rigid unbreakable polycarbonate or flexible stainless steel. Steel spikes are available in 3-, 5- and 8-inch widths to cover areas up to 8 inches wide; plastic spikes come in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths to protect areas up to 7 inches wide. The best spikes will provide many years of dependable deterrence, for they are made of marine-grade stainless steel and feature a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base. Some bird spikes come with a non-reflective metal finish, which means they won’t stand out on your roofline or parapet wall. You can even get spikes in a variety of colors to match your store’s signage, awnings or fixed canopies. Available colors include white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear.

Knowing that pest birds often gather in rain gutters, one bird control manufacturer now offers a Gutter Spike. These specially designed bird spikes will keep pest birds out of your rain gutters. The best gutter bird spikes feature adjustable clamps at the base, which makes it easy to install them to the lip of a gutter. If you’re being plagued by really big pest birds like cormorants, turkey vultures or raptors, you’ll want to look into the Mega Spike, which features long, 7-inch spikes no bird would ever want to approach.

No matter which type of bird spike you get, better designed spikes are easy to install. They require no assembly and some have a flexible base that readily adapts to most flat or curved surfaces. Look for spike strips that feature pre-drilled holes and glue troughs along the base. These can be quickly nailed, screwed or glued onto any surface.

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Bird Proof Your Strip Mall with Bird Spikes

by Alex A. Kecskes

Outdoor strip malls are popping up everywhere, slowly replacing the enclosed mall as leasing prices for the latter continue to rise. The one problem strip malls have is that they are exposed to the elements—and that includes pest birds. Without bird control measures to deter them, these "unwelcome shoppers" love to settle in on rooftops, parapet walls, signs, A.C. units, and rooftop ducting. From there, they can swoop down on walkways, tables, chairs, benches and umbrellas to feed on food scraps left by shoppers.

In many locations throughout the country, there's a war going on between strip mall owners/managers and pest birds. Strip mall owners spend millions of dollars annually on clean ups and repairs caused by birds. Bird droppings on a store's signs, windows and facades can seriously detract from its appearance. The acid produced by the fungi that live in bird droppings can corrode metal, mar plastic, deface wood and erode stone. Strip mall owners get a lot of grief from store owners who must constantly hire expensive cleaning and maintenance crews to repair the damage caused by pest birds. This includes clearing out gutters and down pipes, as well as repairing expensive rooftop A.C. compressors and fans.
Then there are the hidden costs of dwindling shoppers who are turned off by bird droppings and simply choose to shop at another store or strip mall. Who wants to eat at an outdoor restaurant whose tables, chairs and umbrellas are covered with smelly, disease carrying bird droppings? Bird droppings can also create serious slip-and-fall hazards that can result in a legal liability for the store owners as well as the strip mall owner.

So what can you do to keep pest birds away from your strip mall? Here's one suggestion: Bird Spikes.

Ideal for pigeons and other large birds, bird spikes have kept strip malls and retail stores bird free for many years. These popular bird proofing devices work because they prevent pest birds from landing. And if they can't land, they won't nest or roost.  And it's bye-bye birdie. Bird spikes come in strong, rigid unbreakable polycarbonate or flexible stainless steel. They are usually manufactured in two-foot long strips for easy installation on most any surface. And unlike some bird control methods, bird spikes are blunted so they won't harm birds or maintenance crews. The best spikes are made of marine-grade stainless steel and feature a U.V.-protected polycarbonate base. Some bird pikes come with a non-reflective metal finish. And you can even get bird spikes in a variety of colors to match a store's façade—including white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and crystal clear.

A variation of the bird spike is the Gutter Spike. These are ideal bird control device for keeping pest birds out of rain gutters. The best gutter bird spikes come with adjustable clamps at the base for fast, easy installation to the lip of a gutter. There's also the Mega Spike, which features long, 7-inch spikes to deter cormorants, turkey vultures, raptors and other large birds.

Bird Spikes Can Save Hawker Centers and Other Open-Air Eateries

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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Bird Proof Spikes Keep Pest Birds Away

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.

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Pest Birds Hate Bird Spikes

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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