Bird Deterrent and Bird Control Spikes
Effective or Eyesore Bird Control Measure?
Whether you're fed up with bird droppings or just can't stand the constant racket, you might be wondering if bird spikes are an option to help you with bird control. The good news is that bird control spikes are designed to be a humane and safe way to keep the birds off your property. They make it uncomfortable or impossible for birds to land or roost without harming them. They come in a variety of materials, but the most common are stainless steel and polycarbonate plastic. Stainless steel is less visible, while plastic spikes are available in multiple colors.
You don't need to wait for a roof replacement to deter birds. Bird spikes are usually installed on ledges, roofs, parapets, fences, and other areas where birds are known to perch or roost. Bird spikes are a nearly 100 percent effective, maintenance-free, and long-lasting method of bird control, and they come with a variety of benefits that we'll address below.
What Is Spike Used For?
Bird spikes are deterrents used to stop birds from landing or roosting for several reasons, including improving hygiene, preventing droppings and nesting material from accumulating, protecting property, and discouraging birds from becoming a nuisance. Birds can cause considerable damage to buildings and other property, and their droppings are unsightly and can be hazardous to humans.
In some cases, birds can be natural predators to pets like small dogs, cats, and rabbits. If you notice a hawk getting cozy on a tall fence or roof, bird spikes can also prevent these larger pest birds from snatching up smaller prey. Conversely, if your pets are eager to go after roosting birds, bird spikes can keep them away and prevent your pets from getting sick.
They're easy to install and maintain and are quite an effective solution in keeping birds at bay for extended periods. The goal of bird spikes is to keep certain birds, including pigeons, from gaining a foothold on their favorite nesting locations, be it your roof, pergola, or a public sidewalk. The spikes are not meant to harm any bird species; rather, they are used to keep birds from roosting.
Bird spikes will not be effective against every species of bird; however, they will be useful for most. If you have a bird problem, these spikes may very well be the long-term solution you need.
How Do Bird Spikes Work?
Bird spikes work by creating an uneven surface that makes it difficult for birds to land and perch. Though they have a spiky appearance, they are not intended to hurt or impale birds. Instead, they rely on the bird's natural avoidance of anything that may harm them to keep them away from the area. Most bird spikes are not sharp enough to harm birds that may attempt to land on them, but they are strong enough to make landing difficult and uncomfortable.
The spikes are usually made of high-quality plastic or metal with a flexible base and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. They can be purchased in pre-made strips or as single spikes that can be placed along ledges, rooftops, gutters, and any other area where birds are known to roost or nest.
Spikes Stop Birds From Roosting
Roosting is another word for nesting, and it's a problem that many property owners face. Birds will roost in areas where they feel safe from raccoons and other predators, and this can often be on ledges, roof peaks, or in trees. These bird nests are usually made of twigs, leaves, and other materials, which can damage the property and create a health hazard for humans.
Where To Use Bird Spikes?
Bird prevention spikes can be installed on ledges, roof peaks, gutters, signs, window sills, and other areas where birds like to perch. The spikes should have a flexible base and be placed close together at about 6 inches apart and installed at a depth of 2-3 inches. This will make it difficult or impossible for birds to land and roost without harming them because the average leg length for a bird is less than 3-4 inches. In some cases, bird spikes that are spaced too far apart can make it easier for smaller birds to build a nest because the spikes will hold the fibers together. Make sure to ask your local roofing contractors what they recommend.
Types Of Surfaces
If you're seeing birds but aren't sure where they’re making their home, we’ll go over a few common areas you can place bird spikes, netting, or other anti-bird measures. Keep an eye out for sheltered and stable locations, which help birds protect their eggs and young chicks from the elements and predators. These locations are all prime areas to place bird spikes to deter roosting or nesting behaviors.
- Curved surfaces, like tree branches or the walls of a nest box, provide good roosting sites for birds.
- Flat surfaces, like the top of a fence post or windowsill, are also popular roosting spots for birds.
- Roof peak vents, turbine vents, and other rooftop protrusions offer birds good roosting sites during inclement weather.
- Both narrow and wide ledges offer protection and rest for birds, so it's a good idea to cover any ledges with spikes.
- Birds have also been known to nest on pipes, signs, docks, and underneath roof eaves
In addition to these main types of roosting surfaces, birds will also use man-made structures, like power lines, building ledges, and even clotheslines, as roosting sites. Basically, any type of surface that a bird can perch on and feel safe from predators can be used as a roosting site. If your goal is to remove all birds from your property, you may want to limit access to these types of surfaces.
What Type Of Birds Do You Want To Deter?
There are many varieties of birds across the United States that can cause a nuisance, and each has its own unique habits and characteristics. Some birds are more likely to cause problems than others.
How To Keep Pigeons Off Ledges And Roof Peaks
Pigeons and other large birds, starlings, seagulls, crows, and ravens, frequently cause property damage by roosting on ledges, roof peaks, and any other horizontal surface they can find at an elevated level. They damage the building facade with their acidic droppings, which can also create hazards for pedestrians below. Pigeons are also known to carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans, so it's important to take measures to keep them away from your property.
Birds are often drawn to ledges because they provide a secure roosting or nesting place, as well as possible access to a constant food source. We recommend installing bird spikes on ledges, roof peaks, and other areas where they like to perch to deter these birds.
These spikes should be spaced close together at about 6 inches apart and installed at a depth of 2-3 inches. This will make it difficult or impossible for birds to land and roost on the window ledge without harming them because the average leg length for a bird is only 3-4 inches.
You can also install bird netting over ledges to keep birds away. This netting should be made of a resilient material that birds cannot easily tear through so that the birds cannot land or build a nest. For the best results, we recommend using a combination of physical and visual deterrents, such as netting or bird gel, to keep these pests away from your property. Because bird spikes are so small, they are difficult to see from the ground, so you don't have to worry about them ruining the look of your property or becoming an eyesore.
Do Bird Spikes Work For Small Birds?
Pigeon spikes may not be sufficient to keep tiny nesting birds away as they leave too much space for them to build a nest.
However, the birds you're most likely to see nesting on neighborhood roofs are pigeons, and for this size and larger birds, bird spikes are likely your best option. Keep in mind, however, that there are other measures you can take to protect yourself against birds, including creating a physical barrier by installing netting and using bird gel. Bird gel will not poison or trap the birds, roof rats or other wildlife. Rather, it makes them feel sticky and uncomfortable, encouraging them to find somewhere else to place their nest.
If you have seen any of these types of birds in your neighborhood, it’s not a bad idea to protect your home in advance from potential damage. Other types of birds you may want to consider deterring are woodpeckers and house sparrows.
The Right Kind Of Spikes For You
There are a variety of different bird spikes on the market, but we recommend using plastic or metal spikes that are blunted or curved at the ends to protect the birds from harm. Be careful of brands that aren't curved at the ends, as you don't want to have to worry about retrieving injured birds from your roof. Curved spikes are still effective in deterring pest birds from landing and roosting.
The spikes are usually made of plastic or metal and can be purchased in a variety of colors. The main difference between metal and plastic spikes is the price, with metal being more expensive. Bird deterrent spikes are often called Pigeon spikes. These spikes are especially effective as a deterrent for pigeons, but they will also work for most bird species as well as squirrels and other climbing animals that could cause damage to your home.
Metal Bird Spikes
Metal bird spikes are usually made of aluminum or stainless steel base and can last for many years with proper care and maintenance, making a great permanent solution to bird problems. These narrow aluminum or stainless-steel bird spikes also have the benefit of being much less visible than alternative materials.
Plastic Bird Deterrent Spikes
Plastic bird spikes are cost-effective but need to be replaced more often. Both types of spikes are effective in deterring birds from landing and roosting on your property. If you plan to stay in your home long-term and live in a temperate area where birds gather year-round, metal spikes may be a better investment. However, if you only deal with birds a few months a year and deal with severe weather conditions for a part of the year, plastic base spikes may be a better option because they are cheaper to replace, won’t rust or corrode, and are easier to remove and store.
Bird Spike Installation
Bird-repellent spikes can be installed with adhesive, screws, or nails. We recommend using adhesive for a quick and easy installation, but you may need to use screws or nails if the surface is not smooth or if the spikes need to be installed in a high-traffic area. Depending on the type of roofing material you have, anti-bird spikes may damage the surface when removed, so be sure to check with the manufacturer and consult a roofing contractor before installation.
If you need help installing bird spikes or have questions about whether plastic or stainless-steel bird deterrent spikes are best for you, contact a pest control professional. A professional will be able to assess your situation and recommend the best bird spike kit and course of action to keep birds away from your property.
