About Bird Spikes, Uses, and Installation

A bird infestation starts with a few birds on the roof and unless you invest in effective bird control measures such as bird spikes, your property will continue to draw more birds with every new dawn. Before the problem becomes evident, you will be dealing with a defaced and blocked signage, damaged roof, and bird droppings all over the property. In this post, you will find out more about bird spikes and their installation. 

Why Bird Spikes?

Also known as anti-bird spikes or roosts modifications, these are bird control devices featuring needle-like rods that deter birds. Anti-bird spikes are commonly attached on rooftop ledges, ledges, chimneys, windowsills among other surfaces where birds are a problem. They are designed to deter wild birds from perching on your property. 

These bird control devices are effective in preventing bird infestations, curbing the spread of diseases; prevent bird's dropping and avoiding damage to your property. Today, there are different types of bird spikes on the market. You can easily place an order on the spikes for small and big birds. In case you are dealing with pigeons and gulls, then the pigeon spikes will be the best option. 

There are different spike models with different features and designed for varying capabilities. It is quite hard to pinpoint the type of model that is more effective to use. Whether it is the metal bird spikes, the bird spike strips, or the wire spikes, it is upon you to make a choice. Regardless of the option you go for, the bird spikes are without a doubt the best defense against birds that you will find on the market. Some of the types you can purchase include: 

1. Stainless steel bird spikes. These are high-grade barriers made of high-quality stainless steel strip and wire. When installed, these extremely effective and high-quality bird spikes will serve you for a lifetime. When making your purchase, you can opt for the single row or the double row stainless steel bird spike. 
2. Plastic bird spikes. Also referred to as polycarbonate spikes, the plastic spikes are made using protected polycarbonate plastic. These spikes are available in varying sizes. 

The stainless and plastic bird spikes are humane and safe to use and have been approved by a large population including the U. S. Human Society and Pigeon Control Advisory Service. 

Mega, Girder, and Gutter Bird Spikes

1. Mega Bird Spikes

Mega spikes are designed to help deal with bothersome birds like the turkey vultures, seagulls, raptors, and cormorants from perching on your property. 

2. Gutter Bird Spikes

If you are having a hard time with birds nesting and clogging your drains and gutters, the specially designed gutter spikes are the best solution. Once attached to the lip of the gutter, the spikes will prevent the birds from landing on the uneven surface. These spikes will cost you about $200. 

3. Girder Bird Spikes

To prevent big birds from perching on the girders or I-beams, get the Girder Bird Spikes, which are usually sold in 3 width and 2-foot sections measuring fifty feet per box. Be ready to spend close to $250 for a box of these spikes. 

How to efficiently install bird spikes 

To start with, keep in mind that installing them is a humane, economical and an effecient solution to discourage birds from perching on your property. The spikes must feature a flexible base which helps to ease installation on both curved and flat surfaces. To install the spikes, you can glue, screw, or tie them down. To make the installation fast and easy, follow the steps below. 

1. Clean the surface

Without a doubt, nesting material coupled with bird droppings carries multiple diseases. You should, therefore, ensure to clean the surface of any of these things. Keep the area dry before commencing the installation of the bird spikes.

2. Determine the best mounting method

For wooden surfaces, secure the spikes in place using wood screws. Add a screw for every six inches, keeping in mind that there are 2 sets of holes between the fans of the spikes. If installing the bird spikes on concrete surfaces, secure them down using the outdoor construction adhesive. Most bird spikes come with a glue trough along their base. Screw the spikes in place and use adhesive for additional security. 

As for the cost of installation, it is dependent on the size of the area to be covered coupled with the complexity of the job needed. Be ready to pay anything from $10 to $50 per foot of spike installation. Spikes are known for their durability, especially when correctly installed. 

Benefits of using Bird Spikes

• Bird spikes are easy to install. Anyone can easily install them.
• Spikes can be installed upside down, or horizontally as per your preferences
• When installed, the spikes are almost invisible which makes them effective in protecting your building structure where aesthetic appeal is a key consideration while the owner enjoys extreme effectiveness and low-visibility. 
• Unlike most bird control methods, bird spikes provide you with a humane and safe way to control birds and keep your property damage free. 

It is worth noting that bird spikes do not alter the behavior of birds. If the birds decide to nest in a particular spot on your property, the spikes will do little to deter them. In fact, if the spikes are not properly installed, they may help birds to make their nests more secure.



Also read our other bird tip: Should I ever poison a pigeon?