Learn how to install Bird Spikes & Pigeon Spikes to stop pest birds

Pigeons on ledges and roof tops

Bird Spikes are a highly effective form of bird control and easy to install. Bird Spikes are used worldwide to keep pigeons, gulls, crows and other large pest birds from landing on ledges, beams, signs, security cameras, chimneys, gutters, buildings, schools, lights, roof tops etc. As we discussed in an earlier blog, "Learn where to professionally install Bird Spikes and Pigeon Spikes"
the success of Bird Spikes depends upon the birds’ behavior and the structure’s characteristics and location.

Here are the steps for installing Bird Spikes:

1) Clean the area before installing Bird Spikes

Before installing pigeon spikes make sure that the area is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.  Some building might have a high build-up of bird droppings or other nesting debris. In situations where bird droppings need to be removed, Dissolve-it can be applied to the surface to help breakdown the droppings. If old Bird Gel is on the surface, use Repellant Gel Remover to loosen up the gel. We highly recommend applying a professional grade disinfectant to the area before installing the pigeon spikes. If you are experiencing a problem with “bird mites” or other pest bugs, call a professional pest control company (preferably one that is also very knowledgeable about bird control).

2) Installing Bird Spikes or Pigeon Spikes

Bird Spikes on ledges and sign letters

Bird Spikes are available in a variety of widths and lengths to be a bird deterrent on many different types of applications. The Stainless steel spike has a U.V. resistant Polycarbonate base.  It is sold in 1-foot lengths and 3 different widths: Bird Spike Narrow (2 ½”), Bird Spike Wide (4 ¼”) and Bird Spike Xtra –wide (8”). The 1-foot Bird Spike strip can be glued or screwed to a variety of surface configurations.  If gluing the bird spikes, 1 caulking tube of bird bond will cover about 35’.  If screwing in place the bird spikes have holes in the surface for an easy installation. When installing Bird Spikes make sure that the tip of the spike is either even or slightly over the edge of the ledge to prevent any bird from gaining a foothold on the outer edge.  UV Stable or Stainless Steel Zip ties can be used to install bird spikes on sprinkler pipes, small I Beams or wherever adhesive is not an option. Also available is the a low cost all Plastic Bird Spike or a all Stainless Steel Bird Spike.
Do not install Bird Spikes in the middle of the ledge where there is space left for pest birds to land on each side.  The entire ledge needs to have full coverage.  When covering ledges over 10” wide, multiple rows will be needed to prevent pigeons from landing.  If installing multiple rows, up to 2” space can be allowed from the tip of one spike to the tip of the next spike to provide full protection from pigeons landing. The polycarbonate base of the bird spike strips is also scored at regular intervals to allow it to be broken into smaller sections for use on pole tops, lights, sign letters etc.

Stainless Steel Bird Spikes have a stainless steel spike and base.

Bird Spike Install

 They are sold in 3’ sections and the same widths as the polycarbonate bird spikes narrow, wide, Xtra-wide. Stainless Steel pigeon Spikes are sometimes preferred because of the longevity of stainless steel. Another advantage to Stainless Steel Bird Spikes is that because they are available in longer lengths and this can speed up the installation time. Like plastic based Bird Spikes, the Stainless Steel bird spikes can also be glued or screwed in place. To cut into smaller sections, metal cutting snips will be needed.

3) Get creative when installing Bird Spikes.

Sometimes when you do bird control work you have to get a little creative. Because of the variety of situations and the unknown elements of a bird’s adaptive behavior, it is sometimes necessary to think outside the box.  For example, if birds are used to roosting or nesting on the ledge they will often fight to roost on the ledge even when the spikes were correctly installed. In these cases, try applying bird gel to the spikes to discourage the birds from trying to land. The pest bird will experience a slight burning from the bird gel, which will encourage them to leave the roost. Also, to increase the effectiveness of the overall job, try hanging visual bird scare control products in the area as an additional deterrent to discourage new pest birds from landing. A new bird deterrent is the Attack Eagle Bird Deterrent.

* Audio / Visual Bird Scare products are not always effective on their own, particularly against non-migratory birds like pigeons and sparrows or where birds may be roosting rather than simply hanging out. A combination of audio / visual products should be deployed and re-located as birds react. Results vary depending on protected roosting conditions, food /water source. Overnight nesting sites typically require exclusionary products – netting, electric etc. 

Contact us at mark@birdsgottago.com with details about your bird problem and we can work with you to determine the best bird control products to deter the birds from your property.

BirdsGottaGo.com

1-855-741-3222