FAQs
WHAT ARE BIRD SPIKES?
Bird spikes, sometimes known as anti bird spikes or bird control spikes, are strips of vertical or slightly angled rods used as a bird deterrent. They are perhaps the commonly used and most effective form of bird control for buildings and structures.
They help to prevent fouling and damage by preventing birds landing on various building ledges.
Bird spikes are usually made from stainless steel and/or polycarbonate and come in a variety of lengths and styles. Bird spike strips can vary from a single row of vertical spikes for narrow ledges and pipes to multiple angled rows of spikes for wider ledges and beams.
Bird spikes prevent pest birds such as pigeons, seagulls, starlings, sparrows, etc from landing on ledges, window sills, beams, signs, pipes, light fittings, etc.
They are also one of the most economical ways of achieving long term bird control on a building or structure.
WHO CAN USE & INSTALL BIRD SPIKES?
Bird spikes are commonly installed by pest control companies, building maintenance companies, height access companies, construction companies and handyman businesses. Bird spikes are also very easily installed by the DIY'er. You do not need any special licence, qualification or permit to install bird spikes.
WHAT IS THE LIFESPAN OF BIRD SPIKES?
Bird spikes, once installed, can assist in bird control as a successful deterrent for many years. The typical life span of a strip of bird spikes with is 5-10 years depending on the materials used in the construction of the spikes and the adhesive or fixings used. Full stainless steel bird spikes can last much longer (15-20 years in service).
WHERE CAN BIRD SPIKES BE USED & INSTALLED?
Bird spikes can be used on virtually any building ledge, beam, pipe or other surfaces where birds land, roost or nest. Some specific situations are described below:
Narrow bird spikes are ideal for narrow ledges and pipes such as gutter edges, sprinkler systems, electrical conduits, etc.
Wide bird spikes are ideal for wide ledges such as brick walls, roofs, beams, joists, light fittings, air conditioning units, etc.
Full polycarbonate bird spikes are useful for deterring birds from TV antenna.
Specially designed solar panel bird spikes are now being used to prevent birds, mainly pigeons, from landing and fouling solar panels on domestic and commercial roofs. This is becoming a major issue in recent years due to the increase in solar panel installations on domestic homes and commercial buildings.
Special gutter clips have been designed for use with certain brands of spikes that allow spike strips to be clipped onto building gutters. This allows for quick and easy installation as well as removal of the spikes when necessary without damaging the gutter.
HOW DO YOU INSTALL BIRD SPIKES?
Bird spikes can be fixed to ledges using a UV stabilized silicon adhesive or by screws or nails. Cable ties are sometimes used for round surfaces such as pipes and sprinkler systems.
Adhesive
1. Clean the ledge, pipe or surface of dust, debris, bird droppings, etc otherwise the adhesive may not stick properly. Allow surface to dry.
2. Using a caulking gun, run a bead of silicon adhesive along the base of the bird spike strip.
3. Position the bird spike strip in the desired location on the ledge and press down firmly.
4. Repeat with the next strip of spikes and link on to the end of the previous strip making sure there are no gaps big enough for a bird to land or roost.
Screws or Nails
1. Same as above except use screws or nails in place of adhesive. Sometimes you can use screws or nails in conjunction with adhesive to ensure the longevity of the spikes.
2. Most bird spike strips are manufactured with pre-drilled holes in the base, however some spikes do not. If this is the case you will need to drill a small pilot hole through the base before fixing with a screw or nail. Otherwise the base may split during installation or at a later date resulting in the spikes falling down
Cable Ties
1. Cable tie are often used on round surfaces such as TV antenna, pipes, sprinkler systems, round beams, etc. It is recommended to use an adhesive silicon along the base of the spikes in conjunction with the cable ties.