Bird Spikes
Anti-roosting bird spikes are a popular deterrent to prevent the target bird from landing on edges to prevent perching and roosting. However, they are not a control method in all circumstances. Due to variation in bird heights, they are more bird-specific than some of our products. Thus, using the correct product is imperative for long-term control.
Spikes do not harm the target bird. If installed correctly, the blunt outer tips provide an uncountable experience, mainly to their front breast, that they will quickly learn to avoid or in most circumstances prevent birds from landing safely. It is important to note that our spikes have blunt edges that do not pierce the bird’s skin, and hence it is improbable that birds will become impaled or harmed by bird spikes.
We manufacture 2 types of birds spikes for pigeons and gulls. Unless in low-pressure areas where the birds are perching only the correct type of spikes must be selected for the bird. Gulls can straddle pigeon spikes, and pigeons can avoid the higher outer tips of the spike, and potentially dislodge them, so purchasing the correct product for the task is key for a successful control treatment.
If you are encountering an issue with birds perching on the edge of buildings, you will likely require only 1 row of spikes. For heavier pressure environments, especially when roosting, multi-rows should be installed. For nesting sites its important to spikes all ledges within the vicinity, we recommend that other protection such as netting is considered before applying spikes.
Installation of spikes is a factor which is an essential part of the system and one that can easily be overlooked or in many circumstances underestimated. Badly placed spikes can be dislodged and can quickly create a weakness within the system that birds will take advantage of and act as a hazard to persons underneath any installed systems.
Bird spikes can be installed using either a flexible and low-modulus flexible adhesive or permanently fixed with screws. When possible, a combination of both is a desirable and best practice approach, especially when the majority of bird control works are carried out at height.
Surfaces should be clear of all debris and oils that may be present, and using a surface cleaner is recommended. We highly recommend installing a surface activator to improve adhesion (but don’t combine this with the surface cleaner on the same treatment).
If using adhesive as the sole fixing method, its important to note that adhesion times are generally not instant and can take 24-48 hours days before the product is firmly fixed. Installers should consider this when using expensive access equipment as birds ‘may’ dislodge spikes within this window. It’s unlikely but should be planned for, especially in areas of high flock populations.