Bird control spikes, also known as bird deterrent spikes or anti-roosting spikes, are a popular and effective solution for deterring birds from landing and roosting in unwanted areas. But do bird spikes really work?
What are bird spikes?
Bird spikes consist of rows or clusters of stainless steel or rigid plastic spikes that are installed onto ledges, signs, rooftops, and other surfaces to prevent birds from landing and gaining a foothold. The sharp points and narrow gap between spikes make it impossible for birds to find a space to comfortably land and roost.
Bird spikes are a passive and humane bird deterrent – they do not harm birds, but simply discourage them from landing on the protected surface. They come in long strips or mats that can be cut to size to fit the area needing protection.
Do bird spikes effectively deter birds?
Yes, bird spikes have been extensively tested and proven to be highly effective against a wide variety of urban bird species, especially pigeons, seagulls, crows, starlings, sparrows, and ravens. According to pest control experts, correctly installed bird spikes can deter birds from landing on a surface 90-100% of the time.
Here are some key reasons why bird spikes work so well:
- The spikes take away stable footing – birds avoid landing where they cannot comfortably perch or nest.
- The narrow spike gaps prevent birds from nestling between spikes.
- The spikes obstruct the bird’s field of vision when approaching a landing spot.
- Birds perceive the spikes as a physical threat if they attempt to land.
- The spikes move and sway when birds try to land, frightening them away.
- Unlike bird nets, the open design does not trap birds or allow them to become entangled.
University studies and field tests have proven bird spikes to be over 90% effective compared to un-spiked surfaces when installed correctly. Their success relies on using the right type of spike for the species, as well as proper spacing, coverage, and maintenance.
What types of bird spikes are most effective?
There are a few different options when it comes to bird spike designs:
- Flat plastic spikes – Low profile rows of flexible plastic spikes designed for flat or gently sloped surfaces like ledges, I-beams, parapet walls, etc. Effective against most bird types.
- Coiled stainless steel spikes – Curved spikes made of stiff stainless steel wire, designed for rounded surfaces like pipes, cables, poles, etc. Deter gulls, crows, etc.
- Spiked bird control mats – Durable thick mats with hundreds of protruding spikes across the surface. Used for larger flat areas like rooftops, signs, girders, etc.
- Foam spikes – Soft polyurethane foam spikes that can stick onto curved or irregular surfaces. Less durable but useful as temporary deterrent.
The most effective bird spike options are flat plastic, coiled steel, and spiked mats. Flat spikes work especially well for ledges, signs, I-beams and other flat surfaces, while coils are ideal for round pipes and cables. Large coverage mats provide maximum protection across bigger areas like rooftops.
What factors impact how well bird spikes work?
For bird spikes to work optimally, they need to be installed properly and maintained over time. Here are some key factors that affect their performance:
- Spacing between spikes – Narrower spike gaps are more effective. Plastic spikes should be spaced 2 inches apart or less.
- Coverage – Spikes must fully cover ledges/surfaces and leave no landing gaps. Extend spikes 2-4 inches past the edges.
- Surface material – Stainless steel spikes are required for metal surfaces which degrade plastic. Foam spikes can work on delicate stone/glass.
- Angle of installation – Angling parallel spikes 45 degrees makes landing even more difficult. Perpendicular on pipes/cables deters perching.
- Deterrent height/width – Spikes must be taller than the bird’s body and wider than their wingspan to prevent landing.
- Maintenance – Check for and replace broken or missing spikes. Keep clear of bird droppings/debris.
Properly installed and maintained bird spikes rarely fail at keeping surfaces bird-free. However, poor spacing, coverage, or angling can allow birds room to land and bypass the spikes.
How long do bird spikes last?
With proper installation and maintenance, quality bird spike products can last many years in outdoor environments before needing full replacement. Here are the typical lifespans:
- Plastic bird spikes – 5-10 years
- Stainless steel bird spikes – 10-15+ years
- Bird spike mats – 10-15+ years
Plastic spikes are economical but more vulnerable to sun damage and breaking. Stainless steel offers superior strength and corrosion resistance. Mats are very durable and weather-resistant.
Factors affecting lifespan include:
- Material quality – Low-grade plastic degrades faster.
- Climate conditions – Severe cold, heat, UV exposure shortens plastic spike life.
- Location wear – Rooftops and ground level spots experience more mechanical damage.
- Regular cleaning – Remove droppings, debris, vegetation to prevent spike deterioration.
- Periodic inspection – Watch for missing, broken or loose spikes and replace.
With proper care, bird spikes can remain an effective long-term bird deterrent on commercial, industrial, municipal, agricultural, and residential properties alike. Their lifespan easily justifies the initial investment.
Are bird spikes humane?
Yes, bird spikes are considered a humane bird deterrent when installed properly over potential roosting/nesting areas. Here’s why:
- The spikes are non-toxic and pesticide-free.
- They do not trap birds or cause injuries.
- Birds are still free to perch on nearby un-spiked spots.
- Species are not harmed or killed for simply being a nuisance.
- It is more ethical than killing birds or destroying nests/eggs.
Authorities like the Humane Society approve bird spikes as a humane exclusion approach. Unlike dangerous deterrents like shock tracks or tacky gels, spikes simply convince birds to find alternative roosting spots without harming them.
However, proper installation is key for humane use. Covering too much area or using excessively long spikes could impede birds from finding safe landing spots. Professionals should ensure spikes are suitable and strategically placed.
What are the main benefits of using bird spikes?
Installing bird spikes offers a number of helpful advantages:
- Effective deterrent – Stops birds from roosting 90-100% of the time when properly installed.
- Long-lasting – Provides years of reliable protection with minimal maintenance needed.
- Discreet solution – Low profile spikes blend into buildings compared to large nets.
- Versatile uses – Suitable for all urban bird types and most site conditions.
- Humane and non-toxic – Deters birds without harming them or using chemicals.
- Moves with surface – Flexible spikes won’t separate from roofing or siding.
- Does not conduct electricity – Safe for use near power lines and electrical equipment.
- Cleaner property – Eliminates bird droppings, nests, feathers and debris.
For building managers fed up with constant bird problems, spikes offer an affordable, low maintenance solution with lasting results. They deter birds without messy cleanups or expensive recurring costs year after year.
What are the limitations of bird spikes?
While very effective, spikes do have some limitations to consider:
- One-time installation cost is higher than some deterrents like wire mesh or netting.
- Professional installation is recommended, especially for high or hard-to-reach spots.
- Spikes are not suitable for every surface material like vinyl or canvas.
- They require periodic inspection and replacement of damaged spikes.
- Not effective against bird species that can grip between spikes like woodpeckers, swifts or swallows.
- Some birds like pigeons may initially try to land before being deterred.
- Won’t stop birds from landing/nesting on nearby un-spiked surfaces.
While not a flawless solution, spikes remain one of the most reliably effective and low maintenance options to stop bird infestations. For best results, they should be installed early before birds become entrenched and in combination with other deterrents if needed.
Do bird spikes work on all types of birds?
Bird spikes have proven highly successful against the most common urban bird pest species:
- Pigeons
- Seagulls
- Crows
- Ravens
- Starlings
- Sparrows
- Blackbirds
- Pigeons
- Grackles
However, bird spikes are less effective against:
- Woodpeckers – Can grip spikes with claws.
- Swifts – Can cling to tiny crevices.
- Swallows – Can grip small spaces with tail feathers.
- Eagles – Large wingspan allows landing between wider spaced spikes.
- Peregrine falcons – Less deterred by spiked surfaces when diving for prey.
- Owls – Can fly silently and stealthily between spikes.
For these species, alternative deterrents like bird netting, electrical track systems, pole wraps or roost inhibitors may be required. However, spikes remain excellent protection against the vast majority of nuisance birds encountered around structures.
Do bird spikes work for pigeons?
Yes, bird spikes are extremely effective at deterring persistent pigeon infestations. Key reasons they work so well include:
- Pigeons cannot grip smooth flat plastic or steel spikes with their weak toes.
- The spikes obstruct vision of preferred landing spots and view of potential predators.
- Trying to land on shifting spikes disturbs pigeons and deters return attempts.
- Low profile spikes installed on window sills, ledges and roof edges prevent roosting.
- Angled spikes make unstable footing and flexible plastic moves when landed on.
Properly placed plastic or steel spikes stop pigeons from roosting on architectural ledges, parapet walls, window air conditioners, eaves, signs and other problematic areas. Coils work well on pipes, cables and beams. Combined with visual deterrents and limited roosting spots, spikes create an inhospitable environment that convinces pigeons to stay away completely.
Do bird spikes work for seagulls?
Bird spikes are a great solution to prevent opportunistic seagulls from landing, perching and nesting on seaside buildings, docks, and structures. Key advantages include:
- Seagulls avoid the discomfort and instability of landing on spiked surfaces.
- Coiled spikes around pilings, railings and ropes deter perching.
- Mats provide full coverage protection of boat decks and pier platform edges.
- Stainless steel spikes are corrosion resistant in salty sea air.
- Seagulls seek more natural nesting areas rather than spiked rooftops or ledges.
The spikes deter gulls without harming protected migratory species. As seagulls seek fish and food waste near water, strategic use of spikes on key perching and nesting spots drives them away from structures back towards the shoreline and open water areas.
Do bird spikes work for crows?
Yes, crows can be dissuaded from pestering areas with properly spaced and positioned bird spikes. Some key reasons they deter crows:
- Crows seek comfortable wide open perching spaces, which spikes eliminate.
- Their stabbing beaks cannot penetrate or dislodge tightly anchored spikes.
- Large crow bodies have difficulty landing and balancing on spiked surfaces.
- Low profile spikes prevent roosting at roof edges and window sills.
- Crows abandon traditional nesting spots on air conditioners, gutters, signs, etc. when spiked.
For best results, install spikes early before crows become entrenched and combine with other deterrents like motion-activated water sprinklers. Focus on broader surfaces where they gather and prime nesting spots. This convinces crows to move on to more welcoming areas.
Do bird spikes work for ravens?
Like their cousin the crow, ravens can be deterred by properly installed spikes but their intelligence makes them more adaptive. Features that help repel ravens include:
- Uncomfortable foot prickling from cynlindrical plastic and steel spikes.
- Low profile flat spikes prevent stable footing on architectural ledges.
- Complete spiked coverage leaves no exposed purchase points for sharp beaks or claws.
- Ravens abandon traditional communication perches and nest spots when spiked.
- Stainless steel resists raven beak gouging and tearing efforts.
However, ravens may repeatedly land on spikes despite discomfort and can damage plastic spikes with persistence. More robust stainless steel spikes are recommended along with adding perimeter wire barriers to keep ravens at a distance. Ongoing maintenance is key to counter raven’s ingenuity and ensure long-term protection.
Do bird spikes work for starlings?
Bird spikes can effectively repel nuisance European starling flocks with the right installation approach. Useful features include:
- Points uncomfortably prick starlings’ tender feet used for perching.
- Low profile plastic spikes deny ledges for swarming birds.
- Small gap between spikes prevents nesting material from being wedged.
- Coiled spikes deter perching on building fixtures, pipes and cables.
- Starlings avoid trying to fly through dangerous row of spikes.
Complete area coverage is key as starlings will cram together on remaining open spots. Pairing bird spikes with other deterrents like reflective tape, ultrasonic repellers and falcon decoys maximizes results with dense aggressive starlings.
Do bird spikes work for sparrows?
Bird spikes can effectively repel house sparrows from protected areas. Beneficial features include:
- Sparrows avoid landing on the thin spikes and injury risk.
- Low profile flat spikes leave no space for sparrows to perch or nest.
- Small gap size between spikes deters sparrows.
- Plastic spikes flex and move when sparrows try to land.
- Coiled spikes prevent stable perching on pipes, wires, beams, etc.
However, house sparrows are highly adaptive birds. Blocking their entry points into covered nesting spots like vents with mesh is also important. Ongoing diligence is needed as sparrows can be persistent in returning to sheltered nesting and roosting areas.
Conclusion
Bird spikes have been extensively tested and proven over decades to be an extremely effective bird deterrent for a wide range of urban species when installed properly. Low profile plastic, coiled stainless steel, and spiked mat designs provide affordable, humane and long-lasting protection against pigeons, seagulls, crows, ravens, starlings, sparrows and other nuisance birds.
With quality materials, proper coverage, spacing, placement and maintenance, bird spikes stop birds from landing, roosting and nesting 90-100% of the time. By taking away stable footing and obstructing landing spots, the spikes make an area inhospitable and undesirable for birds to visit.
While bird spikes have limitations and won’t work for all bird species or situations, they remain one of the most reliable and cost-effective solutions to deter pest birds from buildings. When used strategically in combination with other methods like netting or wire barriers, bird spikes provide a key piece of an integrated bird management plan.
For property managers fed up with the damage, health risks and never-ending hassle of problem bird infestations, installing properly spaced and positioned bird control spikes can provide long-term relief. Backed by research and real-world results, anti-perching spikes humanely convince nuisance birds to move on and make your property pigeon, seagull, crow and starling-free.