What are anti-bird spikes?
Anti-bird spikes, also known as anti-perching spikes or bird spikes, are devices used to deter birds from landing and perching on surfaces. They consist of rows of stainless steel or plastic spikes that are installed onto ledges, signs, rooftops, and other areas where birds tend to congregate. The spikes are pointed and spaced close enough together that birds are unable to get a grip and perch between them. However, they do not harm or impale the birds in any way.
What is the purpose of anti-bird spikes?
The main purpose of anti-bird spikes is to humanely prevent birds from perching and nesting in unwanted areas. They provide a passive and non-lethal method of bird control. Specific uses of bird spikes include:
– Keeping birds off signs, LED screens, monuments and buildings to prevent damage from droppings and nesting materials. Bird droppings can corrode and erode surfaces over time.
– Deterring birds from perching on rooftops, ledges, chimneys, and drainage pipes where their droppings can clog drains or contaminate water.
– Discouraging birds from perching on outdoor dining areas, patio furniture, decks, and boat docks where their droppings are a nuisance.
– Protecting crops from flocks of birds that can decimate yields.
– Preventing large concentrations of birds from perching and nesting on communication towers where their droppings can damage electronics and their nests can cause tower obstruction and collapse.
So in summary, anti-bird spikes serve as a humane exclusion technique to control bird damage and nuisance caused by their droppings and nesting habits in areas where their presence is considered undesirable. The spikes make these surfaces inhospitable to birds so they move on to more suitable areas.
How do anti-bird spikes work?
Anti-bird spikes deter birds through simple physical means. The spikes are sharp and pointed, so when birds attempt to land on the spikes, they are unable to get a steady grip or footing between the narrow spaces. The unstable spikes prevent the birds from gaining sufficient hold or balance to remain perched.
The bird’s feet simply slide off the spikes, so the bird is forced to move elsewhere. The sharp tips are not designed to cut or harm the birds, just make the surface uncomfortable and unstable for landing or roosting. The spikes are angled outwards or upwards to better deflect the birds since most birds approach a landing horizontally.
Various spike designs are available, but they operate on the same basic principle. The key factors that make them effective include:
– Spike density – The spikes are placed close enough together that there are no flat spaces between them for a bird to grip. High density arrays are more effective.
– Spike height – Longer spikes make it more difficult for birds to perch between them without making contact. Spike heights range from around 2 inches for narrow ledges to 4+ inches for wider surfaces.
– Spike material – Stainless steel spikes are very rigid and slippery. Plastic spikes are also slippery and resistant to bending.
– Spike width – Narrow width spikes only provide an unstable pinpoint for birds to perch on. Wider spikes also deter birds but allow some species with wider feet to perch if spikes are too far apart.
– Angled spikes – Spikes angled at 45-60 degrees prevent birds from finding a flat grip space as they mostly approach surfaces horizontally before landing.
So in summary, the combination of narrow, dense, upright spikes angled outwards basically creates a bed of “pins” that birds cannot comfortably grasp or land on. The spikes rumple feathers, put pressure on feet, and make landing unsteady, so the birds avoid these areas.
What types of anti-bird spikes are used?
There are a few common types and designs of anti-bird spikes used:
– Straight spikes – These are straight vertical spikes installed in parallel rows. They are available in plastic and stainless steel. Plastic can be more flexible.
– Coiled or spiral spikes – These have a spring-like spiral shape and are often made from stainless steel. The coils can compress when stepped on but still prevent bird perching.
– Multi-directional spikes – Angled spikes pointing in different directions to disorient birds. Various designs exist including upward and outward angling spikes.
– Low profile spikes – Shorter spikes for narrow ledges and spaces. Typically 2-3 inches tall.
– High density spikes – Very dense arrays with barely any space between spikes to exclude all bird sizes.
– Wide plastic spikes – Wider plastic spikes to discourage larger birds with wider feet.
– Foam spikes – Plastic spikes embedded into foam pads that can be adhered to surfaces. Easy to install.
– Electric shock spikes – Spikes that produce a mild non-lethal electric shock to startle and repel perching birds.
The most common overall are straight vertical spikes made from stainless steel or plastic. These provide an effective deterrent against most common pest bird species at an affordable price. Specialty spikes like coiled spikes may be used for specific problem areas.
What materials are anti-bird spikes made from?
Anti-bird spikes are most commonly constructed from either stainless steel or plastic polycarbonate. Each material has advantages and disadvantages:
Stainless Steel Spikes
– Very strong, durable, and resistant to weathering. Lasts many years outdoors.
– Can have ultra smooth surface that birds cannot grip.
– Can be repeatedly stepped on by birds without bending or compressing.
– Tend to be thicker and more rigid than plastic spikes.
– Usually have sharper tips for maximum discomfort when perched on.
– Prone to build up of corrosion over time. May need occasional cleaning.
– Steel conducts electricity so cannot use near power lines or equipment.
– Heavier than plastic so more difficult to install on certain surfaces.
Plastic Polycarbonate Spikes
– Lighter weight than steel while still rigid and weather resistant.
– Can be produced in bright colors like red or black for high visibility.
– If bent, plastic spikes will rebound back into shape unlike metal.
– Not as sharp of tip as steel but still uncomfortable surface for birds.
– Does not corrode over time like steel can.
– Non-conductive and safe to use around electricity and power lines.
– Can crack from repeated compression if not reinforced properly.
– More prone to breaking than steel if stepped on repeatedly by larger birds.
So in summary, stainless steel offers the strongest and sharpest deterrent that will last for many years in outdoor environments. Plastic can be a lighter weight option suitable for indoor use and temporary installations, although durability is lower.
Where are anti-bird spikes commonly installed?
Anti-bird spikes can be found installed in the following locations:
– Ledges, parapets, rooftops, chimneys – To prevent birds roosting and nesting.
– Signs, monuments, sculptures – To protect surfaces from acidic bird droppings.
– LED screens and lighting – To prevent obstruction and damage.
– Drain gutters, downspouts, ventilation systems – To keep birds from clogging with nest material.
– Outdoor eating areas – To allow dining without bird nuisance.
– Structural beams, frames, fences – To deter nesting and roosting.
– Crop fields – To protect ripening fruits from flocks of birds.
– Boat docks, kayak storage – To keep birds from perching and fouling.
– Airport runways and hangars – To reduce bird strikes on aircraft.
– Electrical substations and power lines – To minimize equipment short circuits.
– Cell towers, radar domes – To avoid interference and damage from birds.
– Window sills and ledges – To prevent glass strikes by birds attempting to land.
– Parking garages, covered pathways – To keep birds from nesting on lights and ceilings.
The most common universal locations are ledges, signs, rooftops, and structural frames where excluding pest bird species can help avoid damage from accumulations of droppings and nesting materials. But spikes can be applied to almost any man-made structure where birds may perch or congregate.
What are the advantages of anti-bird spikes?
Some of the main advantages of using anti-bird spikes include:
– Humane – Provides a non-lethal bird deterrent through simple physical exclusion.
– Non-toxic – Contains no chemicals or poisons that can harm birds or other wildlife.
– Long-lasting – Durable materials like stainless steel can remain effective outdoors for over 10 years.
– Low maintenance – Typically requires little ongoing maintenance once installed.
– Unobtrusive – Spikes can be painted to match surfaces and blend in.
– Weather resistant – Stainless steel and plastic spikes are waterproof and UV-resistant.
– Easy installation – Can be securely installed onto most structures using screws, bolts, adhesives or ties.
– Removable – Spikes can be removed if no longer needed without damage to surfaces.
– Multi-purpose – Can be installed on many different structures and materials.
– Cost-effective – Relatively inexpensive for the area covered and longevity.
The main benefits focus around providing a long-term, low maintenance and wildlife-safe method of discouraging bird presence on structures where they are considered pests. When used properly, spikes safely and humanely prevent bird problems before they occur.
What are the disadvantages of anti-bird spikes?
Some potential disadvantages or limitations of anti-bird spikes include:
– Only blocks perching/roosting – Does not prevent other bird behaviors like flying, foraging or nesting in other nearby areas.
– Visible appearance – Metal spikes can detract from visual aesthetics on some buildings.
– Not suitable for all birds – Small or lightweight birds can still perch between wider spaced spikes.
– Spacing issues – Ledges or signs with changing dimensions require carefully tailored spike spacing.
– Weight and wind-load – Rows of spikes add weight and wind resistance to installations on towers.
– Difficult installation – Getting even spike coverage can be tricky on irregular or curved surfaces.
– Ineffective when dirty – Bird droppings and debris accumulated on spikes can allow birds to perch.
– Costly for large areas – Significant labor and material costs for covering expansive surfaces.
– Does not prevent nesting – Birds can still build nests on surfaces or structure cavities near spikes.
Proper installation and maintenance is required to maximize effectiveness. And alternative deterrents may be needed for small birds, nesting issues or unusually shaped structures. But overall spikes provide an affordable and low maintenance option for most exterior bird exclusion applications.
How should anti-bird spikes be installed?
Tips for proper installation of anti-bird spikes:
– Measure area and purchase enough spike strips to cover with 2-4 inch spacing between spikes. Also account for turnaround lengths.
– For ledges and signs, run spikes 2-3 inches above and over the edges for best coverage.
– Clean and dry surface thoroughly to remove any oil, dust or debris prior to installation.
– Use screw, bolt, adhesive, tile insert or tie attachments recommended for the surface material.
– Drill pilot holes if needed to attach spikes securely with screws. Avoid cracking or splitting material.
– Position spikes in straight, parallel rows at proper density and spacing for bird species.
– For angled installation, tilt spikes between 45-60 degrees to optimally deter horizontal perching.
– Use corrosive resistant attachment materials suitable for outdoor installation.
– Clear away any overhanging branches or structures that birds could use to bypass spikes.
– Ensure rows extend fully over intended area with no gaps where birds can land.
– Routinely check for any loose spikes, missing rows, or excessive dirt/debris accumulation and correct as needed.
Proper installation is key to maximizing effectiveness and duration. An exclusion professional can assess bird pressure, surface specifics, and appearance concerns to design a tailored anti-bird spike installation plan for optimal results.
How effective are anti-bird spikes?
When installed correctly in appropriate areas, anti-bird spikes are highly effective at deterring birds from landing, perching and roosting. Effectiveness does depend on several factors:
– Bird size – Small birds can potentially perch between wider spaced spikes. Spikes deter medium and large birds best.
– Spike density – Higher density spikes leave less open space for birds to perch between. Closer spike spacing increases effectiveness.
– Installation coverage – Spikes must fully cover ledges and potential perch sites and extend over the edges. Any gaps reduce effectiveness.
– Maintenance – Spikes must be kept clean, intact, and upright. Damaged or dirty spikes leave potential perching spots.
– Consistency – Spikes only work in the specific areas where installed. Birds will continue perching on any unprotected sites nearby.
Independent research studies have found properly installed anti-bird spikes can deter over 90-95% of pest birds in many cases. Effectiveness is highest when combined with other deterrents like audio frightening devices for maximum coverage. Ongoing inspection and maintenance is required to sustain this high level of results.
Will anti-bird spikes harm birds?
When properly designed and installed, anti-bird spikes will not physically harm or injure birds in any way. The spikes are specifically intended to be uncomfortable to perch on, but not cut or impale the birds’ feet. Several features prevent harm:
– Blunt tips – Unlike needle-sharp spikes that could puncture skin, bird spike tips are intentionally rounded and blunt.
– Flexible plastic – Many plastic spikes have some flexibility and rebound to avoid trapping birds.
– Low density – Widely spaced spikes prevent birds from getting tangled between multiple spikes.
– Upright stance – Vertical spikes cannot spear or ensnare flapping, active birds. Only perching is deterred.
– High visibility – Spikes are easily visible to flying birds so they can avoid accidental contact.
Birds may occasionally brush against the spikes with their feathers or feet but this brief contact does not injure them. The mild discomfort motivates them to avoid spending prolonged periods perching on the protected surface. When used properly, anti-bird spikes are a safe and humane bird deterrent.
Conclusion
Anti-bird spikes provide an effective, long-lasting and low maintenance solution to pest bird issues for many structures and areas. Their simple physical surface acts as a humane exclusion technique that deters birds from perching and roosting through discomfort, without causing any harm. When installed correctly in problem areas, spikes can reduce bird fouling, damage, contamination and nuisance by over 90% by keeping birds from gaining purchase on the protected surfaces. Their durable and weather-resistant nature provides years of control with minimal upkeep required. Anti-bird spikes present a wildlife-friendly method of tackling bird problems in urban and rural settings while keeping birds safe. Their installation is a small price to pay for cleaner, healthier living and working environments with less bird mess and hassle to contend with for both people and birds alike.
