Cities tend to have the problem of pest birds like pigeons, seagulls, and crows. Although birds are considered significant components of our eco system, when they find their way on buildings and structures they cause hygienic problems, damage of properties and pose a danger. Bird control spikes– more popularly in the market known as bird spikes are one of the most efficient and humane ways of repelling birds in unsolicited zones.
What Are Bird Spikes?
Bird spikes Bird spike is a thin, needle shaped rod installed using materials such as stainless steel or polycarbonate in order to make it tough. They are normally placed on the ledges of buildings, rooftops, signboards, gutters and beams among other places where birds tend to manifest. The major purpose of bird spikes is to render the scenery uncomfortable. Bearing in mind it is not harmful to discourage birds to perch or nest in such areas.
Notwithstanding the scary nature of the bird control spikes, they are humane and non-lethal bird reproving. They do not harm the birds; rather they serve as a physical shield, which promotes bird migration.
Why Use Bird Control Spikes?
There are several benefits to using bird control spikes:
1. Protects Property
Bird dropping not only looks untidy, also the bird dropping is acidic. They may dissolve building materials like concrete, stone, metal and paint with time. Bird spikes make landings by birds in these surfaces not possible, thus keeping the property intact and in shape.
2. Health and Safety
Histoplasmosis, salmonella, and cryptococcosis are some of the diseases which can usually be found through birds. There are also parasites that might be attracted to their nests like mites and ticks. The risks that pertain to bird-related health hazards can be minimized through installing bird control spikes.
3. Prevents Nesting
Gutters, chimneys may be blocked by birds’ nests which cause fire hazards. Spikes are a formidable way of preventing nesting particularly in the breeding season when birds are particularly aggressive.
4. Low Maintenance and economical Costs
Bird spikes do not need much maintenance after the installation. They provide more of a long-term solution; this saves property owners money and time as they never have to use frequent cleaning and pest control services.
Installation of Bird Spikes Where To Install Bird Spikes Installation of Bird Spikes
The position of where to install the bird spikes is essential toward their effectiveness. These are some of the general trouble spots:
- Roof edgesbird spikes
- Window sills
- Billboards and signs Signage
- Parapet walls
- Conduits and pipes
- Ledges and beam
- Air conditioning machines
- Balconies and patios
Bird control spikes are basically compatible with any flat or curved surface that the birds usually perch or congregate on.
Types of Bird Spikes
There are several types of bird spikes available, each suited for different environments and bird species.
1. Bird Spikes-Stainless Steel
They are not perishable, weather-proof and suitable to be used in the commercial and industrial areas. Stainless steel spikes are durable and tend to be UV resistant at its base.
2. Polycarbonate Bird Spike
These spikes, which are ideal to use on the residential level, are made out of tough UV-resistant plastic. Their inconspicuousness compared to metal spikes is much greater and they can be painted to match the building.
3. Narrow and Wide Spikes
Various widths are spaced according to the size of the surface as well as the type of birds you are catting. Larger bases accommodate the larger birds such as seagulls and the narrow spikes keep smaller ones such as the pigeons and the starlings off.
Installation Tips
Bird control spell installation is a rather easy procedure. Nevertheless, the tips to achieve best results are the following:
- First Clean The Area: Dismiss any bird waste, nests or litter. The adhesive may fail to adhere when applied on
- Apply Strong Adhesive or Screws: The majority of spikes are provided with adhesive tapes, although, in order to make it more secure, you may use screws or even industrial adhesive in case of longer term usage.
- Bird Proof Everywhere: Birds are tough. They will exploit and use any space without spikes (no matter how minute).
- Spike in the Right Direction: The spikes should slope outward a little so that birds can not get a foothold.
In case of bigger buildings or some problems that are ongoing you might want to approach a professional bird control service.
Can Bird Spikes be considered Humane?
The question of whether bird spikes indeed hurt birds is one of the most popular concerns that come to mind. No, bird spikes are made to deter not to harm. The rods are usually rounded or blunt-ended and the spacing is what prevents birds from comfortably landing. They serve as fences rather than traps.
Indeed, it is no surprise that most wildlife conservation organizations are advocates of bird control spikes as a bird deterrent measure that is non-lethal and ethical in terms of how it aims to control the bird population in an urban environment.
Alternative to Bird Spikes
Although bird spikes are very effective, we can consider some other options, in case we want to be more effective every time; we can use them in conjunction with other spikes:
- Bird Netting: Suitable in open areas of big size such as warehouses or down eaves.
- Repellent Gels: Very tacky substances that deter landings (frequent distraction needed).
- Sound deterrents: A device that makes predator calls or other high frequency sounds.
- Decoys: Artificial predators such as owls or snakes (they will stop being effective over the time because of habituation).
Bird spikes are usually most effective in an integrated bird management tool.
Conclusion
The spikes used to control birds are a simple, efficient, and non-destructive way of preventing birds in particular places they are not supposed to be. Bird spikes give a lasting solution of absence of mess and destruction caused by pest birds whether you protect your home, business or any public property. Bird spikes can assist you to have a safer, cleaner, and a bird-free environment when installed and adequately maintained.
Are you having a bird infestation issue? You should not wait until damage is caused before you think of installing bird control spikes as the initial measure of ensuring protection of any surface that you do not want to be invaded by birds.
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