For Pest Bird Control, Choose Bird Proof Spikes

by Alex A. Kecskes

While we love to feed birds and watch them fly, pest birds can be a real pain. They eat our stored foods, peck at our orchards and vineyards and destroy our buildings and statues. They make it unsafe for restaurants to serve food outside, and they contaminate our parks and playgrounds with disease carrying droppings. Pest birds have even been known to bring down our jet aircraft. It's no wonder someone invented the Bird Proof Spike.

Surprisingly effective and easy to install, the bird proof spike has been enthusiastically received by businesses and municipalities throughout the world. No longer do property owners have to deal with the myriad problems caused by pest birds. Gone are the unsanitary bird droppings and nests that used to clog gutters, downpour spouts and AC units. No longer need boat owners worry about pest bird droppings eating into sails, sheets and canvas covers, or seizing up radar antennas. Even slip-and-fall hazards on decks and runners are things of the past, thanks to bird proof spikes.

The simple bird proof spike has been hugely successful in preventing birds from landing and roosting on ledges, parapets, cutouts, signs, beams, chimneys, security cameras, lights, and countless other areas. The blunted spikes look threatening but are actually quite innocuous to birds and people.

So what makes the bird proof spike so effective? Simple. Pest birds just can't seem to twist their wings or "landing gear" anywhere near the spikes. Because of its widespread popularity, the bird proof spike now comes in various types and sizes. For example, there's the long-lasting flexible stainless steel spike, the rigid U.V.-resistant unbreakable polycarbonate spike, and many application-specific spikes in various sizes.

Another advantage of the bird proof spike is that it has won the approval of almost every humane group around the globe--including the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS. Architects and building contractors like the spike as well, since it combines aesthetics with function.

Those ready to purchase and install bird proof spikes will find the following basic specs handy. First off, spikes come in a wide range of types, sizes and colors. Many manufacturers offer spike strips in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths. Stainless steel spike strips typically come in 1",3", 5" and 8" widths. The strips typically come in two-foot sections and can be quickly installed using glue, nails or screws, depending on the surface they will rest on. Look for bird proof spikes that have a flexible base, spikes that let you easily bend them to fit onto curved surfaces. Spikes that have a flexible base will fit on rounded signs and signal lights, ledges and wandering parapets. You can also get crush proof spikes with a non-reflective metal finish.

If you have a problem with pigeons and larger pest birds crowding on girders or I-beams, go with Stainless Steel Girder Spikes. These usually come in standard two-foot sections and 3”,5”, and 8” widths. The spikes use adjustable “C” clamps along the base, which makes them easier to install. For big birds like seagulls, cormorants, turkey vultures, and raptors, you would probably be better off with the Mega Spike. These bird proof spike strips typically sport extended 7” high spikes made of marine-grade stainless steel.

To keep pest birds from clogging exterior drains and gutters, many property owners have sought relief using the Gutter Spike. These bird proof spikes are ideal for use against seagulls, crows, and pigeons. You can order these spikes in two-foot long strips for easy installation. The gutter spikes come with adjustable clamps at the base. This makes them easy to attach to the lip of a gutter. Which brings us to some important installation guidelines.

Installing bird proof spikes correctly calls for some initial prep work. First off, you'll have to clear out all nesting materials and excess bird droppings. If your installation calls for the spikes to be glued down, apply the glue generously onto the base of the spike (about 1/2-inch thick), then press the base of the spike level with the surface's edge. Don't leave any gaps between spikes (no more than two inches). When installing spikes on a wide ledge, use at least three or more rows of spikes. Be sure to close any gaps between the rows (no gaps more than two inches). Closing holes or gaps between spikes is key here, for pest birds are smart critters. When installing gutter spikes, take advantage of the clips that attach to the bottom of the spike. Remember, pest birds are fairly agile and can manage to land on the very smallest of spots.

Pest Bird Control for Amusement Parks

by Alex A. Kecskes

Amusement parks have always been at the mercy of pest birds. Without an effective bird control strategy, birds can literally take over an amusement park, create a huge expense and contribute to a number of serious health issues. They can also impact a park's attendance. All the more reason to take the problems of pest birds seriously.

While birds may be fun to feed and chase (especially, if you're a kid), bird droppings can create all sorts of problems for theme and amusement park operators. Not the least of these are the slip-and fall hazards bird droppings create--multiplied by countless daily visitors, many of them running--that fill a park's premises every day. The legal liability of a serious fall can be ruinous to a park and its reputation.

Likewise, bird droppings covering benches, chairs, awnings, tables at eateries and rest stops can also affect a park's reputation. In addition, the sight of bird droppings on amusement ride signs, seats and waiting areas will leave a negative impression on visitors. Proper bird control can change that.

Bird droppings can carry any of 60 known diseases, which can create health code violations and result in sick patrons. Even the sight of bird droppings near a park's outdoor eatery can influence a patron's willingness to eat there. A particularly troublesome illness caused by inhaled aerated bird droppings is a disease called histoplasmosis, which is characterized by constant flu-like symptoms.

Bird nests, feathers and droppings can also get into the mechanisms and electrical equipment of rides and attractions. This can cause breakdowns that can endanger riders and operating crews. Breakdowns can be costly in terms of maintenance and repairs, and in lost revenue due to non-operation.

Before attempting any lethal means of control, amusement park operators should contact their local wildlife management office. The other alternative is to use non-lethal bird control measures. These are effective, humane, and can save a park's reputation. Here are a few.

Public Pools & Resorts Opt for Bird Control

by Alex A. Kecskes
With the summer upon us, pool-equipped resorts and public pool facilities managers are once again preparing for the huge influx of swimmers and sunbathers. Most have learned that without effective bird control measures, their beautiful facilities will fall victim to an invasion of gulls, pigeons and other feathered pests. These birds are drawn to the easy meals brought out and often left unattended by guests. And what these pest birds leave in their wake are disease-carrying droppings in and around the pool, on tables and chairs, umbrellas, and on towels and other personal items. Not exactly great PR for the facility.

Adding to these woes, pool operators whose facilities have been invaded by pest birds must check the nitrate levels--far more than normal--to ensure bird droppings have not contaminated the pool. The last thing guests and visitors want to hear is that the pool has been shut down for several days. And the last thing facilities managers want to get is a huge bill for draining and cleaning a pool.

The temptation is to resort to bird poisons. Unfortunately, many birds are protected by federal laws under the "Migratory Bird Act of 1918," as well as by many state laws. It's also illegal to destroy, relocate or disrupt most bird nests or their eggs. The only exceptions are non-native species like the House Sparrow, European starling, and the pigeon.

The smart move is to invest in some bird control measures. A few of the more effective and humane devices are outlined below.

Bird Control for Yards and Gardens

Image via Wikipedia

by Alex A. Kecskes

While it's nice to have rows of flowers in the garden, it's not so nice to watch flocks of birds destroy your hard work. Without effective bird control, pest birds such as sparrows, swallows, pigeons and crows can and will invade your yard or garden to feed themselves and their young. Blackbirds, starlings, and robins will waste no time yanking out tasty corn seedlings, or chewing into ripening cherries, peaches and blueberries. They also won't hesitate to crater your lawn while they dig for bugs.

Depending on the weather and the surrounding food supply, birds will have a field day in your garden. In dry years, for example, birds will eat many different fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes and melons. In the absence of bird control, some birds can quickly wipe out an entire berry patch or grain field, aggressively attacking a particular crop they happen to fancy.

And as much as we love to hear them sing, even songbirds will attack your garden at various times of the year. These birds will go after broccoli, corn, green peas, snap peas, apples, apricots, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, currants, grapes, peaches, pears, plums, raspberries and strawberries. You'll know you have a problem if patches of young seedlings completely disappear, or the tops of your young plants are chewed off, or if you notice bites taken out of the berries as they ripen.

Bird Control for Structures that Invite Pest Birds

by Alex A. Kecskes

Pest birds are attracted to the architectures in many cities and towns. This holds especially true for some of our cherished older buildings with their "gingerbread" sills, ledges, gables and towers. These nooks and crannies are pest bird enablers, providing some of the best bird habitats. In addition, new facades of ornamental block and other ancillary structures provide hundreds of new nest holes for pest birds to call home. Churches often have pigeons roosting in their sculptured walls and around their "decorative-only" bells. Getting rid of pest birds is important to maintain the physical and aesthetic integrity of these buildings and structures.

Many apartment complexes draw sparrow infestations before construction is completed. Some construction methods even permit movement of ectoparasites into these apartments. Shopping centers and drive-in restaurants are vulnerable to sparrow infestations due to ceiling construction with corrugated metal sections or stamped beams, which leave openings throughout enclosed parts of a roof. Air-conditioning equipment, electrical boxes, open light fixtures, and wall or ceiling signs also provide nesting areas for pest birds. Decorative concrete block is often used as a "fence" to hide air-conditioning systems. These blocks create ideal pest bird nesting habitats. Getting rid of pest birds is an important part of overall building maintenance.

Bird Control for Car Rental Agencies

As a car rental agency, you know it's all about image. You need the best rental rates and the cleanest cars. What you don't need is pest birds defacing your expensive signs, displays and banners. You also don't need bird droppings eating into the paint of your most in-demand models. You wash your cars often enough, you don't need to wash them every hour. It's time you looked into more effective bird control measures.

One Australian car rental agency came up with the tag "…no birds" to demonstrate their point of difference--that their rental cars were bird-poop free. They're now known as the No-Birds Car Rental agency. In the competitive car rental business, you need every edge you can get, and certainly a bird-free lot full of clean cars can give you that extra advantage.

Pest Bird Control at Water Parks

by Alex A. Kecskes

Without an effective bird control strategy, birds can wreak havoc at water parks. The abundance of pools, slides, lofty perches and snacking areas are big attractions for a wide range of pest birds. 

The problem for water park owners and facilities managers are manifold. They include bird droppings that can create health issues throughout the park (bird droppings can carry any of 60 known diseases); nesting materials and accumulated droppings that can clog water jets and drains; and the annoyance of pest birds snatching food from tables and even children's hands. There's also the problem of slip-and fall hazards bird droppings create. These are exacerbated by the endless stream of running children and teens who may not be on the lookout for water-slick bird droppings. The legal liability of a serious fall can be extremely costly to a park and its reputation. Finally, there's the negative image of bird droppings covering everything from benches, chairs, and tables to signage--all of which can affect a park's reputation. Clearly the need for effective bird control cannot be overemphasized.

Before resorting to lethal means of bird control, water park operators should consider local, state and federal statutes concerning specific pest birds. On the other hand, one can simply turn to the growing variety of non-lethal bird control measures available today. These are effective, humane, and can save a park's reputation. Here are a few.