Keeping away the birds from your outdoor living spaces, such as balconies or patios, is now possible with bird spikes. Birds can be both beautiful and peaceful to look at while they soar in the sky. However, they tend to be a nuisance when they start building nests on window sills and house roofs. When allowed entry into buildings, attics, etc., they create messes which are not only hard to clean but also unhygienic!
Moreover, in some cases, birds may even cause structural damage due to nesting near electrical outlets or water pipes. Consequently, having gone through these hassles people opt for bird spikes that have been widely accepted as an effective way of preventing uncontrolled bird activity.
Before you install bird spikes, it's important to make sure that they're suitable for the area. If birds are nesting heavily in one spot, then consider using a physical deterrent like bird netting or bird slope. Also, bear in mind that only larger birds such as pigeons and gulls should be deterred with spikes. Smaller birds such as sparrows might try to squeeze through any gaps between them to get back into their favorite spot! Here are six simple steps that would help explain how you can go about installing bird spikes:
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Step1: Planning for installation
Before beginning your installation of bird spikes, it is important to thoroughly plan out the project. Take a few moments to determine where you will want the spikes to be positioned and any other necessary details that need to be taken into account. Be sure to take note of the area and its surrounding environment so that you can make an informed decision about what type of bird spikes will work best. Do your research and select high-quality material for durability and long-term use, as well as a product designed specifically for deterring birds from landing on surfaces.
Step2: Measuring the surface area
The first step in properly installing bird spikes is to measure the surface area that you would like to protect and determine how much material you will need. This depends on a few factors, such as how much coverage you want from the spikes. The size of the particular spike varies by manufacturer but generally falls between 8” long and 10” long strips with 4-6 rows of spikes per strip. For odd or curved surfaces where measuring precisely can be difficult, cut out colored paper pieces that match the space where you will install your bird spikes and play around with different patterns until desired coverage is achieved. Make sure each piece covers at least one inch of the base material before moving forward. If needed, adjust any widths accordingly so they still cover at least one-inch-wide upon installation once all pieces are laid down side-by-side.
Step3: Choosing bird spikes
When shopping for bird spikes, start by determining the type of bird that is causing problems. For example, plastic or stainless steel strips work well against smaller birds like sparrows and starlings, while larger models will be needed to deter pigeons or other large birds. Think about where you need protection when selecting your spikes – narrow strips may not fit wider surfaces such as a balcony railing and heavier-duty models may provide greater coverage but also require stronger adhesives if they are secured in place without screws.
Pay attention to the details listed with each product too. Many come with an adhesive already attached making installation fast and easy while others will require extra glues or tapes for added security. In a nutshell, choose durable bird spikes with a weight-bearing capacity suitable for your surface area. Consider spike size, the material used in manufacturing (stainless steel/plastic), and safety considerations. Make sure it is weatherproof and rust-resistant too!
Step4: Clean the surface area for installation
Before beginning the installation of bird spikes, it is important to clean the surface area where they will be installed. Bird spike installations are typically done on roofs, chimneys, and ledges, so you should assess the typical condition of these surfaces before starting. You may need to utilize a pressure washer or scrub brush with soap and water to properly remove debris from brick or concrete. You can use mineral spirits on painted areas if necessary. After cleaning off any dirt or gunk build-up, let the surface dry fully before beginning the installation process.
Step 5: Mark spots & drill holes
The fifth step in installing bird spikes is to mark where the spikes will be installed. Carefully measure and mark a line on your surface to signify the exact location of each spike. Make sure that these lines are accurately spaced apart, as this will dictate how nicely the bird spikes fit together. If you need to install more than one row of spikes, make sure they are correctly aligned as well.
Once you have made your marks, then it’s time to drill holes into the surface where you want each spike placed so that it can be securely attached with screws or ties. You may need an electric drill and an appropriate drill bit for drilling into harder surfaces like brick or wood siding. Use caution when drilling into any material by wearing safety goggles and using gloves while handling power tools.
Step 6: Installing bird spikes strips
Take into consideration how wide the spike strip needs to be to properly block birds from landing or nesting, and leave enough room for other objects that may be in the vicinity (e.g., ventilation grills). Depending on bird problem areas, birds like pigeons/seagulls may need wider spacing between two spikes so make sure to pick one accordingly. Spacing range from 2 inches up to 8 inches wide which generally covers multiple pest birds’ forms. Cut each sheet of spikes with a pair of scissors along the measurements you’ve marked out on them for easy installation.
Place pieces of double-sided tape onto a hard surface then apply adhesive onto each end of one side of the spikes strip before placing it upon the surface. Press down on all corners and gently along its length for proper adherence. You may need to hold down some sections while allowing others to firmly attach themselves until all areas are secure. If your project requires multiple sheets, begin at one end and install successive sheets over one another without overlapping them too much. Lastly, check over each sheet once more before letting them dry completely overnight so they won’t easily come off when birds attempt their intrusion!
Conclusion
The installation of bird spikes on outdoor structures is a great way to protect from nesting and droppings associated with urban birds. The sharp plastic points prevent the birds from landing, roosting, or nesting in specific areas. Installing bird spikes can also help rid the area of unsightly bird droppings which may cause discoloration or damage to surfaces over time. Additionally, it can significantly reduce the smells and noise associated with large concentrations of birds near residential or commercial buildings.
Installing bird spikes is a relatively easy and cost-effective solution for keeping away problem birds from outdoor areas around homes and businesses alike. Not only do they aesthetically blend into existing facade designs but they’re made from durable materials so you won't need to replace them often. Lastly, not only are they an effective deterrent to some troublesome species but many jurisdictions recognize this type of deterrent as a legal and humane way of protecting areas affected by these nuisance birds.
