Pigeon Spike Installation

12.27.2005 - This is a typical example of a pigeon spike installation project. I performed it at an office building. Pigeons were roosting on the ledges above the main doors. They caused the usual pigeon problems - nesting material, feathers, and of course the main problem; lots of pigeon poo. The pigeon droppings fell down onto the ground below, causing unsightly and unsanitary conditions for the hundreds of people who entered the building daily.

I inspected the problem and determined that pigeons spikes were the best answer. The concept is fairly simple - the birds are landing and roosting on the ledge. All I have to do is install some sort of deterrent to prevent them from landing and roosting. Several are available, from sticky glue to shock tracks, but the spikes are a popular, effective, and durable solution, so I opted for pigeon spikes. I used a 40 foot bucket lift in order to access these 3rd-story ledges, and installed two rows of spikes on each ledge to get full coverage.

Prior to installing the spikes, I cleaned off the debris and droppings with a scouring brush. I then glued the spikes to the concrete with a very powerful adhesive. I can't remember the brand name, but it was stronger than Liquid Nails. This keeps the spikes installed permanently. I could have used a large variety of pigeon spikes from a number of different manufacturers. Some are made of thin steel, but these are clear plastic. The strips come in different widths, including 3", 5", and 7" varieties. I had to cover a thick ledge, so I used two rows of 7" strips. I installed them, and the pigeon problem stopped immediately. Now the ledges are pigeon-free, and pigeon poop free, and the people in the building are happy. They used to be sad, very very sad, back when they had to deal with the dreadful pigeons.

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A recent study has ranked pigeons as the topmost bird pests in the USA. These birds are everywhere, from your rooftop to your workplace and even parks. It seems as though they have become your shadow. Most people want to get rid of these pests, but this has proven difficult, as the pigeon infestation is not just the problem of an individual house but of the city and state. You may never be able to get rid of pigeons totally, but you can exclude them from your house and property. You can do this by installing pigeon spikes on areas where pigeons usually perch and prevent them from roosting or nesting on your roof.

BENEFITS OF PIGEON SPIKES

They come with an installation manual, and you can install the spikes easily. Installing spikes saves you the stress of evicting pigeons as they will not perch or rest on your roof and, therefore, will not build their nest within your roof. All spikes are durable, and you can use them for an extended period. You can also use them on almost every type of material.

They are cost-effective and a one-time solution for a pigeon infestation. You will not have to spend money on pigeon removal or worry about the damage that the pigeons cause to structures, working, or residential environments.

You can place them on very tall structures and hard to reach areas.

Using pigeon spikes is a very humane way of eliminating pigeons because the spikes do not hurt the pigeons. They only prevent the pigeons from roosting and so this method is legal in virtually all states and cities.

You can hire a professional to install the spikes for you properly. The advantage of hiring a professional is that they have the professional skills and all the equipment that the spike installation will require. The expert will also be responsible for routinely checking the spikes and ensuring that they are functioning correctly. For a little cost, you enjoy the upscale and professional services of a professional.

HOW TO INSTALL PIGEON SPIKES YOURSELF

• You must clean out all the areas where you intend to put the spikes. These areas must be clean, free from bird feces and leaves or plant debris, and dry. You should also ensure that in areas like the roof gutters, there is no sand or dust because this will prevent the silicone from adhering to the surface.
• Squeeze the silicone glue unto the base of the spike and make it very thick, especially if you want to use the spike on an uneven surface.
• Place the spike base firmly on the roof or ledge surface and ensure that the glue seeps out of the little holes in between the spikes. You will be confident that you have firmly placed the spikes on the surface that way.
• You can use multiple rows of spikes on ledges or surfaces that are wide and make sure that the space you leave between the rows is narrow.