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Pigeon Spikes…They Just Can't Land
You've heard people talking about them. Maybe even seen them on tops of signs and rooftops. And you've probably told yourself, "If my pigeon problem gets any worse, I'll have to invest in them." Yes, the ubiquitous Pigeon Spike has always been on the back of your mind. Friend to all those who have suffered from the invasion of the number one pest bird; Foe to the squatting, pooping, nesting pigeon. Now the time has come. You've had it with the cleanup expense, the noise and nests, you've had it with these feathered pests. And you're crying fowl! Give me my pigeon spikes!
You're Not Alone
Pigeons love to land on roof ledges, windowsills, building projections, signs, statues, trusses and beams. So troublesome have been pigeon infestations in many cities that officials have resorted to some draconian methods of control. To reduce Hollywood's estimated 5,000 pigeon population, California considered putting OvoControl P, which interferes with egg development, in bird food in new rooftop feeders. In Venice, exploding pigeon populations have prompted the city to consider a ban on the throwing of rice, a tradition at many weddings.
With their life span of 15 years, pigeons have become a major nuisance around parks and playgrounds, leaving disease carrying poop on swings, slides, jungle jims, benches--all the places kids touch and then eat snacks with pigeon poop hands. In general, bird droppings have been known to carry and transmit any of 60 known diseases. For example, they can carry bacteria causing Salmonellosis and Ornithosis, which resembles viral pneumonia. To make matters worse, pigeon droppings and their nesting materials contain insects and mites. It's no wonder the pigeon spike has become so popular.
Pigeons have also caused a number of problems for boat owners and boat docking facilities, pooping and nesting on canvas covers, sails, outboard engines, rigging and masts. Pigeon poop has clogged many a rotating radar antenna. And who hasn't fallen on wet pigeon poop while climbing in and out of a boat?
For restaurant owners, pest pigeons have been a constant source of aggravation and expense. The offensive odors pigeons create can be enough to dissuade any customer from visiting a restaurant, in particular, one that offers outdoor service. (Nothing is a bigger turn off than a fast food restaurant whose sign is dripping with dried pigeon poop.) For property owners like these, the pigeon spike has become a mainstay.
If you're the facilities manager of a commercial building, you probably write the yearly checks to clean up pigeon poop damage. You know that the high concentration of uric acid found in pigeon droppings can ruin wood, paint, metal, even crumble concrete and stonework. In most cases, you have to pay high rates to guys with boom lifts and steam hoses to blast off the unsightly mess left by your dear friend, mister pigeon. Every year, pigeon-related damage runs over a $1 billion. If only more managers know about the pigeon spike and how effective it can be.
The Pigeon Spike…Defined
Ah, the noble pigeon spike. Simple. Surprisingly effective. The physical pest bird deterrent that convinces pigeons not to land. Widely used around the globe, the spike has kept pigeons of all types and sizes from roosting on structures new and old. Sold in strips of spikes, they're the prefect solution for boat docks and rooftops, parapet walls, I-beams--any flat surface where pigeons dare to close wing and claw.
Splayed out like the back of a porcupine, the long spikes can appear pretty menacing to a pigeon looking for a landing spot. But the long spikes are harmless to pigeons and other birds. And nowadays, you even have a choice of spikes. You can get either stainless steel spikes, which are very durable and useful in areas where conductivity is not a problem. Or you can opt for rigid unbreakable polycarbonate spikes--less expensive, but still highly durable and effective. You also get a choice of spike strip lengths, which usually come in 3”, 5” and 8” widths and two-foot sections. Pigeon spikes have become so effective that architects, contractors and government agencies have recommended them. Another thing about the spike strip: it's permanent and unobtrusive as a building fixture.
Using the Pigeon Spike
Pigeon spikes are usually attached to street lighting, building ledges and commercial signage to keep feral pigeons from perching or roosting. They are practically invisible when installed properly. Before mounting the spikes, clear the area of obstructions and pigeon droppings. Some pigeon spikes come with a special glue or silicone. Apply this to the base of the spike and press down hard to ensure a snug seal. When installing the spikes, be sure to seal out any gaps, holes or cavities to prevent pigeons from sneaking around them. For wide ledges, you may need three or more rows of spikes. For small ledges or sections of pipe, use small sections of spikes to seal off these areas. Got a curved surface? No problem. You can get spike strips with a flexible base for hassle-free installation.
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