How to Use and Install Plastic Bird Spikes

Plastic bird spikesare an effective pest bird-proofing tool for many property owners across the country and around the world. What makes them so effective is that, no matter how they try, large pest birds just can’t seem to get their wings or feet around them to land. After a few tries, birds just give up and move on. Plastic bird spikes are also more economical than steel spikes.

Where other means and products have failed, plastic bird spikes have succeeded in keeping pest birds from gathering and roosting on chimneys, ledges and signs. They have been equally effective in deterring pest birds from beams, parapets, security cameras and street light fixtures. In fact, these spikes have dissuaded birds from nesting in places once thought to be a haven for pest birds. It’s no surprise that plastic bird spikes have been widely recommended by building contractors, architects, and municipalities for their effectiveness in deterring pest birds.

One of the key benefits of using plastic bird spikes is that, unlike steel bird spikes, they are non-conductive, which means they can safely be used near power lines, electrical switches, phone lines, transmission towers, junction boxes and electrical signs. They also won’t interfere with radiated transmissions, so you can use them near cell phone towers, airport towers, relay stations and other areas where high frequency transmissions are being beamed into the air.

And like their stainless steel counterparts, plastic bird spikesare humane. Which means you can use them openly and freely to deter a wide range of birds–particularly, large birds like seagulls, which may be protected in some areas of the country. Beyond that, you’ll know that you’re using a bird deterrent that won’t harm any bird species–for your own peace of mind. The fact is that while plastic spikes look like they might impale anything that flies near them, appearances can be deceiving. The blunted plastic spikes won’t harm birds, pets or installation crews. This is one reason why plastic bird spikes have earned the approval of practically every humane group around the world–including the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service).

Another advantage that gives plastic bird spikes enormous flexibility is that they can be used in harsh weather conditions. This is because plastic bird spikes are extremely rugged. Made of 100% post-industrial plastic materials, the spikes are borne of discarded scrap plastic that is ground up and reformed into pellets. The pellets are used to create extremely strong eco-friendly bird repellent spikes. Each spike is U.V. protected to withstand long periods in sunlight and bad weather. They’re not affected by extreme temperatures, and they can deter pest birds in the face of +310 degrees F to -200 degrees. F.

For those concerned about bird spikes detracting from the appearance of their building or structure, plastic bird spikes will assuage their worries. The new generation of plastic bird spikes is available in a full spectrum of colors. Which means you can use them above signs, marquees, and other buildings where other bird control measures might pose a distraction. Plastic spike color choices now include white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and even crystal clear– to match a building’s exterior décor.

As mentioned earlier, plastic bird spikescan be used to deter a wide range of birds. The spikes come in 3-, 5- and 7-inch widths. Which means, if you’re being inundated by large birds like pigeons, crows, gulls, vultures or raptors, plastic spikes will save you from their onslaught.

Plastic bird spikes are easy to install and require virtually no maintenance. The spikes can be used as soon as you take them out of their packing container. There’s nothing to assemble. They are also very economical. One row of plastic spikes will cover an area 8-inches wide.

Before installing plastic bird spikes, thoroughly clean all surfaces using a 10 percent bleach or ammonia solution to disinfect the area. Remember to clear out all debris, overhanging branches, leaves, and nesting materials before disinfecting the area. Pest bird droppings and nests often carry infectious diseases, so be sure to wear gloves when cleaning out an area and use extreme care when removing any nests and droppings.

When installing the spikes, make sure you leave at least a 1/2-inch overhang on the outer edge of a ledge, roofline, windowsill, or similar landing. This will ensure that any pest bird that approaches the spike will not find a way around it. For areas wider than 8 inches, be sure to install multiple rows of plastic spikes to ensure complete coverage. Birds are pretty clever and will try to find a small area between the spikes to negotiate a landing.

For maximum ease of installation, the spiked strips come in two-foot sections and feature a flexible base. This allows them to easily conform to any flat or curved area you may have. Some plastic bird spikeseven have pre-drilled holes along the base, which will allow the strip to be glued or screwed onto any surface. While the plastic spikes normally come in two-foot sections, these can easily be cut down into smaller lengths if needed using tin snips, wire cutters, or a hacksaw.

When installing plastic bird spikeson conduits or curved surfaces, gutters or pipes, use common hose clamps, nylon ties or wire lashings. For large flat surfaces, install multiple rows of spikes. For high-perched surfaces, install spikes on either side of the perch. When installing plastic spikes on wood, use wood screws, make sure the ends are secured tightly, and place at least one screw every six inches. For concrete installations, use outdoor construction adhesive and run a bead line of adhesive down the underside of the spike. Silicone adhesives are not recommended.

Author: Alex A. Kecskes
Source: http://how-to-install-bird-spikes.com/2011/07/26/how-to-use-and-install-plastic-bird-spikes