Bird Spikes: A Humane Choice for Bird Control

In this day and age, most everyone is concerned about the environment and the animals with which we share the planet. However, there will always be a need to control where animals go and to keep them from coming into contact with certain structures. Everyone likes for this to be done in a safe and humane way and this is where bird spikes come into the picture.

Certain birds, like pigeons, often choose to roost and nest on and around buildings. This is not only an annoyance for the person who own the building and those who use it, but it can also be dangerous to people’s health. A fungus called Histoplasmosis grows on bird droppings. In the course of cleaning the bird droppings from a building or grounds, the cleaner may breathe in the fungus, which can cause health problems. Now, instead of using traditional methods of controlling this problem, people can use bird pest control products such as bird spikes.

Bird spikes are devices which consist of small spikes that are mounted on a block or strip. The block or strip is then attached to a surface, such as a sign, roof, or window ledge, using nails or glue. The bird spikes are often made of either plastic or stainless steel and can be designed and marketed for particular species of bird, but they seem to be for all different kinds, as long as the spikes won’t support the weight of the bird or the bird can’t fit in between them. The spikes protrude outwardly to keep birds from being able to land and therefore, roost or nest on the building.

The bird control spikes are one of the most humane ways to keep birds off of buildings. In fact, bird spikes are recommended by many animal welfare organizations. This is a much better method than the use of avicides that are used to kill the birds. Aside from being inhumane, the chemicals used can get back in the groundwater, which could negatively affect humans and other animals. Another more cruel bird pest control option is to shoot and kill birds that cause damage to buildings or putting poison pellets out where birds eat to kill them.

We, as humans, love to watch wildlife, including birds and enjoy being in nature. Most of us want to protect animals and use humane bird control methods. This is why bird spikes work so wonderfully. They keep birds off of buildings and do it without harming or killing the birds. Bird spikes are better for people and birds.

Top Spots For Bird Spikes

There is a fine line between treating birds humanely and dealing with the unsightly messes they make and the damage they can do to homes, businesses, and other structures. This meeting of man and nature is what makes bird spikes so useful in deterring birds from cohabitating too closely with us humans. So where, and for what purpose, might someone need to install bird spikes?

Consider that you have birds nesting in your gutters. As first glance, this might not seem like much of a problem. It may even seem somewhat interesting to have a view into how they live, almost like a school science project. However, upon closer inspection you begin realize that their nests are blocking the flow of water to your downspout. Soon, water begins backing up inside the gutter, causing it to sag and pull away from the roof. Meanwhile, the overflow from the blockage is spilling over and accumulating beside your house or place of business, possibly causing interior and/or exterior water damage. Not a pretty picture is it? This could be the perfect opportunity to use a bird pest control product like bird spikes.

But what if it isn’t your gutters in which the birds are roosting or nesting. Roof peaks can be another favorite spot for birds to rest and recuperate. It is here that they can do damage to your roof, trim, and siding, as well as pulling at and destroying wiring and insulation to build their nests. This damage can be avoided however, with the use of bird spikes as a deterrent. While the birds are up there doing their business, they can also affect antennas, causing additional damage, creating costly repairs, and disrupting signals.

It isn’t always the damage done by birds though that can make areas potential candidates for bird spikes. Few things make for a bad day like being bombarded from above by bird droppings. Birds love to sit on girders, and while in some countries is good luck to be hit with bird droppings, it’s not something you want occurring frequently, and frankly, it can be embarrassing. Speaking of embarrassing, if you are a business owner, having your sign being obscured or important information related to your business being blotted out by bird droppings can be annoying and give the impression of neglect and unhygienic conditions.

However, what if the presence of birds is more of a nuisance than anything else? When birds choose your office ledge as their resting spot, the noise they create can cause loss of concentration and irritability. Even worse, if they decide to roost upon your bedroom windowsill, their early morning singing or cooing can result in loss of sleep. Not only this, but admit it, bird droppings can be embarrassing and give a bad impression. Whether on ledges, windows, or on your fence, their smears and splatters can diminish the overall curb appeal of your home or place of business, which can cost you customers and money, or if you are trying to sell your home, can turn off prospective buyers. By using bird strips though, you can avoid these types of situations in a humane and cost effective manner.

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