Thursday, June 17, 2010

Plastic Bird Spikes for Big Pest Birds

by Alex A. Kecskes

Today's plastic bird spikes are a highly effective method of bird proofing your property against most large pest birds. The reason is simple: no matter how they try, birds just can't seem to get their wings or feet around the imposing-looking spikes to land. After a few unsuccessful attempts, birds just give up and move on. It's no wonder that plastic bird spikes have been widely recommended by building contractors, architects, and municipalities. They have also earned the approval of practically every humane group around the world--including the U.S. Humane Society and PICAS (Pigeon Control Advisory Service).

Because they are a humane bird proofing method, plastic bird spikes can be used to safely deter a wide range of birds. The spikes come in 3, 5 and 7-inch widths to discourage four of the most troublesome large pest birds.

Pesky Pigeons

These filthy birds often carry diseases in their droppings. And they can be very aggressive, going after pets and children for food. They often feed in flocks, devouring seeds, bread, vegetables, meat and almost any food discarded by humans. They roost together in buildings or on walls or statues. They can reach speeds of up to 50 mph and can out maneuver a predator hawk. Pigeons are also among the most intelligent birds on the planet. Plastic bird spikes have proven to be highly effective in keeping pigeons from roosting and nesting on ledges, parapets, rooftops and other structures.

Cantankerous Crows

Clever and highly aggressive, American crows have been known to attack people and drive riders off their bicycles. They establish tight-knit communities to help defend their area against predators or intruders. In the winter, crows roost in large flocks reaching up to 1,000 birds. They will build stick nests in virtually any lofty area they can find. Unless controlled by plastic bird spikes, crows will invade schools, hospitals, and a variety of urban and suburban structures. Crows live about 6 to 10 years and will lay three to six eggs, which are incubated for 18 days. Crows will eat anything from seeds, grains, and fruits to scavenged carcasses and small animals (which means, they can carry diseases).

Swooping Seagulls

The truth about seagulls is that many of these birds no longer live near water. Unless they are deterred by effective bird proofing measures, they will roost and nest in town centers, on industrial sites, supermarket roofs, and by power stations. Gulls have basically wised up and discovered the free and easy source of food in cities, suburbs and municipal dumps. Larger gulls are resourceful and highly intelligent birds, employing complex methods of communication and a highly developed social structure. Certain species can even use rudimentary tools. Many have been born and bred in cities, scavenging for food and becoming very aggressive, especially during breeding season. Gulls have been known to dive-bomb and strike builders and roof workers. In some cases, they will even snatch ice cream and fish-and-chips from a person's hands. One of the best ways to discourage their roosting and nesting is through the use of plastic bird spikes.

Troublesome Turkey Vultures

Turkey vultures are sizable birds with a wide 6-foot wingspans and a red, mostly bald head. They have a short, hooked bill, which is ideal for ripping apart carrion. Some turkey vultures can live up to 16 years. These birds primarily occupy the southern United States, Mexico, and South America. They can be found in subtropical forests, shrublands, deserts, foothills, pastures, grasslands, and wetlands. Without plastic bird spikes to control their nesting and roosting locales, the big birds will swoop down on lifeless animals to feast. They forage for food individually during the day, and return to a roost after dark. They have few natural predators. They make nests in building crevices, and they are protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Which is why humane plastic bird spikes are an ideal way to control them.

Plastic Bird Spikes are Non-Conductive

One of the major benefits of using plastic bird spikes is that, unlike steel bird spikes, they can safely be used near power lines, electrical switches, phone lines, transmission towers, junction boxes and electrical signs. And unlike their steel counterparts, they also won't interfere with EM transmissions, so you can use them near cell phone towers, airport towers, relay stations and other areas where high frequency transmissions are being generated.

Plastic Bird Spikes are Durable

Another advantage of plastic bird spikes is that they can be used in harsh weather conditions. Made of 100% post-industrial plastic materials, the spikes are made from discarded scrap plastic that's 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 extended periods in sunlight and bad weather. They are not affected by extreme temperatures, and they can deter pest birds in the face of +310 degrees F to -200 degrees. F.

Plastic Bird Spikes Blend Into Their Surroundings

This is one bird deterrent that does its job without being visually distracting. Today's plastic bird spikes are available in a full palette of colors to blend in with your building or sign. Plastic bird spike color choices now include white, tan, gray, black, brown, brick red and even crystal clear--to match virtually any structure's exterior décor.

Plastic Bird Spikes are Easy to Install

These spikes need no assembly. And one row of plastic bird spikes will cover a 7-inch wide area. The spiked strips come in two-foot sections and feature a flexible base, so they'll easily conform to any flat or curved area. To deter even the most stubborn pest bird, simply install the spikes with at least a 1/2-inch overhang on the outer edge of a ledge, roofline, windowsill, or similar landing. For areas wider than 7 inches, you can easily install multiple rows of spikes to ensure complete coverage. Each spike strip has pre-drilled holes along the base, allowing the strip to be glued, nailed, or screwed onto any surface.

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