Bird spikes are strips of upright rods, usually stainless steel or polycarbonate, fixed along a ledge so that larger birds cannot land on it comfortably. They are designed to deter, not injure. Spikes work well on narrow, linear surfaces where pigeons perch, such as window sills, parapets, signs, beams, gutters' edges and roof ridges. They do not seal a gap or stop birds getting into a space, which is the most common reason they disappoint.
Launceston Bird Proofing is a referral service. We do not sell or fit spikes, and we hold no trade licence. With your consent, we pass your enquiry to one independent Launceston-area business that installs bird deterrents. That business quotes and contracts with you directly.
What bird spikes are good for
- Window ledges and sills where pigeons sit and foul the glass and footpath below.
- Parapets and roof edges on commercial buildings in the Launceston CBD.
- Signs, lights, cameras and beams that pigeons use as perches.
- Ridge capping and chimney tops on houses.
- Balcony rails and air-conditioning units in apartments.
The common thread is a surface that a bird stands on. If birds are nesting inside a gap, under a solar array or in a roof void, spikes are the wrong tool.
Where spikes fail
Competitors across several cities point out the same limitations:
- Solar panels. Birds land beside the spikes and walk under the panels. A mesh skirt is the usual fix.
- Small birds. Starlings and sparrows are small enough to sit between spike rows, and may even build nests among them. Spikes are aimed mostly at pigeons and larger birds.
- Wide ledges. A spike strip that does not cover the full width leaves a landing strip beside it. Wider surfaces need multiple rows or a different product.
- Open voids. Birds roosting in a carport or dock roof need netting.
- Gaps into roofs. Birds entering a roof through eaves, tiles or gutters need sealing at the entry point.
Forum discussions about spikes on Whirlpool and Reddit include many people who bought spikes for a balcony or roof and found the birds simply moved a metre along. In most cases, the spikes were treating the wrong problem.
How spikes are installed
The process that mainland installers describe is straightforward but depends on preparation:
- Clean the surface. Droppings and old nesting material are removed, and the surface is cleaned so adhesive bonds properly.
- Choose the strip. Spike width and pin length are matched to the ledge and the bird.
- Fix the strips. Spikes are bonded with outdoor adhesive, screwed, or cable-tied to rails. In windy, exposed spots, mechanical fixings may be added.
- Cover the whole landing area. Gaps between strips or at corners give birds somewhere to stand.
On heritage facades, ask how the fixing can be done without damaging stone or brick, and whether the strips can later be removed cleanly.
Stainless steel or plastic?
Stainless steel spikes on a polycarbonate base are the common choice for long-term outdoor use. Competitors quote lifespans of 10 years or more for quality stainless products. All-plastic spikes are cheaper and less visible in some situations, but tend to degrade faster in sunlight. Blunt-tipped spikes are designed not to pierce a bird; they make the surface awkward rather than painful.
Other ledge deterrents
Spikes are one of several products for the same job. Competitor sites list:
- Post-and-wire. Thin, tensioned wires on small posts just above a ledge. Birds cannot get a stable footing. It is less visible than spikes, which makes it popular on heritage and street-facing buildings.
- Optical or bird gel. Shallow dishes or a sticky gel that birds dislike. It is discreet but needs reapplication every few years, and loose gel products can foul birds' feathers if they are the wrong type.
- Electric shock track. A low-voltage strip that gives birds a mild shock when they land. It is used on high-value or sensitive commercial facades and needs a power supply and maintenance.
- Visual or sound scarers. Reflective devices, decoy predators, lasers and sound units. Most residents and many businesses report that birds get used to them, so they are best seen as a supplement to physical proofing.
Native birds and spikes
Spikes are a deterrent, so they do not usually raise a legal issue when fitted before birds settle. In Tasmania, however, native birds and their nests are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 2002. If a native bird is already nesting on a ledge, wait until it has finished breeding before fitting anything. Welcome swallows are a common example on Launceston homes. They build mud nests under eaves and verandas, and spikes are not an effective way to stop swallows anyway. See Tasmanian bird laws.
Poorly installed spikes can occasionally trap a bird's foot or wing. Ask the installer how it avoids this, especially where spikes are fitted near gutters or in tight corners.
What it may cost
A Brisbane pest firm publishes spike installation from $480 for up to 10 linear metres on a residential ledge. Optical gel is listed from $280 for a similar length, with reapplication every one to three years. Launceston prices may differ, and height and access usually matter more than the product itself. A ground-floor sill is a short job, while a three-storey parapet needs an elevated platform. Ask for a quote listing each ledge, its length and the method.
Frequently asked questions
Do bird spikes hurt birds?
Spikes designed for bird control have blunt tips and are meant to stop landing rather than injure. Problems arise mainly when strips are badly placed and a bird gets caught between them.
Do bird spikes work on starlings and sparrows?
Not reliably. Small birds can perch between pins and sometimes nest among the spikes. For those species, sealing entry points or using netting works better.
Can I install bird spikes myself?
On a low, safe ledge you can fit spikes from a hardware store. The key is to clean the surface first and cover the entire landing area. Anything at height is a job for someone with proper access equipment and insurance.
Why are pigeons still landing next to the spikes?
Usually because part of the ledge, a corner or a nearby surface is still untreated. Pigeons move to the nearest available spot, so the whole roost area needs treating.
Are spikes a good idea for my solar panels?
Generally no. Spikes do not close the space under an array, and birds walk around them. A clipped mesh skirt around the panels is the method most installers recommend.
Next step
Tell us which ledges or surfaces birds are using, how high they are, and which birds you see. With your consent, we pass your enquiry to one independent business in the Launceston area that fits spikes and other deterrents. Make an enquiry or read how it works.