The Comprehensive Guide to Bird Control Solutions : Bird Spikes or Bird Deflectors ?

Residential, commercial, and industrial buildings are facing an increasing problem related to birds. Despite how beautiful birds in nature are, their presence on buildings leads to many issues:

• Damage to roofs and facades due to acidic droppings
• Clogging of gutters and sewage systems
• Health risks due to diseases transmitted through bird droppings
• Negative impact on the overall appearance of the building
• Increased maintenance and cleaning costs

Bird control company

For this reason, professional bird control solutions have become an essential necessity for any building seeking to maintain its cleanliness, safety, and the health of its users. Bash Services offers comprehensive solutions including bird spikes and bird deflectors , all available in stock and ready for supply and installation under full engineering supervision to ensure maximum effectiveness and safety.

Understanding bird behavior and its impact on buildings

Why are birds attracted to buildings?

Birds are always looking for:

• High and safe places to perch or nest
• Areas that provide surveillance from predators
• Warm places or those protected from wind and rain
• Areas that contain food sources
• Open roofs or windows that provide comfort

Therefore, many buildings become a bird attraction, especially:

• High-rise buildings
• Flat roofs
• Metal structures
• Areas close to gardens or trees
• Roofs that have cavities or edges

Bird behavior and its impact on buildings

Birds are not limited to just standing; they also try to build nests, leave droppings, and breed in the area. This behavior leads to the accumulation of waste and dirt, clogged gutters, damage to electrical installations, and an increased likelihood of disease spread.

Bird spikes

Bird and pigeon control solutions

Bird spikes

What are bird spikes ?

Bird spikes are among the most common and effective bird control systems in residential, commercial, and industrial environments, designed specifically to prevent birds from perching, roosting, or nesting on various surfaces without causing them any physical harm. This solution relies on a simple yet effective principle, which is to create an uncomfortable landing surface, prompting birds to seek alternative locations away from the treated area.

The bird spike system consists of sharp wires made of stainless steel, a high-quality material known for its resistance to rust, corrosion, and harsh weather conditions such as direct sunlight, rain, and high humidity. These wires are securely fixed into bases or posts that are also made of stainless steel or durable polymer materials, ensuring long-term stability of the system without the need for frequent maintenance.

Bird spikes are primarily used on architectural edges such as:

Roof edges, cornices, balconies, window ledges, outdoor air conditioners, billboards, barns, metal beams, light poles, and awnings. They are particularly effective in locations that suffer from large gatherings of birds such as pigeons, seagulls, starlings, and crows.

One of the main advantages of bird spikes is that they provide a permanent and long-term solution compared to temporary deterrents, as they prevent birds from returning to the same spot after installation. They also do not rely on power sources, nor do they emit any sounds or flashes of light, making them suitable for use in sensitive areas such as hospitals, administrative buildings, schools, and hotels.

Although bird spikes are considered one of the most effective solutions, some clients may hesitate to use them due to their potential impact on the aesthetic appearance of the building, especially in modern architectural facades or aesthetically sensitive locations. This is where technical expertise in installation comes into play, as Bash Services team carefully studies the site to determine the best installation locations that achieve the highest effectiveness with the least possible visual impact.

Technician team at Bash Services relies on professional installation techniques that allow for the placement of spikes in invisible or hidden areas as much as possible, such as behind edges or in high corners. Additionally, there is the option to choose the colors of the spikes or bases to match the color of the surface or background, which helps to visually integrate the system with the building and significantly reduce the visibility of the spikes.

The appropriate type of spikes is also selected based on several factors, including the type of birds prevalent in the area, the surface area, the nature of use (residential, commercial, or industrial), and the level of infestation. There are high-density spikes designed for larger birds and others with lower density suitable for smaller birds, ensuring the best results without excess or waste of materials.

It is important to note that improperly installed bird spikes may reduce their effectiveness or lead to counterproductive results, as birds may find enough space to perch between them. Therefore, enlisting a specialized team like Bash Services ensures installation according to the correct standards and at calculated angles that prevent birds from adapting to or circumventing the system.

Bash Services provides bird spike solutions as part of a comprehensive bird management system, which can be integrated with other means such as bird deflectors, spikes, nets, or sound deterrent systems, to achieve the highest level of protection and maintain the cleanliness and safety of buildings in the long term.

Types of bird spikes at Bash Services

Spikes with Metal Base

• • Strong and weather-resistant
  • Suitable for large industrial and commercial surfaces
  • Effective against large birds such as pigeons and crows

Spikes with Polycarbonate Base

• • Lighter and more flexible

  • Suitable for residential surfaces and decor
  • Less visually intrusive

When to use bird spikes ?

Bird spikes are considered the optimal solution in cases where the goal is to prevent birds from perching or nesting on specific and vital points in buildings or facilities. The decision to use them depends on the type of building, the density of birds, and the area to be protected. Below are the main cases in which the use of spikes is recommended:

1.  Residential buildings

• When there are balconies or small surfaces where birds gather continuously
• On the edges of windows and doors to prevent birds from perching or nesting
• Around air conditioning units and outdoor ACs to avoid the accumulation of droppings and dirt
• On canopies and garden fences to maintain a clean appearance and prevent disturbing residents

2.  Commercial buildings

• On facades and cornices to prevent birds from ruining the aesthetic appearance
• Around open balconies and entrances that visitors pass through
• On billboards and canopies to prevent birds from damaging or soiling them

3.  Hangars and industrial warehouses

• On metal structures and beams to prevent perching or nesting
• Around the roofs of warehouses and factories to reduce the risk of droppings accumulating on equipment or products
• When there are high points exposed to large birds like pigeons or crows

4.  Sensitive buildings and facilities

• Hospitals, schools, universities, government facilities
• Tourist sites, museums, and historical places
• To reduce health risks resulting from bird droppings and protect visitors

5.  Ideal cases for using spikes

• When the infestation is low to moderate for birds, where it is sufficient to prevent them from perching on specific points
• In places that require a permanent and long-term solution without the need for frequent maintenance
• If the area has specific and clear landing points that can be protected with spikes

⚠️ When should you avoid the spikes?

• In very large and open spaces where there are no defined edges, as they will not prevent birds from flying over the surface
• In agricultural lands or open green spaces
• When a long-range visual solution is needed, here visual reflectors or rotating systems are used

Amount of usage

• It depends on the length of the edge or area to be protected
• Typically one row for every 5–10 cm depending on the size and density of the birds
• Metal spikes for large birds are placed closer together for better coverage.
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Bird deflectors

Bird Deflectors

What are bird deflectors ?

A mobile reflective device featuring shiny cups that reflect light as they spin with the wind, creating a strong and disturbing visual effect for birds. Bird reflectors create a multi-effect visual deterrent, where sunlight interacts with continuous movement to generate changing light flashes that confuse birds and make them feel unsafe. This unexpected light glare forms an effective visual barrier that drives birds away from the area in search of safer places.

Types of bird deflectors at Bash Services

1- Bird Breezer

A rotating reflective device that operates automatically based on wind movement, specifically designed to help keep birds away in a quiet and non-disruptive manner. The device relies on reflective cups that generate soft and balanced light flashes spreading in multiple directions, creating a visual effect that confuses birds without disturbing nearby residents.

The Bird Breezer is an ideal choice for surfaces, small spaces, and gardens, especially in residential areas close to neighbors or places where the use of systems with strong flashing or sharp visual effects is not recommended.

The device consists of four reflective cups made of high-quality metallic ABS material, mounted on a sturdy double-bearing system that ensures smooth and stable movement, with high sensitivity to the slightest wind movement, giving it continuous operational efficiency and a long lifespan.

The device's effectiveness increases when installed in areas directly exposed to sunlight, requiring only a light breeze to start spinning. It provides a coverage range that is approximately half that of larger rotating repellers like the Pro-Peller, with an effective range of about 7–8 meters (25 feet).

2- Pro-Peller

The Pro-Peller device consists of two main wings equipped with large reflective angles, designed to produce strong and visible light flashes from long distances, along with additional reflective cups that ensure the spread of the flash in all directions. This design provides a variable and confusing visual effect for birds, prompting them to stay away from the protected area before attempting to land.

The device relies on a high-efficiency dual bearing system that ensures smooth and stable rotation, and the wings are designed to start rotating with the slightest wind movement, ensuring continuous performance in various weather conditions. The Pro-Peller operates entirely on wind energy, without the need for any electrical source, making it a practical, economical, and easy-to-operate solution.

The device is an ideal choice for use in open spaces such as large rooftops, gardens, farms, and commercial areas, where it is characterized by easy installation and low maintenance requirements. The wings are made of high-durability ABS plastic, while the mounting base is made of fiberglass-reinforced nylon to ensure strength and stability over the long term.

The Pro-Peller works to deter birds by reflecting moving light beams at multiple angles resulting from the device's rotation, which reduces the presence of birds during daylight hours. The device is used as an effective deterrent for incoming birds, but it is not relied upon to deal with nesting or resident birds in permanent roosting places.

Recommendations for achieving optimal performance:

• Use additional solutions to deter birds in their preferred nesting and roosting areas to prevent returning to the site
• Remove or cover any exposed food sources that may attract birds
• Clean the deflector once every 3 to 4 months using water and soap specifically designed for deflectors to maintain reflection efficiency

The Pro-Peller can be used independently in small spaces such as homes, gardens, and farms, and it is also an effective part of an integrated bird control system in larger locations. The device covers an effective range equivalent to approximately 50% of the range of the Eagle Eye device, with an effective range of about 15 meters (50 feet).

3- The Eagle Eye

The Eagle Eye™ device is one of the most effective bird deterrent systems, providing a humane and safe solution to keep birds away without causing them any harm, by encouraging them to leave the site and seek alternative, safer environments. The device relies on the principle of visual deterrence, generating reflective light flashes at multiple and different angles due to its continuous rotating motion, creating a strong visual disturbance that prevents birds from approaching or flying near the protected area.

Eagle Eye™ is successfully used in a wide range of sensitive and large locations, such as food industry facilities, hospitals, government buildings, tourist facilities, golf areas, green spaces, in addition to agricultural and horticultural crops and other facilities that require effective and long-term solutions to reduce bird presence.

To ensure the highest level of performance and effectiveness of the Eagle Eye™ system, it is recommended to follow a set of supporting procedures before and during installation and operation, the most important of which are:

• Installing bird deterrents in their preferred nesting and roosting areas to reduce the likelihood of their return to the site
• Remove or cover exposed and easily accessible food sources that may attract birds
• Ensure that the device is installed in an open location that guarantees direct exposure to wind movement and sunlight

Eagle Eye™ system effectively contributes to keeping birds away from the surrounding area after addressing the main attractants, and it is considered a complementary and essential tool within an integrated system of bird control solutions and techniques used by specialists to direct birds away from affected sites and prevent their long-term settlement.

The range of influence: The effect of a single unit reaches approximately 30 meters, making it suitable for efficiently covering large and open areas.

When should bird deflectors be used?

Bird deflectors are an ideal solution for reducing bird presence in wide and open spaces, as they work to keep birds away before they reach the building or protected area, using a disturbing visual effect based on light reflection and movement. Its use differs from spikes, as it does not prevent landing on specific points but creates a visual barrier that fundamentally prevents birds from approaching.

1. Large open spaces

• The wide surfaces of commercial and industrial buildings
• Sheds and warehouses
• Stadiums and sports areas
• Large yards and open areas

In these cases, spikes alone are not enough, as birds can fly over the surfaces, while reflectors prevent approaching the surfaces before landing.

2. Coastal areas

• Seabirds such as gulls and small penguins gather in large numbers.
• Visible reflectors prevent birds from being present on surfaces and facilities near beaches and ports.

3. High-rise buildings or elevated structures

• Buildings that have large roofs or open ceilings.
• Offices and high commercial complexes.
• Here, it is recommended to use deflectors with spikes on the edges for comprehensive protection. 

4. In the case of severe bird infestation

• If birds are numerous and frequently visit the area, it is preferable to use deflectors to reduce proximity, with the possibility of installing spikes at critical points to guarantee the result.
• Deflectors reduce bird congregation on surfaces before attempting to land.

5. Cases where using deflectors alone is preferred

• Large areas where there are no defined landing points.
• Places where it is difficult to install spikes at very high elevations.
• Locations that require gentle and effective visual deterrence without affecting the aesthetic appearance of the building.

Important notes:

• Deflectors do not prevent nesting or already settled birds, so it is recommended to combine deflectors with other bird control systems such as spikes or nets.
• The best performance is achieved when deflectors are installed in the direction of sunlight and wind movement so that they continuously reflect light and cover the entire area.

Amount of use.

• Depends on the size of the surface and the density of the birds.
• Typically distributed every 50–100 cm to ensure birds see the system.
• In large hangars or open roofs, several rows may be needed.

The main difference between spikes and bird deflectors

Item	Spikes	Deflectors
Mechanism of action.	Prevent landing on specific points.	Visual deterrence before approaching.
Recommended area.	Small areas and edges.	Large open spaces.
Target birds.	Small to large.	Small to large to marine.
Ease of installation.	Average.	Difficult, requires lifts or ropes for heights
Maintenance	Simple	Medium
Effectiveness	High at critical points	High in large areas
Cost	Relatively low	Higher

When do we combine between spikes and deflectors ?

In many cases, using only spikes or only reflectors may not be sufficient to achieve the best protection against birds. Combining both systems provides a comprehensive solution that combines mechanical strength to limit landing and visual deterrence to prevent approach.

1- High-rise buildings or elevated structures

• Wide surfaces and complex structures are not sufficient with spikes alone, as birds can fly over them and land elsewhere.
• Installing spikes on edges and poles protects critical points, while reflectors cover exposed areas and prevent birds from approaching.

2- Commercial and industrial buildings

• Hangars, warehouses, and factories often have large open spaces and high elevations.
• Combining spikes and reflectors prevents birds from landing and reduces overall presence around the building, protecting equipment, products, and worker health.

3- Coastal areas

• Large seabirds like gulls gather in large numbers and may find it difficult to avoid mechanical obstacles alone.
• Spikes prevent birds from perching on specific points, while reflectors visually block them and completely prevent approach to the area.

4- Huge residential buildings or buildings that contain a lot of balconies

• Multi-balcony buildings or large villas that have gardens and open roofs.

• Spikes can be installed on balconies and roof edges, while reflectors cover large exposed areas to provide comprehensive protection for the area.

5- In case of a severe bird infestation

• In locations where bird visits occur daily or in large numbers, combining both systems achieves the highest level of control.
• Spikes prevent landing on critical points, and deflectors essentially prevent birds from approaching, which reduces the chances of nesting or permanent presence.

Professional installation tips

• Installation under engineering supervision and first identifying critical points for spikes installation, such as edges and columns and on top of surfaces.
• Installing deflectors in open and wide areas to ensure birds see the system before attempting to approach.
• Using lifts or rope access systems for high areas.
• Installing spikes tightly to avoid gaps.
• Deflectors must be visible to birds from all angles and based on wind direction and sunlight.

Periodic maintenance

• Cleaning bird spikes from dirt and debris.
• Checking the movement of the deflectors and ensuring the installation is safe and functioning properly.
• Reinstalling any damaged part.
• Scheduling maintenance semi-annually or annually based on bird activity.

Why do random solutions to bird control fail?

Many building owners go for temporary or random solutions to control birds, but birds are naturally smart and quick to adapt, often returning in a short period.

Common mistakes include:

• Installing spikes and leaving spaces / gaps between each piece of spikes, allows birds to stand between them.
• Using deflectors that are invisible to birds or fixed without movement.
• Installing deflectors in a way that buildings block sunlight from them.
• Relying on solutions not designed for long-term outdoor use.
• Ignoring bird behavior and actual landing points.

The main difference between random solutions and professional solutions is that the professional solution relies on site study, type of birds, extent of infestation, and building characteristics, rather than just randomly installing a single product.

Contact a bird control company

In the world of bird control, there is no one-size-fits-all solution, as the choice of the appropriate method depends on the type of birds, the area size, the building design, and the level of infestation. Bird spikes provide strong mechanical protection for critical points, while deflectors offer effective visual repulsion for open and wide spaces. Combining both systems provides comprehensive and long-lasting protection, reduces the need for continuous intervention, and maintains the aesthetic appearance of the building and the health of its residents or workers.

Choosing the right solution and installing it professionally under the supervision of a specialized team, such as Bash Services, ensures achieving the best results effectively and safely. By combining engineering expertise and modern technologies, any residential, commercial, or industrial building can protect itself from the damages and risks caused by birds, ensuring a clean, healthy, and safe environment for everyone.

Adopting integrated bird control solutions is not just a matter of protecting the building, but it is a long-term investment in the comfort of residents, the safety of employees, and the overall aesthetics of the place. Whether you are facing a problem with small birds on residential balconies or large gatherings in expansive industrial structures, spikes and deterrents provide you with the right tools to maintain a clean and healthy environment efficiently.