Bird Spike Installation | RayAccess, Inc. 

Proudly Serving Los Angeles, Orange County, and Surrounding Areas

RayAccess performs bird spike installation to protect people and buildings from bird infestation. Bird spikes are a humane solution to control birds without the use of pesticides. Bird spikes merely force birds to find a different nesting or roosting zone. 

Unlike most contractors in Los Angeles, RayAccess employs industrial rope access technicians to install bird spikes. This means we can safely access high areas with super-fast rigging. We remove the need to erect scaffolding or block traffic with a boom lift. Advantages of installing bird spikes via rope access include fewer disruptions, faster duration times, and less cost for you. 

Pigeons, seagulls, and crows love to find flat and narrow ledges for roosting. Soon you will have a number of problems that can easily be avoided. The easiest method of cleaning is prevention. Properly installed bird spikes are a simple and effective solution.

Bird spike installation on:

Pigeon Infestation Is Dangerous:

Commonly known for bird infestation, pigeons are the number one bird pest in the United States. Their bird dropping is especially hazardous. In fact, pigeon droppings transmit several diseases [1]. Dust from pigeon droppings can easily contaminate air conditioning units and be inhaled by people inside the home.

Getting rid of bird infestation does not have to be complicated. The simple idea of installing bird spikes is often the best remedy. Installing bird spikes or bird netting is crucial for a safe and healthy building.

How Do Bird Spikes Work:

Bird spikes are pre-assembled in strips to form a porcupine-like shape that is a bit bendy. Their objective is to painlessly block the bird’s feet from reaching the surface. This way birds can’t land comfortably and roost. Bird spikes may appear menacing but the spikes have blunted tips that just provide an uncomfortable nudge to their bottoms. In fact, bird spikes are recommended as a humane deterrent by Peta and the U.S. Humane Society [2].

Can You Install Anti-Bird Spikes Yourself?

It is essential to have the right equipment and experience when installing bird spikes. Do-it-yourselfers beware, falls from above one story can result in serious injury or even death.  According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, every year half a million people are treated for ladder related injuries including about 400 fatalities [3].

RayAccess technicians receive special training while using the complete spectrum of high access equipment. This includes extensive training using ladders, man lifts, suspended scaffolding, swing stages, and Industrial Rope Access.

Leave bird spike installation and tasks that require working above one story to contractors trained in fall protection. RayAccess also carries comprehensive insurance. There is no risk to the property manager or owner when RayAccess is hired for bird spike installation. 

Industrial Rope Access for Bird Spike Installation:

Industrial rope access is an access method used all over the world by contractors in construction, oil exploration, and the natural environment. Strict guidelines and protocols have been put in place by international regulating bodies that include IRATA & SPRAT.

Rope access technicians use top anchors and a two-line rope system to position themselves in hard-to-reach places. All equipment is routinely inspected and maintained by a competent person. Before each bird spike installation project, a detailed job safety analysis is required and implemented.

RayAccess employs a full team of certified industrial rope access technicians. Our industrial rope access team includes level I, level II, and level III technicians. Level III is the highest rating achieved for an industrial rope access technician.

Bird Spikes vs Bird Netting

Bird spikes and bird netting are commonly used bird deterrents to protect buildings from bird infestation. Depending on your building’s architecture and the type of birds you are dealing with, determines which deterrent you should install. Below, we will review a description of bird spikes, bird netting, and the major differences. After reading, you should be able to decide whether bird spikes or bird netting is the best deterrent for your property.

Bird spikes are installed to stand vertically. They are placed in rows, in areas where birds like to settle. The spikes should be longer than the bird’s legs, so they can’t comfortably rest on the spikes. Having that said, bird spikes perform best with larger birds. Small birds can find gaps to perch between the spikes, even using them as a foundation for nesting. Bird spikes come in different sizes. Short spikes placed with narrow gaps are used to deter pigeons, whereas long spikes placed with wide gaps are used to deter seagulls. Bird spikes are ideal for proofing ledges, parapet walls, rooflines, eaves, gutters, and windowsills.

Bird netting only works when installed in enclosed or semi-enclosed areas. Blocking entry points, bird netting can create entire bird free zones. Bird netting works with all birds, no matter their size. Bird spikes can have a menacing aesthetic whereas netting is more discreet.  

How To Install Bird Spikes:

It’s a 3-step process: evaluation, cleaning, and installation.

Evaluation:

We evaluate the site to help procure the best bird spikes for your property and bird situation. Depending on your needs, RayAccess will select the appropriate bird spike length and material (either stainless steel or plastic). Stainless steel and plastic have specific advantages. For example, plastic spikes are made of a strong polycarbonate material that can withstand hawks whereas stainless steel is less visible to the naked eye. The type of bird you are dealing with and your aesthetic requirements play a factor in which bird spike to use.  

Cleaning:

RayAccess performs a thorough sanitizing and removal of all bird waste. Our team is equipped with power washers and eco-friendly cleaning solutions.

Installation:

Proper bird spike installation requires that spikes hang over the front edge surface by ½”. Birds are smart and will find empty spaces to perch. The popular phrase, give an inch, take a mile definitely applies to birds. Our technicians will be sure to install bird spikes so there is no empty space for birds to roost.

Problems Bird Spikes Solve: 

Clogged Gutters:

Gutter sections are an ideal location for roosting and nesting. Sometimes nest remnants can clog your gutters and downspouts. 

Deterioration of Roof Beams:

If not cleaned quickly, bird droppings are known to eat away at surfaces. Given the height of roof beams, this building element is challenging to clean. Before you know it, roof beam deterioration occurs.   

Constant Cleaning:

Bird spikes eliminate the need for constant cleaning of bird droppings. Maintenance is limited to making sure the spikes don’t get covered with leaves. 

Scare People Away:

Although bird poop is known to be good luck, people tend to avoid this possibility. Going underneath birds that are roosting, can put you in jeopardy. 

Alternative Services:

• Bird Control Services
• Building Pressure Washing
• Building Painting
• Gutter Maintenance

The Ray Access Difference:

Safety:

Priority number one for us is safety. That’s why we advocate the use of industrial rope access for exterior building maintenance and bird spike installation.

Efficiency:

Our team is proficient at bird spike installation, in addition to pressure washing, exterior painting, and gutter maintenance. Instead of hiring multiple contractors, RayAccess is an efficient one-stop-shop for exterior building maintenance. 

Quality:

We guarantee a quality job when you hire RayAccess for bird spike installation. If there are any issues with our work we will return to your property and perform a makegood. RayAccess provides labor warranties and references who will support our candidacy. We also use a bird spike product that includes a manufacturer warranty of 5 to 10 years. 

References:

1. Medical News Today. Birds and their droppings can carry over 60 diseases: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/61646#1
2. Channel 4 WWL. PETA opposes city’s use of poison against pigeons: https://www.wwltv.com/article/news/local/orleans/peta-opposes-citys-use-of-poison-against-pigeons/289-153554062
3. American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. 500,000 falls from ladders annually: https://www.ishn.com/articles/106830-000-falls-from-ladders-annually-97-percent-occur-at-home-or-on-farms

RayAccess, Inc. is a bird spike installation contractor that proudly serves the following areas: Los Angeles County (including Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Hollywood, Downtown Los Angeles, Glendale, Santa Clarita, Burbank, Encino, San Fernando, Pasadena, Culver City, Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey, El Segundo, Long Beach, Redondo Beach, Torrance, City of Commerce).