Bird Spike Installation for Gutters
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Should I Install Bird Spikes?
Are bird spikes a good or bad idea? The truth is... both can be true!
If your feathery foes have been tap dancing on your roof, dropping nasties on your patio and windows and blocking your gutters, then installing bird spikes may be one of the best decisions you make this year!
Will it definitely work? Not always. If they’re landing directly on your gutters, spikes are brilliant. If they prefer another part of your roof, they might just shuffle along a bit and carry on with business as usual.
The good news is birds love to perch on the edges of buildings – it’s easier for take-off, they’ve got a clear view of predators, and they can see who forgot to tie up their bin bags. That’s why gutters are prime real estate for pigeons.
It is always good to observe the pigeons favourite spots to perch, so when it is time to install the spikes there are no spots missed. You can also check the RSPB’s bird deterrent tips for a second opinion.
Pros and Cons of Bird Spikes
- They work. If installed properly, your gutters will suddenly look far less inviting than your neighbour’s.
- Affordable and easy to get hold of. You’ll find them at most builder’s merchants.
- Lightweight and barely noticeable – certainly less ugly than a gang of pigeons making themselves at home.
- Gutter cleaning does become trickier once spikes are fitted. But if your gutters are full of bird mess anyway, the trade-off might be worth it.
- Birds like heights, which means fitting spikes often means ladders, tools, and a head for heights. If that’s not your thing, best leave it to the pros (see HSE ladder safety advice).
- Birds are sneaky. They may simply move to another bit of your roof if you don’t think ahead about other hot spots.
So Do I Install The Bird Spikes or Not?
If birds are giving you grief, spikes are a solid first move. Worst-case scenario, they don’t solve 100% of the problem – but they’re not going to empty your wallet either.
The main drawback is that gutter cleaning becomes more fiddly. The good news? We’re kind of experts at that.
And here’s the kicker: if spikes keep the birds away for a year or so, they are less likely to return even if you eventually remove the spikes. Result.
Product tip: We like PEST-STOP spikes. They’re decent value, easy to install, and you can grab them from your local builders merchants. Clips are handy if you’re attaching directly to gutters, otherwise a blob of strong clear silicone usually does the job.
Final Thoughts
If you’re sick of cleaning up after pigeons, spikes could be just the fix you need. And if you’d rather not get on a ladder, our Pow Wash team can install spikes, clean out your gutters, and finish off with some pressure washing so your place looks spotless again.
We cover London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, and Stoke-on-Trent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Bird spikes are around £5 per meter, and packs plus clips normally start around £30
Bird spikes are not always the answer, though generally very effective. They are a great first port of call
Yes, and many people do, but the reason many people have this professionally done is because bird spikes almost always pose a "Working at heights risk"
Yes bird spikes are legal, they are considered a humane deterrent and it is not an act intended to harm wildlife