Not sure what Defender® Bird Spikes to buy?

How to get birds off my TV aerial or satellite dish

One of the highest perching points on the roof is the TV aerial or satellite dish; they are perfect for birds to survey the surrounding areas. Of course, having birds and pigeons land and take off from these every day will eventually move the aerial and disrupt the signal to your television. Heavier birds, such as seagulls, can even damage them, which is not ideal considering the cost of replacement and access.

Aerials and satellite dishes come in many shapes and sizes, and it can be tricky to see exactly what is needed from the ground. We have created the Defender® Aerial Pack specifically for this issue. There are two different pack sizes which include Defender® Plastic Wide Bird Spike and three different types of fixings which can be used individually or in conjunction with each other. Take a more in-depth look at the Defender® TV Aerial Pack and pick the right size for you.

How to stop pigeons nesting under solar panels

Once a pigeon has discovered a roof which offers the best perch and views, it will inevitably look around for a place to nest, which is close by. Solar panels provide the perfect nesting place. Consider the pigeon's point of view – solar panels provide a high-up area close to the daytime perch. The panels offer great cover from the elements, the perfect place to bring up a new family!

Bear in mind that pigeons can lay up to 6 clutches of eggs a year, so over time, the build-up of nesting material can be immense under the panels; couple this with the mess and damage that pigeon guano can cause to the surface of the solar panel means excluding pigeons from solar panels in the first place is the ideal scenario. Read all about the Defender® Solar Panel Bird Excluders and how easy they are to install.

How to stop birds perching on the apex of a roof

Seagulls and Pigeons often stand at the apex of the roof's edge. Naturally, birds do not like to stand in their guano, so they will stand with their tails over the roof's edge to poo. Seagulls will defecate just before landing to avoid causing mess directly beneath their feet. Both these situations cause the wall and path or garden below the apex to become covered in bird guano quickly.

Bird poo can be slippery and unhygienic, but it can be solved by installing Defender® Bird Spikes along the edge of the apex. If seagulls are the issue, simply silicone Defender® Seagull Spikes to the tiles. If pigeons are causing the problems, we would recommend either the Defender® Wide Plastic Pigeon Spikes or the Defender® Wide Stainless Steel Bird Spikes. Both versions work equally well; the difference is in aesthetics and cost. Trade prefers the stainless steel version as it has a longer warranty.

How to get rid of pigeons or seagulls from the roof ridge

The roof ridge is the most popular place for pigeons or seagulls to congregate. It offers a stable base from which the birds have uninterrupted views of the surrounding area. A popular roof ridge tile is the angled ridge which is pointed at the top. An easy option to bird-proof these tiles is to use the Defender® Roof Ridge Bird Spikes. These have a specially designed angled base that fits over the tile's point and includes stainless steel pins long enough to deter both seagulls and pigeons.

Another shape that roof ridge tiles come in is the half-round ridge tile. The most suitable type of spike for pigeons in this situation is the Defender® Extra Wide Pigeon Plex Spike. For seagulls, the Defender® Seagull Spikes is ideal. Both are siliconed into position along the top of the tile.

How to keep pigeons off your flat roof

For flat roofs, for example, above a dorma window or extension, the Defender® Bird Post and Wire Holders are the perfect system. It can cover large areas and doesn’t involve any complicated drilling or measuring. The strips have pre-inserted variable posts, and they are siliconed into position before wiring them together. They come in convenient pack sizes with all the tools needed to install.

How to stop pigeons nesting in gutters

Birds love to stand in the gutter, a safe place to view the world. However, over time the gutters will block with bird guano, nesting materials and even feathers. A very simple solution is the Defender® Gutter Spikes. This all-plastic spike comes with integral clips that clip over the leading edge of the gutter or hopper, stopping birds from perching, nesting or roosting whilst allowing water to flow underneath. They can even be clipped on and off for ease of gutter cleaning.

How to stop seagull and pigeons sitting on chimneys

As the highest point on the roof, chimneys are ideal for seagulls and pigeons to sit during the day. The shape of an open chimney is perfect for a seagull to build a nest in but is not ideal for the house owner as nesting materials can fall down the chimney, as can unfortunate chicks. The best way to prevent this on an open chimney is to install a Defender® Chimney Pot Spike Strap which clips around the top.

Birds also like to stand on capped chimney pots. The cowls provide a great flat surface for the birds to perch on. These can be proofed using standard bird spikes siliconed into position on the top of the cap. We would recommend either the Defender® Seagull Spikes or the Defender® Thistle. These Defender® Bird Spikes are also ideal for protecting the flatter areas around the chimney breast.

How to stop pigeons accessing cavities & holes

Pigeons and small birds will be drawn to cavities to make a cosy nest. They offer a safe hideaway from predators, protection from the elements and a high vantage point for tracking down food sources. Defender® Bird Spikes will stop pigeons sitting on a ledge; however, if there is a hole or cavity behind the ledge, pigeons will inevitably force their way past the spikes. Every effort should be made to block the cavity, ensuring no bird is trapped behind.

Once the hole is blocked, the remaining ledge can be protected by a variety of Defender® Bird Spikes, but for a high-use area and potential nesting site, we would recommend covering the ledge with Defender® Thistle.

How do I stop pigeons sitting on my opening windows sill

If a pigeon chooses your windowsill to make a nest or daytime perching spot and your window opens outwards, you may feel stumped on how to solve the issue. Anything installed on the ledge would inhibit the opening window. Defender® Bird Spikes has invented the Defender® Opening Window Spikes, a purpose-built spike that has attaches to the opening window frame. This holds the spike in the perfect position above the sill when the window is closed and means that the spikes move with it when you open your window.

How to keep birds out of guttering hoppers

Hoppers are easily blocked by nesting material and are a favourite nesting space for the seagull and pigeon. The Defender® Gutter Spike is the easiest solution to stop them. The specially designed clips attach to the edge of any standard hoppers on your guttering whilst still allowing water to flow. They can be clipped on and off if you need to clean the hoppers. If you have an ornate hopper or one with a lip, call us on 01626 835055 to confirm the clips are suitable.

How to keep pigeons and seagulls off a windowsill?

One of the prime spots pigeons, seagulls, or small birds will perch on is ledges and windowsills. The windowsill width varies from home to home; unfortunately, one size does not fit all. Firstly, establish the bird or birds causing the problem and then measure the width or length of the sill. Once you have this information, you can choose from the options below. The choices for window sills can be overwhelming; call us on 01626 835055 if you need help deciding which system suits your bird problem.

To get rid of pigeons from your windowsill:

Narrow windowsills up to 7.5 cm in depth:
Defender® Narrow Plastic Pigeon Spikes or Defender® Narrow Stainless Steel Pigeon Spikes

Wide windowsills up to 15 cm in depth:
Defender® Wide Plastic Pigeon Spikes or Defender® Wide Stainless Steel Bird Spikes

Extra wide windowsills up to 22.5 cm in depth:
Defender® Extra Wide Pigeon Plex Spike

To get rid of seagulls from your windowsill:

Wide windowsills up to 15 cm in depth. For wider ledges or sills, use two or more rows:
Defender® Seagull Spikes

To get rid of all birds, pigeons, seagulls, and small garden birds from your windowsill:

Narrow windowsills up to 7.5 cm in depth. For wider ledges or sills, use two or more rows:
Defender® Thistle

How to keep piegons away from my balcony

Balconies are a fantastic addition to any home; however, once you get a pigeon problem, the space can quickly get dirty with droppings and nesting material. Often balcony railings are the source of the problem. Birds will use the railing as a perch, and droppings will cover anything nearby.

Defender® Narrow Plastic Pigeon Spikes or Defender® Narrow Stainless Steel Pigeon Spikes can be used in most instances. Purchase enough for the full length of the balcony rail and attach them with cable ties.

How do I stop pigeons sitting on pipes

Pipes can be just big enough for a pigeon to stand on. Sadly, if they can stand on it, they can poop on it. The good news is we sell the Defender® Pipe Spikes for Birds and Pigeons, a narrow stainless steel bird spike that comes with cable ties pre-attached, ready for a quick installation.

How to get rid of pigeons off my ledge

Ledges are the most obvious place for a pigeon, seagull or small bird to choose. Defender® Bird Spikes offer a long-term, low-visibility solution. Unfortunately, ledges have many shapes and sizes, but to get started, it is essential to measure the depth and establish which bird you are protecting the ledge from. These two key indicators will allow you to pick correctly from the list below, but if you are ever in doubt, call us on 01626 835055 and we will happily advise you.

Top Tip: When spiking a ledge, always look up! It is imperative to spike any areas above a ledge as well. If left unprotected, the pigeons use that place to drop material onto the spikes below. Pigeons are very possessive of a chosen site and will work hard to get it back. Therefore correct installation is crucial.

To get rid of pigeons from your ledges:

Narrow ledges up to 7.5 cm in depth:
Defender® Narrow Plastic Pigeon Spikes or Defender® Narrow Stainless Steel Pigeon Spikes

Wide ledges up to 15 cm in depth:
Defender® Wide Plastic Pigeon Spikes or Defender® Wide Stainless Steel Bird Spikes

Extra wide ledges up to 22.5 cm in depth:
Defender® Extra Wide Pigeon Plex Spike

To get rid of seagulls from your ledges:

Wide ledges up to 15 cm in depth. For wider ledges or sills, use two or more rows:
Defender® Seagull Spikes

To get rid of all birds, pigeons, seagulls, and small garden birds from your ledges:

Narrow ledges up to 7.5 cm in depth. For wider ledges or sills, use two or more rows:
Defender® Thistle

How to deter pigeons from a tree

Trees are a natural bird habitat, which should be respected wherever possible. A tree in its entirety would be impossible to protect. However, if a singular branch is overhanging a particular area, like a path or car, remove that branch. The pigeons will move onto another part of the tree, and the droppings will no longer cause a problem for the homeowner. Always check that the tree does not have a Tree Protection Order (TPO); if it does, you may not be allowed to trim or remove branches without permission.

If there is a TPO in place, bird spikes can be used along the branch, causing problems. Attaching them using cable ties is recommended – these can be purchased in most hardware or DIY stores. This would not cause damage to the tree and would also allow it to grow without any issues. Defender® Wide Plastic Pigeon Spikes or Defender® Wide Stainless Steel Bird Spikes would accommodate most tree branches. The difference between the metal and plastic bird spikes is cost, aesthetics, and warranty length.

How to stop pigeons pooing on trampolines

Trampolines are an excellent place for kids to burn off some energy, but there is nothing worse than clambering on and checking them for pigeon droppings before every use. Droppings can contain harmful bacteria, so keeping play equipment clean and dropping free for children and adults alike is essential.

We find that pigeons love to stand on the safety netting around the top of the trampoline. This can easily be protected with the Defender® Narrow Plastic Pigeon Spikes. The flexible base can be curved slightly or snapped by hand into smaller sections along the ten breakable grooves. Most people choose to attach with cable ties, as these can then be easily removed in the future.

How to stop pigeons standing on your pergolas

Pigeons love pergolas and arbors. They offer a high-up, safe place to watch out for predators and identify food sources. The problem, in most cases, is that below them are beautiful patios, cars, pathways or seated areas which get covered in pigeon droppings.

The good news is that they can easily be protected. There is a range of suitable Defender® Bird Spikes for this job, which will come down to the width of your timber cross beams. Most Defender® Bird Spikes are available in plastic or steel. Our steel spikes come with a 25 Year Warranty, and plastic spikes have a 15 Year Warranty. They all do the same job of humanely stopping pigeons from landing on your pergola.

Narrow beams up to 7.5 cm wide: Defender® Narrow Plastic Pigeon Spikes or Defender® Narrow Stainless Steel Pigeon Spikes

Wide beams up to 15 cm wide: Defender® Wide Plastic Pigeon Spikes or Defender® Wide Stainless Steel Bird Spikes

If you have problems with other birds like small garden birds or seagulls as well, we recommend the Defender® Thistle. This will protect beams up to 9 cm wide. It is very small and discreet, and the incredible dense pattern of pins makes it impossible for all birds to land on them.

How to keep pigeons off a shed roof

The roof of a shed, summerhouse or greenhouse can often be a target for birds. Their droppings and messy nesting debris can cause a continuous cycle of cleaning. Prevention is better than cure, so always try to proof an area before a bird starts a nest. Once they make a nest, you can’t move them on until the nest is no longer active and the chicks have fledged.

Both areas are easy to proof. The birds will usually choose the ridge; use the Defender® Roof Ridge Bird Spikes. If pigeons are sitting on the apex of the shed or greenhouse roof, use Defender® Wide Plastic Pigeon Spikes or Defender® Wide Stainless Steel Bird Spikes. If installing on a bitumen-based roof, you will need to source a suitable adhesive from a DIY store. Unfortunately, our Defender® Silicone cannot be used on this surface. It will adhere perfectly to greenhouse glass or plastic, though.

How to stop pigeons sitting on a fence

Pesky pigeons are often a source of annoyance for any homeowner with a fence. Pigeons and sometimes smaller garden birds use the fence as a roosting perch. Their droppings are unsightly, tricky to remove from wooden panels, and can permanently stain painted surfaces.

The best solution is the Defender® Thistle. It is suitable for all birds, from the tiny sparrow to the hefty seagull; this bird spike is small but mighty. It is very low profile and easy to install - glue or screw it along the top of a fence.

Keep pigeons off children's play equipment

We are often contacted about swings, slides and play equipment. The cross beam of a swing offers a perfect daytime perch, but unfortunately, anything below gets covered in pigeon droppings. Besides being unsightly and annoying to clean off, large amounts of pigeon droppings can be dangerous for your health and not what you want for your children’s favourite play area.

Simply install Defender® Wide Plastic Pigeon Spikes or Defender® Wide Stainless Steel Bird Spikes along the cross beams. Defender® Bird Spike Fixing Silicone or cable ties makes this job quick and easy, allowing the kids to enjoy the play equipment safely.

How to keep pigeons and seagulls off shop signs

Where there is a shop, inevitably, there is a shop sign. Generally, these will be narrow areas above the shop or a sign hanging on a swing arm. To keep the sign clean and the shop front bird dropping free, use the narrowest bird spikes in the Defender® Bird Spike range. The Defender® Narrow Plastic Pigeon Spikes or Defender® Narrow Stainless Steel Pigeon Spikes are great pigeon deterrents which can be glued or screwed into position. If the issue includes smaller birds, like sparrows and starlings, or seagulls, the Defender® Thistle is the perfect answer.

How to keep pigeons or seagulls off the top of lamp posts

Lamp posts are a favourite perch of seagulls and pigeons alike. A super place to view the comings and goings of the high street and a perfect place to watch for a dropped chip. The Defender® Lamp Post Spike is all that is needed. It can be snapped to size, and the huge metre-long wires that wave in the wind will deter the most determined gull or pesky pigeon.

How to protect parapet walls from pigeons and birds

Many older properties have parapet walls around the roof line or balconies. The wide depth of these ledges means there are several options for Defender® Bird Spike. Gulls may be an issue if the property is lucky enough to be situated near the sea. The Defender® Seagull Spikes can protect the top of a wall with up to 20 cm depth. If the wall is wider, two or more rows can be installed. The Defender® Thistle also works to deter gulls with the bonus of also deterring the smaller birds like pigeons, sparrows or starlings.

Other options for deterring pigeons are the Defender® Wide Plastic Pigeon Spikes or Defender® Wide Stainless Steel Bird Spikes. Both will protect parapet walls with a depth of up to 15 cm. For wider walls, install two or more rows.

How to prevent birds damaging a listed building

Many rules surround listed buildings and what an owner can or cannot install on the building. If it is of historical importance, a low visibility solution is required. A system that drills into the stonework is discouraged as it can cause water ingress and crumbling of stone. The solution is to use the Defender® Bird Post and Wire Holders. No drilling is required, no complicated measuring is needed, the wire is low visibility, and the posts come pre-inserted into the base.

Depending on the position on a listed building and the width of the ledge, any of the Defender® Bird Spike range will fit and are particularly good for curved porticos or stone masonry, as the bases are made from flexible polycarbonate whether the pins are plastic or stainless steel. All the Defender® Spikes can be siliconed into position and cause no long-term damage to the fabric of the building.

Stop pigeons sitting and nesting on alarm boxes

Don’t forget to proof those tiny little ledges. A pigeon can stand on any area which is 2.5 cm or above. The small area on top of the alarms is perfect for that solitary bird. A small piece of the Defender® Thistle is perfect. It is low visibility as it is half the height of a standard bird spike, has a dense pattern of pins and can be snapped to size. The Defender® Narrow Plastic Pigeon Spikes or Defender® Narrow Stainless Steel Pigeon Spikes can also be used. Again they can be snapped to size and siliconed into position. They both work very well, and the difference between them is a personal preference.

How to keep pigeons out of industrial areas and warehouses

For large industrial installations we would recommend a number of different Defender® Bird Spike solutions depending on the bird type and size of ledge needing to be proofed. The Defender® Thistle is the ideal solution if birds such as pigeons are landing of i-beams, pipes or rafters. It is also great at deterring the smaller birds that often roost in these industrial buildings, like flocks of sparrows or starlings. For larger areas like the top of air conditioning units, canopies and platforms, the Defender® Wide Stainless Steel Bird Spikes is the preferred choice for trade bird control installers.

For industrial or trade bird control issues, please get in contact and we can guide you through the different options available. Call us on 01626 835055 or email sales@jonesandson.co.uk