Anti Gull Spikes: The Proven Seagull Deterrent

It’s almost certain that, at some point, you’ve had an unpleasant interaction with seagulls. Many gull tales include sad stories involving seagulls snatching food from plates, hands, and even mouths. These aggressive birds are one of the most prolific on the planet; they live in coastal and inland areas all around the world. 

Most species have gray and white feathers and webbed feet. Seagulls are scavengers and will eat almost anything, animal or vegetable, raw or cooked, sautéed or fried. Since they’re sea birds by nature, they thrive in open spaces gathering, nesting, and feeding wherever food and water are plentiful. Locations like schools, marinas, stadiums, and beaches are seagull favorites.

The Need for Gull Control

Seagulls are a nuisance for a number of reasons.

Aggressive

Gulls are extremely aggressive scavengers. When large groups of gulls are out looking for food, they can be very intimidating and make people feel very uncomfortable.

Noisy

During nesting season, typically from April to July, gulls create quite a din.

Messy

First, seagulls poop a lot. Seagull droppings are high in uric acid, which when left to dry, will eat into and destroy metal, plastic, paint, concrete, fabric…you name it, bird poop can damage it. Bird droppings wreak havoc on boats; they ruin sails and covers, and damage radar towers, windows, doors, and mast gear. Gull poop will gum up riggings and railings and poop on the deck can cause the most sure-footed sailors to slip.

And, if that isn’t enough, bird feces carry serious diseases that can be passed to humans. Gull droppings pose a serious health risk, which is why health inspectors can shut down business that shows evidence of unmanaged seagull problems.

Second, seagulls are messy, indiscriminate eaters. They never clean their plates, so there’s always rotting food left behind. These smart birds pick up mollusks and other shelled delights from the shore and then carry them to hard surfaces, drop the shells, and feed on the treats revealed when the shells break, leaving broken shells and half-eaten creatures behind. If you’ve ever been near a seagull feeding and roosting area, you’ll know that the smell can be noxious.

Nuisance gulls are a serious problem, but seagulls are a protected species. Legal, humane strategies are required to control pestilential populations of seagulls. Seagull Spikes from Bird B Gone are a safe and effective way to discourage seagulls from roosting on roofs, ledges, and other narrow commercial and residential locations.

Seagull Spikes to the Rescue

1. What are Seagull Spikes?

Gull spikes are a deterrent device used to prevent seagulls from perching or landing on narrow ledges. An anti-gull spike system contains multiple rows of blunt, needle-shaped rods placed into a sturdy base at varying angles. The base can then be temporarily or permanently fastened to almost any flat surface for long-lasting protection.

Gull spikes are effective at deterring roosting because they completely prevent the seagulls from getting a foothold on the flat surface. Pain is not the mechanism involved; spikes are all about frustrating attempts to land. The spikes combined with webbed feet make it next to impossible for seagulls to land on areas protected by gull spikes. Anti-seagull spikes are a 100% humane way to deter roosting or perching gulls.

2. Where are Seagull Spikes Effective?

Seagull spikes are designed to protect narrow ledges and edges where gulls tend to gather. The following are examples of locations where spikes can be used:

• roofs
• marinas
• parapets
• special architectural features
• signs
• aerials
• chimneys
• glass canopies
• I-beams
• lamp posts
• pipes
• awnings
• air conditioning housings
• railings
• masts
• boats
• and many, many more!

3. Where are Spikes Not Effective?

Spikes are a versatile deterrent solution, but there are a number of situations where spikes are not the best answer. It’s important to truly understand the behavior of the birds in the area before proceeding with any control solution.

Nesting Gulls

In areas where seagulls are nesting, bird spikes are not the answer. First of all, nesting gulls will not be deterred from their homes, not even by spikes. Second, gulls and other birds will actually use spikes to facilitate building nests in their favorite locations by filling the spikes with nesting materials. Nests are especially tricky because you can’t remove active nests; you’ll need to work with a wildlife professional to control nesting gulls.

Broad, Flat Surfaces

Large, flat surfaces like roofs are extremely attractive to seagulls. It may be that the gulls are gathering at the perimeter against parapets that protect them from the wind; in these cases, spikes may be the answer. However, if seagulls are roosting across the entire surface, spiking the whole thing is not really feasible. Nets, cross wires, lasers, and bird spiders are better solutions in these areas.

Which Seagull Spikes are the Best Choice?

Bird B Gone offers a number of excellent spike systems, but  Bird Spike 2000 Polycarbonate Bird Spikes are by far the best option for gull control. These 5” tall, durable, polycarbonate plastic spikes are weatherproof, UV resistant, and come with a 5-year product warranty. They will not break. Seagulls cannot navigate their webbed feet around these rigid spikes. Each 2’ long spike strip has a pre-notched base that allows for quick installation on any flat surface. Strips are available in 3”, 5”, and 7” widths and in six different colors.

Stainless Steel Spikes are also an option. Choose this option if you need to protect a location that is not completely flat; the base on the Bird Spike 2001 Stainless Steel Bird Spikes is flexible, allowing it to be installed on curved surfaces.

Installation for both plastic and stainless steel spikes is easy. On wood, you can use #8 wood screws in pre-drilled holes to attach each strip. On other surfaces such as brick, metal, or concrete, a full bead of construction grade adhesive down the base will permanently affix the spikes. Or, if temporary installation is the way you’d like to go, you can attach a spike strip to any narrow ledge using zip ties. This is a great solution for masts, spreaders, radar units, and other lofty areas boat where gulls congregate. The plastic spikes keep the birds away, never interfere with communications devices, and can quickly be stowed away when you're ready to set sail.

Get Rid of Gulls Today

Bird B Gone has solutions to help with residential and commercial seagull control problems. We offer a range of humane bird control solutions designed to help you eliminate gulls and protect your property. If you have questions about which product is best for your location, call today to talk to the bird control experts at Bird B Gone. With help from our team, you can accurately assess the situation, measure the space correctly, safely clean up the area, and get the product installed correctly. Give us a call at 1-800-392-6915.