Bird control spike

Birds that attempt to land on spike-protected surfaces receive a light prick from one or more of the spikes, which is uncomfortable but generally not harmful.

Rings of sturdy metal spikes or plates with a sawtooth-shaped edge are often mounted horizontally or vertically around exposed or suspended water, sewerage, electrical, and communications infrastructure in areas where such species are highly active.

The intention is to prevent possible damage and increased maintenance costs of such essential infrastructure by safely discouraging these animals from using it as a system of transit.

[8] Sharp-tipped bird control spikes are illegal in much of the rest of the world,[8] and are unsuitable for areas which are regularly accessible for humans.

A collar of large spikes approximately 1 metre (3.3 ft) long is fixed around part or all of the circumference of the penetrating element.

Low current electric barrier will protect any surface or ledge from unwanted birds nesting, roosting, or loafing.

Bird control spikes on a roof in Denmark
While deterring perching, bird spikes may not shift birds able to build large nests, and in fact can help them by providing a support to build the nest on. While spikes can be inspected and nests removed, in many countries there are restrictions preventing or restricting the removal of bird nests.
Smaller, blunt spikes may be the only option in places where a child could come into contact with the spikes and be hurt. However, they may fail to deter larger birds like this herring gull .
A bird deterrent attached to a light pole on the Houghton Highway viaduct, Australia .