We recommend installing the Defender® Extreme Stainless Steel Gull Spikes using our own silicone,
Defender® Bird Spike Fixing Silicone. This method offers the quickest and easiest install. You can also use nails or screws for a more temporary fix.
Step 1 - Clean the Area: It is essential to thoroughly clean and dry the area before starting any installation. Scrape, brush and wipe down any bird droppings, dust, or debris. Do make sure to clean and proof any ledges that are higher up too. Seagulls are prone to dropping nesting material and debris onto ledges below. If the area is heavily soiled, you should dampen down the area with a disinfectant like
Germ Clear™ Bird Droppings Disinfectant Spray first. This will prevent the installer from inhaling any harmful bacteria in the dust and softens the loose droppings and debris, making it easier to scrape off. Wash down with warm soapy water and allow to dry for at least 24 hours. For a more in-depth guide on how to clean safely, please see our
"How to safely clean bird droppings guide"
Step 2 - Fixing Methods: For the Defender® Extreme Gull, using fixing adhesive is recommended. The spikes can also be installed using cable ties, screws, or nails using the small holes already along the base.
Step 3 - Silicone: You will need a caulking gun (not provided) to use our Defender® silicone. Use the caulking gun to squeeze a bead of silicone about 8 mm wide along the base of the spike, the base is wide so be generous. The bottom of the Defender® Extreme Seagull spike can then be pressed onto the surface of the ledge or wall. If the surface is undulating or rough, you may need to use more silicone to ensure a secure hold.
Our Defender® Silicone will adhere to wood, metal, glass, ceramics, concrete, PVC, and many more surfaces. However, it is always important to check the suitability of surfaces for use with Defender® Silicone. For more information, please visit the product page
Defender® Bird Spike Fixing Silicone. If you are ever unsure, call us on
01626 835055 and we will happily advise.
If you do not have a caulking gun, we have them available to purchase
here
and we also have a handy guide on
"How to use a Caulking Gun Guide" if you haven't used one before.
Step 4 - Positioning: It is important to position the gull spike correctly as seagulls can be very determined and will try to overcome them. The strip should be installed with the outer pins overhanging the leading edge. Push the spike down firmly and the silicone will ooze through the 10 cross-shaped holes and lock the spike into position. These holes can also be used for screws or nails too. If the gap behind the front row is greater than 10 cm (4 inches) another row should be installed as determined seagulls will try to get in behind. Leave as small a gap as possible between the rows, in fact the pins can be allowed to overlap.
Step 5 - Full Protection: Repeat the process until the area is fully protected. Every effort should be made to spike all possible landing sites 2.5 cm or greater. On large areas, 2 or 3 rows may be needed. The Extreme Gull has 4 snap points along the base where the user can break the strip into smaller sections with their fingers, allowing this seagull deterrent spike to fit perfectly on any size ledge and installation.
Step 6 – Cavities and Raised Sections: Seagulls can be very possessive of their chosen nesting or roosting sites, returning every year to the same spot. If there are raised sections above the ledge being protected, every effort should be made to protect these too. If there is a hole or cavity behind the area, make sure this is blocked and no birds are trapped within.