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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 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 0863086263 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 0863086263 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 0863086263 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.