STS-50

We had been having a really bad time trying to discouage birds from nesting around our house. From doves, to pigeons, to robins, and finches ... they ALL were really persistent! (and messy!) We're fine with them nesting in our trees and bushes, but do not like having to clean up the porch and patio areas. The stainless steel spikes (when used alone) worked well enough to keep the larger doves away, but the robins actually sat in between the tynes! At one point, I momentarily considered getting a "pet" Falcon! (Not really, but you get the idea.) Amazon to the rescue! I purchased the Bird-x Bird Spikes, both in the PLASTIC version (it has bendable tynes) and the STAINLESS STEEL version (for strength), so that the two could be "nested" (pardon the pun) in such a way as to create a nicy, sturdy, "pin-cushion" effect. Both versions can be bended and snapped to desired length. I found that simply bending one of the steel tynes over the plastic strip was quite sufficient to hold it all together. This way, ALL sizes of birds would be discouraged. One goal was that the spikes stay securely in place, the other goal was that they COULD be taken down if desired (say, to sell the house). Not wanting to affix the plastic-steel spike combos with nails, glue, or caulk, I hit on a FANTASTIC IDEA: INDUSTRIAL VELCRO! I found it at a local craft store, where it listed being good to secure planting boxes onto porch rails, indoors or out. I cut the Industrial Velcro into small pieces, and left them fastened together. Positioning the velcro with the thicker side against the spike-unit, a simple bit of pressure allowed the whole thing to be safely, and securely affixed to the top of the pillars, and beneath of couple of roof gables, too. This way, if I ever chose to take them down, then later put them back up, I wouldn't have too much of a challenge remembering what went where. As long as the velcros were all facing the same way, all I would have to focus on would be the length of the strips. I did this all around the house in just about an hour. (This included positioning the ladder, climbing up and down, and so forth). BTW, I am a 60-year old gal and not particularly good with tools, but THIS was easy AND it didn't damage my manicure! For the record, the next day we had a windy hail storm and the spikes held in place! I still hear the birds chirp, but they are NOT nexting on MY house!

If you happen to only need 12 feet, or just over 24 feet, well... you probably want to look at different offerings than this as you're buying in a pretty big increment with this 24-foot (in two foot increments) choice. There seem to be many choices in the 2, 6, 12 and 14 feet ranges. If you're buying in bulk however, this is your huckleberry. I give 5-Stars because 1) It works for a variety of bird sizes, 2) Is the cheapest I can find in practical amounts, and 3) There is nothing I can think of that I really dislike about it. If you need more than 2 to 6 feet of this stuff, you're going to start caring about how much it costs. The Amazon pic is awful. You don't see the plastic center-spike (very important so little birds don't just land in the middle mocking you). I've uploaded a couple of pics to help you better see what these spikes look like. Also, beware of super-cheap polycarbonate spikes. Besides being ugly (and oddly enough more expensive in most cases than stainless) if a worker swings a tool across them, they are toast and snap off. Not so with stainless. When you install this stuff, just make sure you have a clean surface (dust is bad - at least wipe the wood/stone down with a rag), squirt some adhesive down, and squeeze it into place. You're done. ......Notes: ......*Does NOT come with adhesive but any good "outdoor adhesive" bought here on amazon or at your local box store will suffice ......*You don't need to go nuts with the adhesive... just a few dobs here and there ......*If you're putting it up in a "heavy doo-doo area" bring a strong spatula to make the job much easier ;-) Lastly, watch your shipping costs when you buy. As of this writing (7/28/11) Amazon sells these spikes and a few others you might choose from so that's probably where you want to buy from instead of outside choices. (For most of you Amazon-stocked items probably means free shipping of one kind or another.) Otherwise the shipping really influences your total price-per-foot cost. Other points: 1) This works for birds large and small 2) It's among the cheapest price-per-foot I can find, especially with Amazon Prime shipping 3) Can glue or nail (although nailing through those holes might be a pain) 4) 5.5 inches wide x 4.5" high (not 6" wide as claimed in description) 5) Can easily snap/break the plastic base into desired lengths (comes in 2 foot sections) - Note that some of the other cheaper options you're looking at have all-metal bases that are harder to work with 6) If you're trying to decide between spikes and some other deterrent like plastic owls and spray... just buy the spikes and save yourself some time. Those other deterrents are barely more than gimmicks. ------------------- Update (5/24/2012): Recently rec'd a comment on this review that someone rec'd a product that looked a little different from the pic I uploaded, but seemed to be a legit product otherwise. I don't know if this is a good thing or bad, but be aware they might have redesigned the product since I bought it last.

Excellent, keeps American Robins off that side of my house above bedroom at 4:20am. Recommend to use stainless screws with rubber washers, and caulk under the strips to prevent water penetration. I just wish these were slightly more affordable.

I wish I would've thought about checking out Amazon years ago. No more pigeons and the mess they leave .. YAYYY!!

Facile à installer. Jusqu'à présent aucun oiseau....Il reste à déterminer si ce sera résistant après un hiver.....

product works well

Excelente producto, mi problema quedó 100% resuelto, buena calidad Buen precio, fácil de instalar