Do Bird Spikes Rust Tips for Preventing Corrosion

Bird infestation is a common problem in high-rise buildings and open spaces. If you have an open terrace or an inviting balcony, chances are that those spots will attract birds. And there begins the problem.

Bird infestation isn’t just about the unsightly mess that they make of your space. The problem lies even deeper. Birds can cause damage to you property and even expose you to certain health-related risks. The only option that remains, thus, is using bird deterrents to protect your property from the avian intruders.

There are plenty of bird deterrents available in the market, however, bird spikes are one of the most popular methods of keeping birds away from your property. They can keep birds away and even thought they look somewhat risky, they’re practically safe for use and are quite humane. However, there’s a catch.

Since bird spikes in Mumbai stay exposed to the different weather conditions, there’s one common question that people tend to ask – do bird spikes rust? We’re going to explore that, and much more in this article. So, let’s begin!

Do Bird Spikes Rust – Understanding Corrosion

Like any other product, whether bird spikes rust or not depends on the material they’re made from.

Stainless Steel Bird Spikes: Stainless steel is highly resistant to rust and corrosion. Thus, most people prefer stainless steel bird spikes for their properties. However, not all types of stainless steel are rust-resistant. Lower-grade stainless steel can still be susceptible to corrosion over time. So, you have to make a wise choice while selecting your bird spikes.
Plastic (Polycarbonate) Bird Spikes: Now you must have already guessed that plastic bird spikes don’t rust because (obviously) they don’t contain any metal. However, they can still become brittle and degrade over time due to prolonged exposure to UV rays. This makes plastic bird spikes somewhat less durable than the stainless steel ones.
Galvanized Steel Bird Spikes : You can also consider installing bird spikes made from galvanized steel if that suits your preference. These spikes are coated with a layer of zinc to prevent corrosion. However, the only catch is that over time, the coating can wear off and then the spikes become less durable. Now, what do we recommend? Of course, our experts lean towards the stainless steel bird spikes because of their sturdiness. However, don’t just assume that getting stainless steel spikes is the end of all problems. Without proper maintenance, even these spikes can get rusty and face corrosion. So, how do you stop that?

Factors That Cause Rusting of Bird Spikes

Exposure to Moisture and Rain: Bird spikes are installed in open spaces, which means that they’re exposed to outdoor conditions like humidity and rain. If the spikes face such moisture for a prolonged period, it can lead to rusting and can cause damage to the spikes.
Pollution and Airborne Chemicals: If you live in an urban area with poor AQI, the air may contain acidic chemicals and particles. Pollution can be a major cause of rusting and your bird spikes can face that problem as well. Even acidic rain or industrial pollutants can react with the metal surfaces and lead to rusting.
Salt in Air : If you live in a coastal area, there’s a high chance that you’ll face salt in the air. These salt particles can accumulate on the metal surfaces of bird spikes and expedite oxidation, which in turn leads to rusting.

Tips to Prevent Corrosion of Bird Spikes

Use High-Quality Stainless Steel Spikes: There are different types of stainless steel bird spikes that you can choose from. However, we suggest that you get either the 304 or 316-grade stainless steel spikes. The 304-grade stainless steel offers decent rust protection and is suitable for most environments. The 316-grade stainless steel, however, is the best choice for coastal areas and high pollution zones.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance: Just getting high-quality bird spikes isn’t enough. You also have to clean the spikes at regular intervals, remove droppings and debris, and dry the spikes properly to avoid rusting. Without regular maintenance, even the best bird spikes can fall susceptible to rusting.
Check for Early Signs of Rusting : If you notice little spots of rust on your bird spikes, it’s time to get to work. Wash those spots with a mixture of baking soda and water and you can get rid of the rust spots. Otherwise, try washing the spikes with stainless steel cleaners and even that might work.

Conclusions

Now that you know why do bird spikes rust and how to maintain them, it’s your time to put the theories to practice. Try the tips that we shared here and your bird spikes will remain durable for as long as you can imagine. For more tips, you can keep reading our blogs and get more knowledgeable insights on bird spikes, bird nets, and more!