Gutters and railings are the same problem in two forms: a long, narrow, level run that birds can land on and follow. A deck rail, a balcony rail, a fence top or a gutter lip all give a bird a comfortable perch with a clear view, and the fouling drops straight onto whatever is underneath — the deck, the path, the furniture or the car.
Because the run is narrow, the methods that work are the ones that treat a line rather than an area. Below are the Flock Free products we recommend, grouped by method.
Bird Spikes
Spikes are the direct answer to a narrow run. They take the landing surface away without trapping birds, and the flexible stainless base follows a curved rail or a gutter lip. Match the width to the surface: 1 inch for a slim rail, 3 inches for a wider top, 7.5 inches for a broad ledge or parapet.
Mini Spikes Bird Deterrent, 1” wide, roll of 49 ft
$259.00
1 inch wide, 49 ft roll. The narrow option for slim ledges and framing. Suits slim deck and balcony rails.
Mini Spikes Bird Deterrent, 1” wide, 3 rolls of 49 ft (147 ft total)
$619.00
1 inch wide, three 49 ft rolls — 147 ft total. For longer runs of railing.
Mini Spikes for Bird and Animal Control, 3-inches wide
$30.99
3 inches wide. For wider rail tops, fence caps and window sills.
Mini Spikes Bird Deterrent, 3” wide, roll of 49 ft
$399.00
3 inches wide, supplied as a 49 ft roll for continuous runs.
Stainless Steel Bird Spikes – 100 ft
$325.00
7.5 inch coverage width, supplied in 100 ft boxes of 2 ft sections. Fixes with adhesive or screws; the flexible base follows curved surfaces. Listed for gutters, ledges, sills and parapets.
Surface Pro Tack and UV Paint
Where spikes would be too visible — a deck rail you look at every day, a balcony, a finished handrail — Surface Pro Tack gives the same result with almost nothing to see. It dries to a tacky finish birds will not stand on, and Flock Free specifies fence tops among its intended surfaces. Apply a coat of UV paint first.
Surface Pro Tack – Liquid Spikes - Surface Protector - 4 fl.oz.
$24.99
4 fl oz for spot work and smaller runs. Dries to a tacky finish with a slight sheen. Enough for a rail run.
Surface Pro Tack – Liquid Spikes - Surface Protector - 1 gallon
$202.00
1 gallon, covering 400 square feet. Brush, roll or spray in three coats. Apply UV paint first.
Flock Off UV Paint Clear 4 Ounce Dauber
$19.29
4 oz dauber for spot work. Dot, dab or stripe alongside the tack coat.
Where to use it. Surface Pro Tack is for railings, fence tops and other dry surfaces. It needs a clean, dry surface above 40°F to apply, and it may temporarily lose some tackiness when wet or below 10°F, recovering once the surface dries. For the inside channel of a gutter, which holds water by design, use spikes on the lip rather than a tack coating.
Bird Repellent Spray
Used alongside spikes or tack rather than instead of them, the repellent adds a scent and taste deterrent to the run and to the surrounding structure. Reapply weekly for three to four weeks, then monthly as needed. For use around children and pets. Use as directed.
Flock Free Bird Repellent Spray - Ready-to-use Bird Deterrent
$21.99
32 oz ready to use. No mixing — point and spray. Cannot be shipped to CT, IN, MD, MT, RI, DC or NM.
Flock Free Bird Repellent Concentrate, 1 gallon
$395.00
1 gallon concentrate. Dilute and apply with any sprayer to structures, pipes and beams.
Choosing a Starting Point
On a gutter, spikes on the lip are the straightforward fix. On a railing you look at, start with Surface Pro Tack and UV paint — the finish is far less noticeable than a spike strip. Add the repellent spray to either if the birds are persistent.
Prices shown as listed at the time of publication.
Related Bird Control Resources
Railings and gutters are most often a problem with pigeons, sparrows, starlings and seagulls. You can also browse the full Bird Control range.