A sign is a perch with a view. The top edge of a storefront sign, a roadside pylon or an illuminated box gives birds a clear line of sight over a car park or a forecourt, and the droppings run straight down the face of the thing you paid to have people look at.
Signage also has to stay legible, so the deterrent has to be discreet. The methods below treat the top edge and the face without changing how the sign reads.
Bird Spikes
Spikes on the top edge remove the perch. Flock Free lists signage tops among the intended surfaces for its stainless spikes, and the flexible base will follow a curved or shaped sign top. Match the width to the edge you are protecting.
Mini Spikes for Bird and Animal Control, 3-inches wide
$30.99
3 inches wide. Suits most sign tops and cabinet edges.
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. For narrow sign edges and trim.
Mini Spikes Bird Deterrent, 3” wide, roll of 49 ft
$399.00
3 inches wide, supplied as a 49 ft roll for continuous runs. For continuous runs along a long sign.
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 multi-site or large signage.
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 signage tops, ledges and parapets.
Surface Pro Tack and UV Paint
On a sign, appearance matters more than almost anywhere else. Surface Pro Tack dries clear with a slight sheen and leaves nothing standing proud of the surface, so the sign still reads normally from the ground. Flock Free recommends a coat of UV paint underneath — birds see it, people do not.
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. The usual size for a single sign.
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. For multiple or large signs.
Flock Off UV Paint Clear 4 Ounce Dauber
$19.29
4 oz dauber for spot work. Dot, dab or stripe alongside the tack coat. The practical size for sign work.
Surface Pro Tack needs a clean, dry surface above 40°F to apply, and may temporarily lose some tackiness when wet or below 10°F.
Bird Repellent Spray
A scent and taste deterrent for the sign and the structure around it, used alongside spikes or tack. It dries clear. 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. For sign estates and multi-site work.
Choosing a Starting Point
If the birds are landing on the top edge, spikes are the quickest fix. If the sign is customer-facing and you would rather not see a spike strip on it, Surface Pro Tack with UV paint underneath gives the same result and is far harder to spot. Add the repellent spray if birds keep returning.
Prices shown as listed at the time of publication.
Related Bird Control Resources
Signage is most often a problem with pigeons, starlings, sparrows and seagulls. You can also browse the full Bird Control range.