With a retractable awning, you can enjoy shaded patio time with your friends and family. However, you may not be the only one who enjoys your retractable awning. It’s not uncommon for birds to try to make a nest in the awning’s frame, fabric, or hood. These unwanted visitors can be a nuisance and even cause damage to your awning. But don’t let this prevent you from enjoying your retractable awning! As your guide to outdoor living, SummerSpace® can help. Here are some of our recommendations on how to keep birds from building nests in retractable awnings.

Deterrents to Keep Birds From Building Nests in Your Retractable Awning

One way to keep birds away is to deter them from building a nest. The hope is that if they meet resistance to creating a comfortable home they’ll simply move along and find a new spot elsewhere. There are many options for deterrents but here are some of the most common.

• Choose a cassette-style awning. Birds that nest in retractable awnings generally do so on the square mounting bar behind the fabric roller tube on those models where the bar is exposed. If you’re considering a new awning, a SummerSpace cassette style or the Performance Traditional 150 are designed so there is no place to build a nest.
• Bird spikes. If you already have an awning and bird issue, acrylic clear bird spikes are a humane way to prevent birds from building a nest. Install them along the top of the square mount bar on the awning as well as any protected flat spots on your home. These spikes are not actually sharp and therefore do not harm the birds. They just prevent birds from landing.
• PVC tube along the square bar. Again, if you have an awning and a bird problem, inserting a 1 ½” diameter plastic plumbing drainpipe along the length of the square bar will often take up that space they need to nest. The pipe can be purchased at any big box or local hardware store and can be painted to match the awning frame or the home.
• Fake predators. Similar to a scarecrow, by placing a statue of the birds’ natural predators they will be too scared to come close. These predator statues might include owls or snakes. The bobble head versions work better than the static ones. For added deterrence, you can occasionally reposition it. You can find these statues at local garden centers.
• Use your awning often. This method of keeping birds away is simple and effective. During times of the year when birds are nesting, make a point to open it daily, so that birds don’t get the idea it’s unused and will make a good nesting place.

Avoid Attracting Birds to Your Backyard to Build Nests

Like other wild animals, birds are always searching for food, water, and a place to nest. In order to keep birds at bay, you must avoid attracting them with these items. This includes bird baths, bird feeders, and even bird houses. With these avian amenities, birds will flock to your yard and more readily try to make a nest wherever they can, including in your retractable awning.

It can be relaxing to watch birds and listen to them sing. But when they build a nest in your retractable awning system, it can cause damage and a big mess to clean. With these simple remedies, you can keep birds from building nests in your retractable awning. If you’d like to learn more about how to care for a retractable awning or if you have any questions, contact our team at SummerSpace. If you’d like to turn your backyard into a shaded oasis, order your SummerSpace retractable awning today!