Birds are beautiful creatures, but they can also be a nuisance when they start making themselves at home in your awning.
Awnings make the perfect spot for birds to perch and build their nests, and before you know it, you have a full-blown bird problem on your hands.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to keep birds out of awnings using effective strategies that will deter them from nesting in your awning in the first place.
What Birds Are Attracted to Awnings and Why?
Birds are attracted to awnings for a variety of reasons. Some birds, like swallows, use awnings as their primary nesting site, while others, like pigeons and crows, find them to be convenient perching spots.
Awnings provide birds with protection from the elements and offer a safe place to build their nests away from predators.
How to Keep Birds Out of Awnings
If you have a bird problem and your awning is one of the culprits, there are several things you can do to keep birds out of your awning. Read on for some tips:
1. Install bird netting: Bird netting is made from a mesh material that’s flexible enough to conform to the shape of your awning but strong enough to keep birds out.
The fine holes in the netting prevent birds from getting through, and if you use it in an area where there isn’t much foot traffic (like above your front door), it will be out of sight and won’t detract from the look of your home.
2. Use a repellent spray: This is an easy way to keep birds away because you need to apply it by spraying it on your awning and other areas where they tend to land or nest (like window ledges, gutters, etc.).
There are a variety of repellent sprays on the market, so be sure to choose one that’s specifically made for birds.
3. Place bird spikes: Bird spikes are another effective way to keep birds from landing or nesting on your awning.
They come in various shapes and sizes and can be attached directly to your awning or to other surfaces where birds like to perch.
4. Hang a bird feeder: If you don’t want to keep birds away entirely, you can try attracting them to a different area of your property instead. A bird feeder will provide birds with food and water, and as a bonus, it will also help keep your yard clean.
The Best Ways to Clean Up After Birds Have Nested in Awnings
If birds have nested in your awning, it is important to clean up the mess as soon as possible. Not only is this unsightly, but it can also be dangerous if bird droppings fall on people or pets.
The following are some of the best ways to clean up after birds have nested in awnings:
- Use a high-pressure hose to remove the droppings and nest material.
- Disinfect the area with a detergent or disinfectant.
- Wash any affected surfaces with soap and water.
- Remove any dead birds and dispose of them properly.
It is important to take care of the problem as soon as possible since birds can return to the same spot year after year.
What to Do If You Already Have Bird Droppings on Your Awnings
If you already have bird droppings on your awnings, how do you get rid of them? Several solutions can help you with this problem. One option is to use a pressure washer.
You’ll want to start at the bottom and work your way up, so any remaining dirt or debris falls onto the lower sections of the awning.
Be careful not to use too much pressure, as this could damage the fabric of your awnings.
Another option is to mix one part bleach with four parts water and apply it to the droppings with a sponge or brush. Make sure you rinse off the area thoroughly afterwards.
A third solution is to buy a special product from your local hardware store to dissolve the droppings without damaging fabric or paint.
You can also try using vinegar mixed with water at a ratio of one to four parts, respectively (or use straight white distilled vinegar).
This solution is less likely to damage fabrics than bleach, but it has an unpleasant smell that some people may find offensive.
Finally, you can try using a commercial product such as Bio-Clean Bird Waste Remover, available at most online retailers.
Whichever method you choose, make sure to rinse the area well afterwards with clean water to remove any residue.
If bird droppings are not cleaned up properly, they can damage your awnings and create an unsightly mess.
It’s important to take care of the problem as soon as possible so that your awnings look their best all season long.
You may also want to install some bird deterrents near your awning to keep birds from landing there in the first place.
There are many different bird deterrents available, so you can choose the ones that work best for your home.
One popular type of bird deterrent is a fake owl. These owls are placed in strategic locations near where birds like to perch, and they often work well to scare away unwanted guests.
Another option is to use a metal spike strip along the edge of your awning. This will prevent birds from landing on edge and getting too close to your home.
How to Keep Birds Away from Other Parts of Your House
Sometimes, you can’t stop birds from building nests in your awnings. If this is the case, how to keep them away from other parts of your house?
Here are some tips that may come in handy:
- Keep bird feeders far away from your house or porch. If possible, do not place bird feeders in your yard. Take into consideration how far birds can fly and how fast they can reach the bird feeder from other parts of your house.
- Place sticky strips on top of roof rafters, window sills, and other parts of your home that birds prefer to nest. The strips will keep them away so that you won’t have to clean bird droppings around your home.
- Install decorative screens or fences in your yard if there are parts that birds prefer to nest. The screens and fences will keep them away so you won’t have to deal with messy nests in the future.
- Treat awnings, roofs, and other surfaces with bird repellents. This will keep birds away from areas that they love to nest in, allowing you to enjoy a clean house at all times.
- Cover roof vents and other openings with nets or screens so that birds can’t build nests inside them. It is important to do this if there are parts of your home that have poor insulation or are susceptible to pests.
- If all else fails, you can always install a birdhouse on your property. This will provide the birds with an acceptable place to nest and keep them away from your home.
You may have to try several of these methods before finding one that works best for you and your family.
Keep in mind that birds can be territorial, and it may take some time before they leave your property for good.
How Do I Install Bird Netting to Keep Birds Out of My Awning?
Installing bird netting is relatively easy. First, choose a rough bird net twice the size of your awning. For example, if you have an awning 20 feet wide and 12 feet deep, you need to purchase at least 40 by 24-foot bird netting.
This will ensure that the end product will neatly cover your entire awning without leaving any gaps.
Once you have chosen your bird netting, unroll it and lay it out flat on the ground. Cut the netting to two feet larger than your awning on all sides.
Using a staple gun, secure the top of the bird netting to your awning’s frame. Work your way down each side of the netting and secure it to your home or business’s exterior.
Make sure that there are no gaps where birds can get in. If you have a large area, such as an enclosed patio, still use this method but staple multiple bird nets together to cover each other fully.
This is how to install bird netting to keep birds out of your awning.
What Should I Do If I Find a Bird Stuck in My Awning?
Birds occasionally fly into awnings, trying to get at food or insects. They can become stuck and in trouble if the awning isn’t open for long enough for them to escape.
The best thing you can do is contact your local wildlife rehabilitation centre or animal charity.
Don’t try and release the bird yourself, as birds can be aggressive when they’re scared and may bite you or scratch you.
You should also avoid touching the bird, even if it seems weak or injured. If it has been stuck for a long time, then there is a high chance of having internal injuries that only trained professionals can properly treat.
If the awning is closed, you need to assess how many birds are stuck inside before trying to open it.
If there’s more than one bird inside, then it may be best to leave them for now and wait for help.
If there’s only one bird in there, though (particularly if it looks like it’s injured), then try to open the awning and release the bird.
Be very careful doing this, as you don’t want to scare further or injure the bird.
Once you’ve released the bird, watch from a distance to make sure that it can fly away safely. If it doesn’t seem to fly or is limping, it may need help, and you should contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
Conclusion
There are a few different ways to keep birds out of your awning. First, you can install a bird deterrent, such as a hawk or owl silhouette. You can also use a physical barrier, like netting or wire mesh.
Finally, you can try scare tactics, like making loud noises or flashing lights. By using one or more of these strategies, you should be able to get the birds out of your awning for good!