Sitting outside in the summertime under the shade of your awning and watching the birds can be a beautiful thing. But when you have an awning, watching the birds is something you want to do from a distance. After all, the last thing you want is messy bird droppings on and around your awning. These can be corrosive and cause permanent marks. And you really want to avoid having birds build a nest in your retractable awning as they are not only messy, but the birds will start to become aggressive with people once their chicks hatch.
So, what can you do to ensure that you can enjoy your awning while also enjoying the birds from a safe distance? Here are our top five tips for protecting your awning from birds.
- Use bird spikes.
Bird spikes are painted metal or plastic spikes. Attach them to your awning, and they will act as a deterrent to keep birds from landing. While it might sound a bit mean, bird spikes are widely considered to be a humane deterrent for birds. The tips of the spikes are blunted to help avoid any actual injury.
- Apply a non-drying repellent.
If you don’t like the idea of attaching spikes to your awning, there are non-toxic repellents that can be applied to your awning. These repellents do not fully dry and take on a sticky texture that birds do not like. The main drawback to this method is that you will have to spend a little extra time cleaning your awning before you bring it in for the winter.
- Use a scare device.
Another tactic to help keep birds away from your awning is to use a scare device such as a plastic owl or rubber snake. If you use this strategy, you should be sure to move the device every once in a while, to keep birds from becoming accustomed to its presence. And if plastic animals are not your thing, a moving wind device or something that catches the light may also be effective.
- Use bird netting.
Placing bird netting over your awning will make it difficult for birds to land and help to keep them away from your awning. If you do choose netting however, it is very important to make sure that it is properly installed so as not to trap birds and make the situation worse.
- Use a motion activated sprinkler.
Another idea is to purchase a motion activated sprinkler from your local hardware or garden store. These sprinklers can detect the presence of a bird and send out a short burst of water which should scare them away. Just be sure to place the sprinkler in a location where birds will activate it, but people won’t!
Remember, by taking good care of your awning you will be helping to ensure that it brings you and your family enjoyment for years to come. And taking care of your awning includes protecting it from birds.
For quality awnings in Burlington, Contact Jans Awning Products today!