How to Keep Birds Off Your Pergola: A Complete Guide

Installing a pergola in your backyard can provide a nice shady spot to relax outdoors. However, pergolas also attract birds who view them as perfect places to roost and build nests. Bird droppings and nesting materials can quickly become an unsightly mess on your pergola. Even worse, the acidic nature of the droppings can gradually damage the pergola’s structure. To avoid these issues, it’s important to take proactive steps to keep birds away from your pergola. In this guide, we’ll cover various effective methods to humanely and safely deter birds from perching, roosting, and nesting in your outdoor pergola.

Why Birds Are Drawn to Pergolas

Birds are naturally attracted to pergolas for several key reasons

• Shelter – The roofed structure provides shade and overhead protection from the elements Birds appreciate a reprieve from harsh weather

• Seclusion – The partial enclosure creates a sense of safety and seclusion preferred by birds for nesting sites

• Materials – Many pergolas incorporate wood, fabric, or vines that birds find suitable for nest building.

• Elevation – Being elevated above the ground helps birds spot potential threats more easily.

• Ledges – Flat support beams, rafters, and ledges mimic the nooks birds seek out on cliffs or trees.

Understanding what attracts birds to pergolas allows us to take steps to make them less appealing. Let’s look at effective solutions.

Physical Bird Deterrents

Installing physical barriers can prevent birds from even accessing or landing on your pergola. Here are some options:

Bird Netting

Covering the top and sides of the pergola with bird netting is very effective. The mesh openings are too small for birds to fit through. Look for UV-treated netting designed for outdoor use. Properly install using the manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid sagging.

Bird Spikes

Spiky plastic or stainless steel bird spikes can be positioned along pergola beams, rafters, ledges, or other flat surfaces. The spikes prevent birds from comfortably landing or roosting. Use caution and install them out of reach of children.

Wire Mesh

For open-air pergolas, stretch taut stainless steel wire in a crisscross, grid pattern. The gaps between wires should be narrower than 1-inch to exclude birds. This is less noticeable than netting while still acting as a physical barrier.

Bird Slope

On horizontal ledges, affix angled plastic Bird Slope sections pointing downward. The 45-degree slope deters birds from landing, roosting, or building nests. Secure with construction adhesive for longevity.

Natural Bird Repellents

Certain scents, flavors, or sensations triggers birds’ instincts to avoid and retreat from an area. Natural repellents leverage those ingrained aversions without harming birds.

Scent Repellents

Rub or hang sachets containing the active ingredient methyl anthranilate near your pergola. This chemical occurs naturally in grapes and has a fruity aroma that birds strongly dislike. Reapply scent repellents regularly as the smell dissipates over time.

Tactile Repellents

Apply sticky or tacky gels on pergola ledges and beams. The gels feel uncomfortable on birds’ feet, causing them to avoid treated areas. Reapply tactile repellents frequently as rain, wind, and dust diminish their effectiveness.

Herbal Sprays

Create homemade herbal sprays using natural ingredients repugnant to birds such as garlic, hot peppers, vinegar, citrus oils, or peppermint. Reapply these wet repellents often as the smell fades once dry. Avoid spraying near plants, as the mixtures may harm them.

Visual Bird Deterrents

Since birds startle easily, installing ominous eye-catching devices nearby can scare them away. Some visual deterrents include:

Predator Decoys

Perch convincing fake owls, falcons, or snakes in or around your pergola. Birds innate fear of being hunted prods them to take flight. Rotate the decoy location and swap it out monthly so birds don’t become accustomed.

Reflective Surfaces

Hang flashing strips, reflective tape, old CDs, or mirrored objects that glint and glimmer in the sunlight. The shimmering light and motion startles birds and signals danger. Be sure to secure reflective deterrents so they don’t blow away in windy conditions.

Scare-Crows

Position realistic fake crows or raptors in motion near your pergola. Many have motorized moving wings or parts that ominously wobble and sway in the breeze. This fosters unease in birds and deters them from settling nearby.

Bird Exclusion Techniques

Completely denying bird access to your pergola is an assured way to prevent infestations. Try these exclusion tactics:

Block Nesting Spots

Seal off cubby holes in pergola beams using hardware cloth, wood, metal flashing, or expandable foam. This forces nest-building birds to look elsewhere. Ensure no gaps remain where birds can still enter and build nests.

Remove Bird Attractants

Pick up fallen seeds or fruits under the pergola that may attract birds scavenging for food. Also prune back vines or encroaching plants birds can use for nest building materials or shelter.

Install Doors

Build hinged bird exclusion doors to place at the entrance to potential nesting cavities in your pergola’s structure. The doors let you easily access inside for inspection or cleaning while denying entry to birds.

Tips for Deterring Birds from Pergolas

When trying to keep birds away from your pergola, keep these useful tips in mind:

• Use multiple deterrent techniques together to maximize effectiveness. Physical barriers, reflective surfaces, and scent repellents used in tandem deliver better results.

• Position deterrents strategically near common bird perching spots like ledges, beams, and rafter ends. Focus on making these specific areas inhospitable to birds.

• Inspect your pergola at least monthly and promptly remove any nests or droppings found. This ensures birds don’t settle in and trigger a larger infestation.

• When possible, make your pergola less bird-friendly by removing water sources, not planting vines, sealing openings, and using smooth ledges.

• Ensure deterrents are properly secured, moved around periodically, and replaced once degraded. This helps counter birds becoming desensitized.

FAQs About Deterring Birds From Pergolas

How often should I reapply natural repellents?

Reapply natural scent, taste, and tactile repellents about every 5-7 days. More frequent application may be needed for pergolas with heavy bird pressure. Monitor repellent effectiveness and reapply sooner if birds return.

Are ultrasonic bird deterrents effective for pergolas?

Ultrasonic devices are generally not effective for large outdoor structures. The high-pitched sounds quickly dissipate outdoors and cannot cover a broader area like a pergola. For best results, use them in enclosed areas.

Should I take down my pergola to keep birds away completely?

Taking down a pergola is usually not required to solve bird issues. Implementing the deterrent techniques mentioned above can successfully convince birds to steer clear of your pergola. Only remove it if no other measures resolve persistent and severe bird infestations.

How often should I replace bird netting on my pergola?

Replace bird netting about every 2-3 years. Look for holes, sagging sections, damage from weather or animals, and areas where birds can potentially access. Make spot repairs as needed between replacements.

Will birds eventually get used to deterrents?

Birds can become desensitized to deterrents over time. Routinely reposition devices, swap out decoys, and vary reflective surfaces used. Installing multiple deterrent types simultaneously also helps prevent acclimation.

The Bottom Line

Deterring birds from inhabiting your pergola involves utilizing a combination of physical barriers, sensory repellents, scary visuals, and exclusion tactics. Follow the guidance outlined to gain control and keep your pergola bird-free. Pay attention to problem areas prone to bird activity. With some persistence finding solutions suited to your unique pergola, you can successfully reclaim your space and maintain a pristine, inviting area for relaxation.