The Unwanted Tenant: Protecting Your Awning from Nesting Birds

We love the wildlife here on Cape Cod. From the ospreys returning in the spring to the songbirds at our feeders, nature is a big part of why we live here. However, there is one specific place where nature is definitely not welcome: inside the roll of your retractable awning.

It is a scenario we see too often at Ocean Tailors. A homeowner opens their awning for the first barbecue of the season, only to be showered with twigs, dried grass, and angry chirping. Or worse, they discover that while the awning was rolled up, a family of starlings turned the fabric folds into a permanent residence.

While birds are looking for a safe, dry place to raise a family or hide from the winter wind, your awning is not the place for them. Nesting birds can cause significant, permanent damage to your investment.

Here is why this happens, and the best practices for keeping your awning a "bird-free zone" during periods of non-use.

Why Do Birds Choose Awnings?

To a bird, a retracted awning looks like five-star real estate. It is located high off the ground (safe from cats and predators), it is sheltered by the soffit or roofline, and the folds of the fabric create a cozy, insulated tunnel that protects them from the wind and rain.

Unfortunately, what is good for the bird is terrible for the fabric.

The Real Cost of a Nest

It’s not just about the nuisance of cleaning up a nest. Birds can ruin an awning in three specific ways:

1. Acidity: Bird droppings are highly acidic. If they sit on your acrylic fabric for an extended period, they can burn through the protective coating, cause discoloration, and weaken the fibers.

2. Abrasion: Nesting materials often include sharp twigs, mud, and sometimes even bits of wire or trash. As the birds build, these materials can scratch the powder coating on your frame or puncture the fabric.

3. Moisture Traps: A nest acts like a sponge. It holds moisture against the fabric, which—combined with the organic matter in the nest—creates the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew that can spread to the rest of the roll.

Best Practices for Deterrence

So, how do you protect your shade solution during the winter or long periods of non-use?

1. The Ultimate Solution: The Soft Cover (Winter Boot)

The single most effective way to keep birds out is to physically block their entry. At Ocean Tailors, we highly recommend using a "soft cover" or "winter boot" for your retractable awning.

This is a durable, custom-fitted sheath that slides over the entire retracted unit. It zips or ties shut, completely sealing the fabric and the roller tube. If a bird can’t get in, it can’t build a nest. It also has the added benefit of keeping dust, pollen, and salt spray off your awning during the off-season.

2. Inspect Before You Retract

If you are closing your home for a few weeks, or even just rolling the awning up before a storm, take a quick look. If you see birds frequently landing on the housing, check for early signs of twig accumulation. Clearing away "starter nests" immediately discourages them from returning.

3. Keep the Area Clean

Birds are attracted to food sources. If your patio has crumbs from dinner or if a bird feeder is hanging directly adjacent to the awning, you are inviting them to stick around. Try to keep feeders at a distance from the house to encourage nesting in trees rather than in your architecture.

4. Visual Deterrents (The "Scarecrow" Method)

While less effective than a physical cover, visual deterrents can help in a pinch. Some homeowners have luck with reflective tape or plastic owl decoys placed near the awning housing. However, birds are smart and often figure out these tricks eventually.

A Note on Safety

If you discover a nest that is already established with eggs or chicks, check local wildlife regulations before removing it. However, once the birds have moved on, it is critical to clean the area thoroughly. Do not simply roll the awning up with the nest inside; this will crush the debris into the fabric and likely stain it permanently.

Protect Your Investment with Ocean Tailors

Your retractable awning is a high-quality addition to your home, and it deserves to be protected. Whether you need a professional cleaning to remove evidence of past tenants, or you want to purchase a protective winter cover to prevent future problems, we are here to help.

Don't let the birds take over your patio. Give us a call at (508) 255-5666 to discuss our maintenance services and protective covers. Let’s make sure your awning is ready for you to enjoy when the sun comes out.