How to Keep Birds Away From Your Porch Railing

Birds are great, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you want them using your deck railing as their favorite hangout spot. You may be asking yourself, “how do I stop birds from pooping and building nests on my porch?” It doesn’t take long for a flock of birds to ruin the appearance of your decking. 

If you want to break the cycle of endlessly cleaning your deck, you’re in the right place. 

Knowing how to keep birds off deck railing will save you a lot of time in the future. Gone are the days of cleaning up their “gifts”, allowing you to finally reclaim your outdoor space. There are numerous ways you can keep the winged vandals away. 

In this guide, we’re going to walk you through the most effective tips and tricks. Before we get into that, let’s talk about why birds may have chosen to invade your space in the first place.

Why Are Birds Flocking to Your Deck?

Birds travel in groups for a variety of reasons. This means that if they choose to make your decking their new hangout spot, they aren’t going to arrive alone. Even though you didn’t personally invite them, you may have inadvertently placed things in your outdoor space that make it more attractive to your new avian friends.

Some of these additions are more obvious than others. Listed below are just some of the things that could be contributing to the problem:

• Water Features: You may have originally installed them as purely decorative, but a bird will simply see it as its new favorite bath.
• Bird Feeders: They can add a lot of character to a garden, but they are bound to attract attention. Removing food sources for birds will help keep them away.
• Large Shrubs: Perfect for building nests—if your deck is surrounded by foliage, it might be contributing to your bird problem. 

It is hard to say for sure why birds may love your deck so much, but they can present a real problem. No one wants to spend all their time power washing their deck every time they want to use it.

With that in mind, check out our top tips on how to keep birds away from your property. 

How to Keep Birds Away from Your Deck – 6 Ways 

You don’t need to turn your deck into an anti-bird danger zone, but removing some of their favorite features could be a step in the right direction. This largely refers to feeders or water features. Though the odd fountain here or there can add great aesthetic appeal to your garden, it is also an open invitation to birds of all kinds.

Birds love any open water that they can use as a drink or a bath. While you may not own a specific birdbath, they are willing to use anything with a sufficient pool of water. If you are attached to your fountains, try moving them away from your deck to draw their attention. 

1. If You Have Bird Feeders, Keep Them Away From Your Porch

Similar to the logic behind fountain placement, your feeders can make for a great distraction too. If they are placed away from the deck, then this may dissuade the birds from perching on your deck. 

2. Keep Your Hedges Trimmed

Overgrown hedges and shrubs are ideal for birds as they make perfect nesting spots. It is a common misconception that birds only build their homes at the tops of trees, but they can actually be found in a number of places! If your garden isn’t kept in trim condition, you effectively invite birds to make their homes there. 

3. Make Use of Hanging Mirrors, Pinwheels, or Shiny Moving Objects

Birds do not enjoy fast-moving colors and light. Hanging small mirrors or pinwheels not only acts as an attractive decoration, but they are great discouraging flocks from gathering. This is largely due to two reasons:

1. The flickers of light and color can be interpreted as a threat, so birds will be more likely to pass your garden by
2. If they catch their reflection, they may assume the territory has already been claimed and won’t land

Of all our tips on how to keep birds off deck railing, this is one of the easiest and most cost-effective. 

4. Get Birds of Your Own

No, we aren’t talking pets here. We are actually referring to plastic fake predator birds. In the same way that a scarecrow can keep crops clear of birds, a plastic predator decoration can fool birds into steering clear. This might sound unorthodox at first, but some decorations can add real design appeal and solve your bird population problems. It’s a two-in-one!

5. Install a Motion-Activated Sprinkler System

A slightly more expensive option, but another example of a two-birds-one-stone solution (pun intended), is the use of motion automated sprinklers. Keep the birds away and your garden hydrated, all in one. Birds might enjoy the water but on their own terms. A sudden assault of water whenever they flap by is enough to ensure they won’t be spending any time sitting in your garden. 

6. Use the Good Old Fishing Line Trick

Our final tip on keeping birds off deck railing is arguably the most effective: the tried and tested fishing line trick. You may have never noticed, but this is used in outdoor restaurants to keep birds at bay. It is surprisingly easy to implement too, and you may not even notice it’s there after a while!

All you need to do is tie a fishing line from one post of your railing to another, around one or two inches above the rail itself. Make sure it’s tied tightly to give it the tension it needs. As birds can’t detect the line is there, their efforts to land on your railing will be entirely prevented without harming them in any way. 

Contact Decks & Docks for Expert Advice

If you need further advice on anything decking-related, contact the experts at Decks & Docks today! Whether it’s how to keep birds off deck railing or the best way to revamp your outdoor space, we have the solution for you. Don’t hesitate to get in touch!