How to Keep Birds From Nesting Under Your Deck This Season

So, you’ve got birds squatting under your deck like it’s a rent-free resort? Yeah, been there. You hear the chirping, spot the twigs, and suddenly your peaceful backyard turns into a full-on bird maternity ward. It’s cute until the poop piles up and the noise kicks in at 5 a.m. every day.

If you’re wondering how to keep birds from nesting under your deck, you’re not alone, and you’re definitely not the only one Googling this while sipping coffee and glaring at a particularly smug-looking sparrow.

Good news: you can win this battle. Better news: you won’t need to break the bank or tear up your deck to do it.

Let’s talk real solutions, without fluff, filler, or vague “just try scaring them” advice. I’ve dealt with this nonsense personally, and trust me, trial and error taught me what actually works (and what’s just Pinterest-fueled optimism).

Block Access With Hardware Cloth (Because Birds Aren’t Ninjas)

Look, birds may be persistent, but they’re not escape artists.

If they can’t get under your deck, they can’t nest there. Period.

Install hardware cloth (basically heavy-duty wire mesh) along the perimeter of the deck. Make sure you:

• Choose ¼-inch mesh or smaller. Larger gaps? Birds will laugh and squeeze right through.
• Dig at least 6 inches into the ground to bury the bottom. This stops critters from digging under.
• Secure it tightly using outdoor screws or a staple gun. Loose flaps are invitations.

FYI: Chicken wire won’t cut it. It’s too flimsy, and birds find a way in faster than you’d believe.

Bonus tip: If your deck’s got weird angles or pipes in the way, use zip ties or wire to seal up awkward gaps. Birds love weak spots.

Use Motion-Activated Deterrents (Let Technology Annoy Them for You)

Ever seen a bird freak out at a garden sprinkler? It’s oddly satisfying.

Motion-activated devices give birds a little “nope!” moment every time they try to land. They’re especially useful when you can’t seal every access point.

Here are a few worth checking out:

• Motion-activated sprinklers – A little blast of water does wonders. (Also waters your plants, so… win?)
• Ultrasonic bird repellents – Emit sounds we can’t hear, but birds hate. (Mixed reviews though, some species don’t care.)
• Flashing light devices – They blink erratically when movement’s detected. Works well under dark decks.

Pro tip: Rotate devices now and then. Birds do catch on when the “scary thing” never actually does anything.

Just don’t overdo it. Your backyard shouldn’t look like a rave or haunted house. The goal is to annoy the birds, not freak out your neighbors.

Install Bird Netting (The “No Vacancy” Sign of Your Deck)

If birds are still getting through (or you just want a cheap-ish solution), try bird netting.

You can staple or drape it underneath the deck to act as a barrier.

How to do it right:

• Use high-quality UV-resistant netting. Cheap stuff breaks after a season.
• Stretch it tight. Loose netting becomes a trap, and trust me, removing a stuck bird is the opposite of fun.
• Anchor it every couple feet so they can’t push through.

Best part? You don’t have to dig or build anything.

But fair warning: if you live somewhere windy, bird netting turns into a flappy nightmare if you don’t anchor it properly. Ask me how I know. :/

Remove Nesting Materials (Stop Rolling Out the Welcome Mat)

Birds are lazy… well, strategically lazy.

They’re not going to drag nesting materials miles if they find twigs, leaves, grass, or even dryer lint right under your deck.

Here’s what to do:

• Clean under the deck regularly.
• Clear out old nests (once you’re sure they’re not active, check local laws).
• Rake leaves and twigs nearby.
• Trim plants and bushes around the deck. Birds love nearby hiding spots.

Why this works: It removes two major incentives, privacy and building supplies.

Think of it as cutting off their Amazon Prime subscription.

Use Reflective or Shiny Objects (Disco Time, Bird Style)

Birds hate unpredictable reflections. Shiny things = possible danger.

No, you don’t have to bedazzle your deck (unless that’s your vibe). But some simple DIY options can help:

• Old CDs or DVDs – Hang them on fishing line so they spin in the wind.
• Aluminum foil strips – Tie them to string and let them flutter.
• Reflective bird tape – Purpose-built for this, and actually kinda cool looking.

Set these up along deck edges or anywhere birds hang out. You want them to move and reflect sunlight.

Rhetorical question time: Have you ever seen a sparrow willing to risk it all for a nest near spinning laser beams? Yeah, me neither.

Try Natural Bird Repellents (No Toxic Junk Needed)

There are plenty of bird repellents that don’t rely on chemicals.

Here are a few natural options that can help:

• Peppermint oil – Birds hate the smell. Soak cotton balls and toss them under the deck.
• Garlic spray – Works for birds and keeps mosquitoes and vampires away (allegedly).
• Predator urine granules – Sounds gross, but it’s just a scent marker. Makes birds think a fox or raccoon’s around.

Don’t want to DIY? Look for eco-friendly bird repellent sprays on Amazon. Read the reviews, though, some are snake oil.

Pro tip: Rotate scents every few weeks. Birds are smarter than they look.

Use Bird Spikes (Yes, Really, But Only Where It Makes Sense)

Let’s clear something up: bird spikes don’t hurt birds when used right.

They’re designed to make landing uncomfortable, not dangerous. If you’ve got ledges, railings, or beams under the deck where birds perch before nesting, these help.

Use bird spikes if:

• You notice birds perching, not just nesting.
• They’re building nests on top of beams or supports, not under them.
• You don’t want them hanging around at all.

Don’t use bird spikes:

• Inside tight crawl spaces.
• On mesh or netting.
• Where pets/kids could step on them.

Installation’s simple: just peel and stick, or screw in. Most are plastic, so they blend in better than you’d expect.

Honestly? This one felt a little “aggressive” at first. But after the third nest and a dive-bombing parent bird? Yeah, I got over it.

Bonus Tips: What Not to Do (Because Some Ideas Just Suck)

Let’s save you some time. These ideas either don’t work well or backfire:

• Fake owls – Birds figure out they’re fake in about two days. Then they use them as perches.
• Sound machines with predator calls – Annoying for you, and half the birds won’t care.
• Screaming at them – I mean… cathartic, maybe. But not helpful.

Also, never block birds in once they’ve nested. You’ll end up with dead chicks or panicked parents. Nobody wants that kind of guilt hanging over their patio 🙁

Legal Note (Because Yep, There Are Rules)

Before you go full anti-bird warrior, check your local laws. In many areas, it’s illegal to disturb active nests, especially if they belong to native or migratory birds.

Best time to bird-proof your deck? Late fall through winter. No nests = no drama.

If you already have a nest down there, wait until the babies have flown off. Then go full defense mode.

Final Thoughts: Take Back Your Deck, Bird-Free

Birds are cute from a distance. But under your deck? Not so much.

Whether you go all-in with hardware cloth or just want to try peppermint oil and shiny tape first, the key is this: be consistent and stay a step ahead.

They’re clever, but they’re also looking for the path of least resistance. If your deck screams “nope,” they’ll move on.

And honestly? You’ll sleep better without the 5 a.m. chirp symphony echoing through your floorboards.

So go forth, protect your space, and maybe reclaim your sanity a little in the process 🙂