Do birds nest in a louvered pergola?

A nest on your pergola is mostly a cleaning and timing question. This article covers where birds may try to nest, why the beam channels need to stay clear, what to do if a nest is already there, and how to discourage birds without adding anything to the frame.

Where might birds try to nest?

Birds tend to choose spots that are high, sheltered, and hard for predators to reach. On any pergola, that can mean the tops of beams, corners where beams meet, and spaces close to a house wall or a dense tree.

A traditional wood pergola has many open ledges and gaps. A louvered pergola has fewer open ledges, and birds may still try the beams and corners.

Why do the beam channels need to stay clear?

On a Louvano pergola, rain runs from the double-wall aluminum louvers into the beam channels and down through the posts. Twigs, grass, feathers, and droppings in a beam channel can slow that water down.

Check the beam channels as part of your regular cleaning, and clear out any nest material once the nest is no longer in use. Ask [email protected] how to plan for the water that drains out near the post bases for your size and layout. For the full drainage path, read how a louvered pergola drains water.

What should you do if you find a nest?

First, look before you touch it.

• If the nest has no eggs or chicks, you can usually clear the material. If you’re unsure, ask your state wildlife agency first.
• If there are eggs or chicks, leave it alone for now. Many wild birds and their active nests are protected by law. Check with your state wildlife agency or a local wildlife office before you move it.
• Once the young birds have left, remove the old nest material and clean the area.

Wear gloves when you handle old nests or droppings, and wash your hands afterward.

Can moving the louvers disturb a nest?

The louvers rotate from 0 to 120 degrees by remote control, and the motor is hidden in the frame. Before you open or close the roof, take a quick look for nest material near the louvers. Never let twigs or nesting material sit where the louvers move.

How can you discourage birds without adding anything to the frame?

Most of what works happens around the pergola:

• Use the space. Regular activity under the pergola makes it less quiet and less appealing to nesting birds.
• Check early in the season. Look at the beams and corners every so often in spring, when birds start building.
• Move bird feeders and birdbaths away from the pergola and the patio.
• Keep food off the patio. Clear crumbs and pet food after meals.
• Trim nearby branches so birds have fewer easy perches next to the pergola.

Please don’t put spikes, foam, caulk, or sticky gel on the louvers or in the beam channels. Those products can block the louvers or the water path. If you’re thinking about attaching anything to the frame, ask [email protected] before you order.

What about bird netting or anything on the sides?

Bird netting is sold across the market as a general product type. If you are considering anything on the sides of the pergola or under the roof, ask [email protected] first, before you order.

How do you clean up after birds?

• Care instructions are supplied with each pergola.
• Clear the beam channels of twigs and debris.
• Clean patio furniture and cushions as their makers recommend.

For the full routine, see motorized pergola maintenance. If you have questions after you order, contact [email protected].

What other critters should you think about?

Insects come up more often than birds. Read can mosquitoes get under a louvered pergola. If you plan to grow plants near the pergola, see can you grow vines on a louvered pergola.

FAQ

Do birds nest in louvered pergolas?
They can. Birds may try the beams and corners of any outdoor structure.

Should I remove a nest with eggs or chicks?
Leave it for now and check with your state wildlife agency or a local wildlife office first.

Can I use bird spikes or foam on the pergola?
Please don’t put them on the louvers or in the beam channels. If you’re thinking about attaching anything to the frame, ask [email protected] before you order.

Where does the rain go if there’s debris in a beam channel?
Debris can slow the water down, so clear the channels. Ask [email protected] how to plan for the water that drains out near the post bases for your size and layout.

More answers are on our FAQ page.