I have a similar problem. My garage faces North. In the Fall and Spring, the sun rises and shines directly into the sensor. Back when I left every morning at that time, I'd get out of my car, and cast a shadow so the door would close. Another option was to move the garbage bin so it cast a shadow, but it wasn't tall enough to work for the whole time.

A tube might have worked, but then what would I complain about?

Thanks for the reminder! I have the same issue and I have a little wood shim I turn into a little sunshade. The old one had fallen off so this was a good reminder to go replace it.

I think I may need to do something similar.

At this time of year, sun coming through the skylight hits the temperature sensor in the dining room for an hour or so each day.

Haha, had a client recently modify a sleeve from a whiskey bottle. Same effect just with a whiskey theme.