As a rule, birds don’t live in nests. They build nests in spring to have a safe place to lay their eggs and raise their chicks. Vents make an attractive place to build a nest because they mimic the natural habitat of a tree hollow and provide a safe and secluded spot away from predators. The enclosed space of a vent also provides shelter from wind and rain. Birds in vents might also like the warmth of the exhaust passing through it.
While vents are an attractive nesting site for many bird species, they can cause several problems for homeowners. A bird in your vent requires removal by a professional who can humanely and effectively relieve you of the fire and health risks it poses.
Signs of Birds in Vents
The most common signs you should look out for when you suspect a bird is in your vent include:
- Seeing nesting materials around the opening of the vent or on the ground underneath the vent
- Noticing the dryer is taking much longer to dry clothes because of the blocked airflow and increased energy usage
- Chirping, rustling, or scratching noises coming from the vented area
- Finding bird droppings around the vent opening
- An unpleasant smell around your dryer
If one or more of these signs point to a bird, it’s time to call Critter Control to conduct a bird in vent removal.
Dangers of Birds in Vents
Birds may seem like small, harmless creatures, but when they build a nest in your vent, it can become a big problem for your home and your family’s health.
Fire Hazard
Bird nests are constructed out of flammable materials like twigs and grasses. These materials block the airflow of the vent. This causes heat, gases, and lint to build up, creating a serious fire hazard.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Vents for gas-powered stoves and dryers are built to release carbon monoxide outside of your home. When blocked, this toxic gas can back up in your home. Left unchecked, this could become deadly.
Mold & Mildew Growth
When moisture builds up in blocked vents, it causes the growth of mold and mildew. This leads to structural damage and can exacerbate respiratory issues such as allergies and asthma.
Health Risks
Birds carry parasites such as fleas, ticks, and mites that can spread into the interior of your home, adversely affecting you, your family, and your pets. In addition, the accumulation of bird droppings can spread diseases such as histoplasmosis or avian flu, among others.
Increased Energy Costs
When vents are blocked, it takes longer for clothing to dry and puts undue pressure on the mechanics of your dryer or heating/cooling system. This leads to higher energy costs and can shorten the life of these systems and appliances.
Common Bird Species that Enter Vents
Birds in dryer vents and other kinds of vents are on the rise as natural habitats decrease. Even in treed suburban neighborhoods, dead trees, perfect for creating or finding crevices, are removed from the landscape, forcing birds to search for man-made cavities.
The most common birds that build nests in vents include:
- Pigeons
- Sparrows
- House Finches
- Starlings
- House sparrows
Types of Vents Birds Nest In
Any vent in your home is susceptible to bird occupancy, but the most common are kitchen, bathroom, and dryer vents. Starlings have even been known to get into vents with flap covers as they are smart enough to open them.
Vents for homeowners to keep a vigilant watch on include:
- Dryer vents
- Bathroom exhaust vents
- Kitchen exhaust vents
Types of Vents Birds That Get into Attic
Vents such as gable vents and soffit vents offer birds a way to nest inside your attic, where they create a mess of droppings and nesting materials, cause damage to insulation, and risk the spread of parasites and disease.
Birds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 and are best left to professionals to remove. Critter Control knows all federal, state, and local ordinances and can remove birds legally using humane traps or one-way doors.
Once birds are removed, exclusionary tactics can be utilized to lessen the chances of their return. Some exclusion tactics include installing vent covers made from durable screening material that is resistant to animals and weather. Other bird deterrents include installing spikes on your roof to keep birds from roosting or using netting for eaves.
Bird Control for Vents
A bird nest in your dryer vent or any other vent is a tricky removal process, especially if hatchlings are involved. Without their mother, they will die, resulting in a bad odor and the presence of maggots and flies. Sometimes, a hands-on approach and special tools are required if the nest is far down in a vent. Once Critter Control carefully removes the nest and the babies inside, the nest is placed in a protective container that is secured to the outside of your home so the bird parents can continue to feed their young until they can fly.
Following the bird in vent removal, all the nesting material is removed from the vent. The best way to prevent another bird from nesting in your vents is by covering them with a metal bird-proof vent guard that allows the air to flow properly but doesn’t allow birds to enter, or a vent termination with flaps that cover the vent.
Dryer vents should have two flaps that seal the vent when the dryer isn’t in use. The inner flap prevents pests like bugs. The outer flap prevents birds from flying in.
Critter Control for Birds in Vents
If you suspect you have a bird in one of your vents, it’s important to let a professional remove it humanely and recommend the best plan to prevent a repeat occurrence. Call Critter Control at 1-800-CRITTER. Critter Control has an office near you.