Many homeowners have found themselves unsure about what to do when they have birds in their dryer vent. Learn why bird’s nest in dryer vents to begin with and what you can do now to remedy the situation for your family and our feathered friends.
Why Do Birds Go in Dryer Vents?
Dryer vents are small, warm, enclosed spaces perfect for birds building a nest, laying eggs, or raising their young. They provide protection from the elements and predators. The warmth from your home’s dryer creates a comfortable shelter, especially during colder months or rainy seasons. However, a bird’s nest in a dryer vent can lead to fire hazards, health concerns, and damage to the ventilation system.
Is a Bird's Nest in a Dryer Vent a Fire Hazard?
Yes, birds in your dryer vent are a fire hazard. The dry twigs and vegetation birds use for nest building are highly flammable. Add hot air and lint to the mix, and you have a recipe for a serious dryer fire. A clogged vent also forces your dryer to work harder, leading to overheating and raising the chances of a fire.
Beyond the fire hazard, a blocked dryer vent reduces airflow, making your dryer less efficient. This can lead to an increase in monthly utility costs. Furthermore, it can contribute to contaminant buildup, mold growth, and even carbon monoxide leaks in gas dryers.
How to Get Birds Out of Dryer Vents
While homeowners understandably want birds removed from their dryer vents, most want to do so without harming the birds, eggs, or chicks. Doing so requires patience, care, and the right approach. Here’s how to do it safely and effectively:
Check for Activity
First, check to see if the nest contains eggs or baby birds. If it’s active, it’s best to wait until the birds leave on their own. Most birds will move on within a few weeks.
Turn the Dryer Off
For safety reasons, stop using the dryer until the nest is removed and air dry your laundry. If you simply can’t wait, you can request a wildlife removal service or rescue organization humanely remove the birds and nest. However, they will most likely advocate for you to wait until the chicks are old enough to be moved without harming them.
It’s important to note handling active bird nests is illegal in many areas. Some birds, such as endangered species and migratory birds, have special protections. Professional removal ensures compliance with wildlife laws and a humane result for the birds.
Remove the Nest
After the young birds have developed enough to survive, the family will abandon the nest. Now, it’s safe for you to carefully remove it. Here is a quick, five-step DIY guide on bird vent removal:
- Gather Supplies
- You’ll need a flashlight, screwdriver, vacuum, and a trash bag.
- Always wear gloves and a mask to protect against inhaling or touching droppings, dust, or allergens that have accumulated.
- Beware of bird droppings, as they can carry dozens of diseases as well as parasites, bacteria and viruses. This is yet another reason to completely remove all nest debris and sanitize the dryer vent.
- Remove the Vent Cover and Inspect
- Remove the exterior vent cover using the screwdriver, if necessary.
- Check for any remaining birds or eggs. If the nest is abandoned, proceed to the next step. If eggs or chicks are present, wait for them to leave (approximately three weeks) or call a wildlife expert or rescue organization with legal authority to move the nest.
- Remove the Nest and Clean the Vent
- Gently pull out the nest using your gloves and mask, being careful not to push debris further into the vent.
- Use a vent brush or vacuum to remove remaining debris and lint.
How to Keep Birds Out of Dryer Vents
Prevention is key to keeping birds out of your dryer vent. One of the easiest solutions is installing a vent cover designed for this purpose. Bird-proof dryer vent covers come in many styles and can be purchased online or from your local home improvement retailer. The right cover offers a cost-effective, humane solution for deterring birds from nesting in your vent.
Additionally, bird-friendly landscaping can provide a more attractive habitat for nesting than your vent. Oak trees, berry-yielding bushes, evergreens, and flowering shrubs are some great options, but always choose plants native to your area.
Dryer Vent Wizard Removes Bird Nests from Dryer Vents
If you suspect a blockage caused by a bird's nest in your dryer duct, contact Dryer Vent Wizard. We’ll inspect it, safely remove the nest (if abandoned), and clean and sanitize your vent to restore proper airflow.
By removing all debris and contaminants from your vent, our local teams of skilled service professionals help prevent costly repairs, fire hazards, and potential health risks for your home and family.
Schedule online today for an estimate or to request service.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Dryer Vent Wizard is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact your local Dryer Vent Wizard location for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.