Is There a Bird Stuck in Your Exhaust Vent?

Birds are attracted to exhaust vents because they offer shelter, safety and warmth. The enclosed space of the vent mimics natural nesting environments.

The most common bird entry points in a home are:

Kitchen and bathroom vents
Dryer and furnace exhaust vents

A musty smell or scratching sounds coming from a vent could indicate the presence of a bird. Frequent chirping indicates that presence of hatchlings. When you suspect there is a bird in a vent, it’s essential to resolve the situation quickly to avoid potential health and fire hazards.

The Danger of a Blocked Vent

Birds nesting in your vents can lead to several issues, including:

Health hazards: Birds carry mites that can bite humans and pets and cause skin irritations. Beyond that, prolonged exposure to bird waste and feathers can cause histoplasmosis, a fungal lung infection.
Fire risks: Birds build their nests from flammable materials like twigs, leaves and feathers. The nests block airflow in dryer vents, leading to a buildup of lint and heat, which can ignite.
Property damage: Birds nesting in bathroom vents can damage the foil ducts. A tightly packed nest can block airflow, causing the bathroom fan to overwork and burn out.

Solutions for Birds in Vents

Here’s how to safely remove bird nests from a vent:

Identify the species: Some birds are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, require professional removal. When dealing with native species, if their are eggs or young present, the removal will have to wait until the young have fledged and left the nest.
Check for eggs: Contact a wildlife expert to see if they can take the eggs or chicks. Alternatively, wait until the eggs hatch and nesting activities end to remove the nest.
Clear the vent: Wear gloves and use a vent cleaning tool to remove the nest and debris.

To prevent a return visit, install bird-proof vents or guards and inspect them regularly. Select heavy-gauge metal guards, as they last longer than plastic options. Professional wildlife removal specialists can provide safe and practical assistance if you need help or have hard-to-reach vents.

Why Choose Urban Jungle for Bird Nest Removal?

If you’re unsure about removing a nest from your vent, contact the professionals at Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal. We have the knowledge, experience and tools for safe removal and exclusion — our team of wildlife specialists is college-educated with degrees in biology or related fields to understand animals and the way they behave.