How to Remove a Bird Nest From a Dryer Vent

Bird nests can be beautiful additions to a lawn or wooded area, but become problematic when they are built in dryer vents and other man-made structures. State and federal laws protect many species of bird and their nests, so it is important to carefully and legally handle the removal of birds' nests.

Things You'll Need

• Broom
• Wire mesh or cover

Instructions

1. Visit the Department of Fish and Wildlife Services website to get the contact information of your local State Fish and Game Department.

2. Call your local fish and game officers and inquire as to which bird species are protected in your state. If the nest belongs to a protected species, only these officers can legally relocate it. You can request a visit from an officer if you are unable to identify the bird species.

3. Proceed with removal only when Fish and Game Department has cleared you to do so. Do not take matters into your own hands if they have advised you to wait for an officer. This can result in serious fines.

4. Approach the nest at mid-day when the birds are most likely to be away from the site. Birds hunt throughout the day and are far less likely to be in the nest than they are in the early morning or evening hours.

5. Tap the nest with a broom handle to startle away any residents. Most birds will flee when confronted with a surprising knock on their homes. Those that will not will require professional removal by fish and game officers.

6. Check the nest for eggs. If there are eggs in the nest, you should replace the nest somewhere nearby where the parents may find them. If there are no eggs present, you can destroy the nest by placing it in a bag and throwing it away.

7. Cover your dryer vent with a large wire mesh or other porous cover. This will need to be cleaned regularly to remove lint, but will act as a guard against further intrusion from wildlife.

Tips & Warnings

• Only starlings, sparrows, and pigeons are unprotected in America as of October 2009.

• Call the local authorities if birds become aggressive when disturbed or are too large to be startled by the broom.

References

• Illinois Department of Public Health Bird Removal Information
• FWS.gov State Fish and Wildlife Service Contact Information