Bird in your house or vent: what to do right now
A bird loose indoors is frightened and wants out. Your job is to make the way out obvious: darken the room, open one window or door, and give it quiet time. Birds in a vent are a different problem, covered below.
Do this now
- 1Move kids and pets out of the room and close interior doors.
- 2Turn off ceiling fans right away.
- 3Close blinds and curtains on every window except one.
- 4Open that one window or an exterior door wide, and turn off the room lights.
- 5Leave the room quietly and give the bird time to find the light.
- 6If birds are in a dryer vent, stop using the dryer until the vent is cleared.
Don't
- Don't chase the bird or swing a broom or towel at it.
- Don't grab a bird with bare hands.
- Don't run a dryer or exhaust fan with a nest in the vent.
- Don't pull out an active nest yourself. Many native birds and their nests are protected.
Get help immediately if
- Your dryer vent is blocked and you smell burning or the dryer runs very hot: turn it off and unplug it, and call 911 if you see smoke or fire.
- A bird is trapped inside a wall or vent and cannot get out: get same-day professional help.
- Someone was scratched or pecked: wash with soap and water and watch for signs of infection.
Getting a loose bird outside
Birds fly toward light, so a dark room with one bright open window or door is usually all it takes. Most birds find the way out within minutes to an hour once things are quiet. If it lands low and stays calm, you can gently drape a light towel over it, wearing gloves, and carry it outside. Release it on the ground near cover.
Once it is out, figure out how it got in. Common routes are an open door, a torn window screen, a chimney without a cap, or an exhaust vent with a missing flap. If a bird came down the chimney, see our steps for an animal in the chimney.
Birds nesting in dryer, bath or kitchen vents
Starlings and house sparrows often nest in dryer, bathroom and kitchen exhaust vents when the flap is broken or missing. A nest in a dryer vent traps lint and heat, which is a fire hazard. Stop using the dryer until the vent is cleared. A blocked bath or kitchen fan also stops working, which can lead to moisture problems.
Most native wild birds and their active nests are protected under federal migratory bird law. House sparrows, European starlings and pigeons are not covered, but an active nest in a vent is still best handled by a licensed wildlife control pro, who can remove it, clean the duct and install a sturdy vent guard.
What it costs
$150 to $400per visit
A loose bird removal is at the low end. Vent nest removal, duct cleaning and a vent guard cost more. After-hours or same-day visits often cost more. These are typical ranges, not quotes.
Typical ranges, not quotes. More on wildlife and the Michigan cost guide.
Common questions
Will a bird find its way out on its own?
Usually, yes. Darken the room, open one window or door, turn off fans and lights, and leave. Most birds head toward the light once they calm down. If it is still inside after an hour or two, call for help.
Can I use the dryer if birds are in the vent?
No. Stop using it until the vent is cleared. A nest blocks airflow and traps lint, which raises the risk of a dryer fire. Running the dryer can also harm the birds.
How do I keep birds out of my vents?
Replace broken or missing flaps and install a vent guard made for that type of vent. A dryer vent guard must still let lint pass, so use one designed for dryers and clean it regularly.
Other emergencies
- Raccoon in the house
- Noises in the attic or walls
- Bat in the house
- Squirrel in the attic
- Mouse or rat in the living area
- Animal in the chimney
- Animal in the garage or basement
- Skunk under the deck
- Groundhog under the deck or shed
- Opossum in the garage or basement
- Snake in the house
- Wasp nest near the door
- Bees swarming or in a wall
- Dead animal smell