Introduction
Birds love to nest in vents, including bathroom exhaust fan vents, dryer vents and stove vents, which can cause blockages and hazards. While most birds nest during the spring breeding and nesting season, they can also take cover in the colder weather as well. Their presence in your ventilation system can cause bird droppings, bird lice infestations, and airflow issues. Professional bird removal is usually necessary to safely remove birds and prevent long term damage to your home. The cost varies depending on the extent of the bird problem, the species involved and the difficulty of the vent.
Why Birds Nest in Vents
Vents provide warmth and protection, making them the perfect spot for birds to nest. Many bird species, including pigeons, woodpeckers and migratory birds, take advantage of these small enclosed spaces. Nesting material can clog up your ventilation system, increasing fire hazards. Canadian geese and other large birds may also try to nest near your home causing more problems.
Signs of a Bird Infestation in a Vent
One of the first signs of a bird infestation is hearing chirping from baby birds inside the vent. You may also notice nesting material sticking out of an exposed vent or a buildup of bird dropping near the opening. Bird lice can get into your home, creating another nuisance. In some cases, a strong smell from decomposing material inside the vent can indicate an abandoned nest.
How Much does it Cost to Get Birds out of a Vent?
Factors that Affect Bird Removal Services Cost
The bird removal costs vary depending on the number of birds, if there are baby birds or eggs, if there are other exposed vents to cover, and the overall complexity of the job. If birds have built nests deep inside the ductwork, the cost goes up. Local laws protecting certain species of birds can also affect the removal process, requiring humane methods and professional services.
Estimated Bird Removal Cost
The cost to get birds out of a vent is usually around a few hundred dollars, that would also include meshing over the vent from the outside to protect it. But if you choose to get prevention meshing on other vents (laundry room vent, stove vent, bathroom vents) it would slightly increase. Some homes with extensive interior ductwork cleaning along with the bird removal cost could extend to several hundred dollars depending on the severity of the infestation. Simple nest removal is less expensive, while extensive bird exclusion jobs requiring bird proof vent covers and repairs will cost more. If additional services like a proper cleanup of your dryer vent or if attic restoration is required then the overall cost will go up. Avoid potentially costly problems in the future by contacting a reputable wildlife removal company as soon as you know you’ve got feathered friends in your vents.
Additional Costs for Prevention and Cleanup
Beyond the removal process of the bird species, homeowners may need professional cleaning services to remove bird droppings, nesting material and bird lice. Installing bird spikes or bird proof wire mesh vent covers will help prevent birds from coming back. If birds have damaged the vent system, repairs will add to the total removal cost.
Professional Bird Removal Services
Humane Bird Removal
Experienced bird removal companies use humane methods to remove these unwanted guests. If an active nest is found, removal may need to be delayed until the baby birds are mature. If there is only one bird inside the vent it will be an easy job, but if there are young birds or wee chicks inside, a bird removal services company may wait until the chicks get kicked out of the nest which is usually between 21-24 days old. If there are eggs, or nesting birds, removal must be done carefully to comply with local wildlife regulations. Experts also ensure birds are successfully relocated to a safe bird sanctuary if needed.
Pigeon Removal
Pigeons are common pests in the bustling city, but they don’t get into your side vents like other birds do. They generally nest on a flat roof outside. If you have an active nest with pigeon chicks on top of your roof or overhang, it will take a bit longer as they don’t get kicked out till they’re between 25-32 days old.
Preventing Future Bird Infestations
Homeowners can take preventive measures to avoid costly problems caused by nesting birds. Installing bird proof vent covers on all exposed vents will block access. Removing bird feeders near vents and sealing other entry points, such as wall vents and houses’ eaves will discourage birds from nesting in unwanted areas. Regular inspections will help detect infestation before it gets severe.
When to Call a Professional for Bird Removal
Birds should be addressed as soon as possible by a professional wildlife removal service to prevent damage to your vent system. If birds are nesting in hard to reach areas or if bird lice and droppings have spread inside the home, professional bird removal is the way to go. Trained technicians will do the proper cleaning and use exclusion methods and building materials to prevent future problems. Some species like woodpeckers that drum or migratory birds may require special handling due to wildlife protection laws.
Conclusion
Removing nests and birds from your vents is important to having a safe and functional home. The cost of bird removal varies but hiring a professional will ensure humane removal and long term prevention. By installing bird proof covers and addressing bird problems early, homeowners can avoid costly problems and protect their ventilation system from damage.
