Starlings and Sparrows in the Springtime

Starlings and Sparrows in the Springtime

During the months of April and May, starlings and sparrows begin to make their nests. They typically look for open cavities or holes, including any open holes in your home. Open dryer vents without vent caps and porch roofs can be prime locations for nest building.

An open dryer vent
Here is a dryer vent without a predator guard or screen to keep birds and other pests out.
A ladder on a porch with wood joists
Starlings and sparrows like to nest in the cavities between wood joists.

While a bird’s nest on a porch might not cause much structural damage, if a starling or sparrow begins to nest in your dryer vent, this can be dangerous. Typically, the birds will enter the hole and travel down the flexible hose into the dryer to make their nest. They won’t be in the tumbler where the clothes are located. They will, however, be close enough to start a fire if the nest gets too hot from the dryer’s heat. This is why it’s crucial to keep the opening closed on the outside of the house.

Here’s an example of an uncapped opening leading to a dryer vent tube.
An open dryer vent cap
Here’s a dryer vent missing the vent cap. Birds will see this as an invitation to enter and build a nest.
Dan on a ladder installing a vent cap
In this photo, we’re installing a vent cap on a bathroom vent.
Bathroom vent with a cap
Here’s the properly outfitted bathroom vent cap.
Here’s a dryer vent outfitted with a screen guard.
Dryer vent with a predator guard
Here’s a dryer vent with a predator guard.

If you see bird activity going inside your home, or you hear strange noises in the vent or laundry area, give us a call so we can help you remove the critter and eliminate the problem.

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