PRINCETON, N.J. - eTradeWire -- Why birds pick dryer vents

The exterior hood is a small, warm opening, often under an eave or deck where it's protected from weather. When lint builds up, it can hold the hinged flap partly open, which gives birds and rodents an easy way in. A Department of Energy-hosted article on dryer venting lists clogged vent caps among the leading causes of reduced airflow and notes that "birds or rodents sometimes block dryer vents".

What to do if you find a nest

1. Stop using the dryer until the vent is clear.
2. Don't seal the hood with birds inside, and don't push a rod in from the dryer side. That can compact the nest deeper in the run or pull apart hidden joints.
3. If chicks are present, wait or call a professional. Removing an active nest can be messy and stressful for the birds, and parents will keep returning while chicks are inside.
4. Have the entire run cleaned, not just the nest at the hood. Lint and nesting material usually sit further back in the duct.
5. Install a guard made for dryer vents after cleaning. Avoid fine mesh screens over the outlet, because lint clogs them quickly. A proper guard keeps birds out while letting lint pass.  

How we handle nests

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Our technicians clean the whole vent run with a rotary brush and a high-pressure blower, clear the exterior hood, and check that the flap works. Our dryer vent page recommends rodent and bird screen protection on the outside hood. Bird nest removal can carry an extra fee, as noted on our coupons page (https://usaairmanagement.com/coupons). Details are on our dryer vent cleaning page (https://usaairmanagement.com/dryer-vent-cleaning-nj).