Bird Removal & Exclusion: How to Get Rid of Nesting Birds in Your Home

A bird nest in your dryer vent seems harmless enough — until your dryer stops working, your utility bills spike, and you discover the nest has been blocking airflow for months. Or until you learn that the starlings nesting in your attic have deposited enough droppings to create a serious respiratory health hazard.

Bird infestations are more common, more damaging, and more legally complicated than most homeowners realize. This guide covers everything you need to know.

One of the most problematic nesting birds in the US. Starlings are cavity nesters that aggressively colonize dryer vents, bathroom exhaust vents, attic openings, and soffits. A single pair can fill a vent with nesting material in days. Importantly, starlings are not protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act — they're an invasive species introduced from Europe in the 1890s.

Like starlings, house sparrows are non-native and unprotected. They nest in similar locations — vents, soffits, gutters, and any small cavity near a structure. They're prolific breeders, producing 3–5 clutches per year.

Pigeons nest on ledges, rooftops, HVAC equipment, and in attics. Their droppings are highly acidic and cause significant structural damage to roofing materials, metal, and masonry. Pigeon droppings also carry Histoplasma capsulatum, the fungus responsible for histoplasmosis.

Chimney swifts are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. They nest exclusively in chimneys and vertical shafts. Once active nests are present, removal is illegal until the nesting season ends (typically September–October). Prevention before nesting season is the only legal option.

Also federally protected. Woodpeckers excavate holes in wood siding, fascia boards, and cedar shakes — both for nesting and for foraging. Removal of active nests is prohibited; exclusion and deterrents must be applied before or after nesting season.

This is where bird removal gets complicated. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 protects most native bird species, their nests, and their eggs. Removing, disturbing, or destroying an active nest of a protected species is a federal offense carrying fines up to $15,000.

Protected species (active nests cannot be removed):

• Chimney swifts
• Woodpeckers (all species)
• Swallows
• Most songbirds

Unprotected invasive species (nests can be removed at any time):

• European starlings
• House sparrows
• Pigeons/rock doves

The practical implication: If you have starlings in your dryer vent, you can remove the nest and install an exclusion device immediately. If you have chimney swifts, you must wait until they migrate in fall, then cap the chimney before the following spring.

A licensed wildlife professional will correctly identify the species before any removal work begins — protecting you from inadvertent federal violations.

Nesting material in dryer vents, bathroom exhaust vents, and kitchen range hoods is a fire hazard. Lint accumulates against dry nesting material, and the restricted airflow causes dryers to overheat. The National Fire Protection Association cites clogged dryer vents as a leading cause of residential fires.

Birds nesting in attics deposit large quantities of droppings that soak into insulation and wood. Dried droppings become airborne when disturbed, creating respiratory risks including histoplasmosis and cryptococcosis.

Bird droppings are highly acidic (pH 3–4.5). Accumulated droppings on roofing materials, gutters, HVAC equipment, and metal flashing accelerate corrosion and deterioration significantly.

Bird nests harbor mites, lice, fleas, and bed bugs. When birds leave or are removed, these parasites migrate into living spaces seeking new hosts.

Active nesting colonies — particularly starlings and sparrows — create persistent noise and odor that penetrates living spaces, especially in early morning during breeding season.

Before any work begins, a technician identifies the species present and determines the legal status of any active nests. This step protects you from federal violations and determines the timeline for removal.

For unprotected species, nesting material is removed from vents, soffits, and attic spaces. Contaminated insulation may need to be replaced. All work is performed with appropriate respiratory protection given the health risks of dried droppings.

This is the most critical step — and the one most homeowners skip. Exclusion devices prevent re-entry:

• Vent covers — Stainless steel or aluminum covers with appropriate mesh size for the vent type (dryer vents require covers that allow lint to escape)
• Bird netting — For large open areas like loading docks, eaves, and atrium spaces
• Bird spikes — For ledges, rooflines, and flat surfaces where birds roost
• Chimney caps — For chimneys and vertical shafts (installed after swift migration)
• Slope barriers — Angled surfaces that prevent landing on ledges

Droppings and nesting debris are removed and affected surfaces are treated with EPA-registered disinfectants. For significant accumulations, professional-grade HEPA vacuuming and fogging may be required.

Spring (March–June): Peak nesting season. Protected species cannot be disturbed. Focus on monitoring and documenting activity for post-season exclusion planning.

Summer (July–August): Most first clutches have fledged. Window opens for exclusion work on some species between nesting cycles.

Fall (September–October): Migratory species depart. Best window for chimney capping and comprehensive exclusion installation before the following spring.

Winter (November–February): Ideal time for full exclusion work on most species. No active nests, full access to entry points.

• Wrong mesh size — Mesh that's too large allows re-entry; mesh that's too small blocks airflow in vents
• Incomplete coverage — Birds find the one gap left uncovered
• Improper vent covers — Covers that block lint flow create a new fire hazard
• Legal violations — Removing protected nests without knowing the species
• No sanitization — Leaving droppings and nesting debris creates ongoing health risks

Wildlife Removal Specialists handles bird removal and exclusion for all common nuisance species across 32+ service markets. We identify the species, handle removal legally, install professional-grade exclusion, and sanitize affected areas.

Call (800) 319-1556 for a free inspection. We'll assess the species, entry points, and damage — and provide a written quote for complete resolution.

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