Bird Nest in Your Dryer Vent? We Remove It
Chirping in the wall, twigs around the cap, or airflow that dropped overnight in spring. Starlings and sparrows love a warm 4-inch vent. We remove the nest, clean and sanitize the duct, and install a cap that keeps them out.
Quick answer
Bird nests in dryer vents are removed by opening the exterior cap, extracting the nest material by hand and with a rotary brush, cleaning and sanitizing the full duct, and installing a dryer-rated pest-guard cap. Clear Vent charges $69 for nest removal on top of a standard cleaning and $89 for a pest-proof cap. Nest material against hot lint is a serious fire hazard, so stop using the dryer until it is cleared.
Signs you have a nest
- Chirping or scratching behind the dryer or in the ceiling
- Grass, twigs or feathers around the exterior cap
- Flapper propped open when the dryer is off
- Sudden long dry times in April–June
- Droppings or small insects in the laundry room
Protected birds and timing
Starlings and house sparrows, the most common vent nesters, are not protected and can be removed anytime. Native species like chickadees are protected under federal law while eggs or chicks are present. We identify what we find, explain your options, and never leave a vent unsafe.
Keep them out for good
A dryer-specific pest-guard cap has a hood and louvers or a wide cage that blocks birds and rodents but lets lint pass. We install one for $89, cap included. Never use hardware cloth or window screen on a dryer vent.
Related add-ons
| Bird nest / animal debris removal Remove nests and debris packed in the vent run or cap. | $69 |
| Pest-proof vent cover install Louvered cap with guard so birds and rodents stay out. | $89 |
Bird Nest & Pest Removal: your questions
How many house fires are caused by dryers each year?
The U.S. Fire Administration estimates about 2,900 home clothes dryer fires per year, causing roughly 5 deaths, 100 injuries, and $35 million in property loss. Failure to clean the dryer and vent is the leading cause, cited in about a third of fires.
Can a clogged dryer vent cause a fire?
Yes. Lint is highly flammable, and a restricted vent traps heat in the dryer cabinet where the heating element or gas burner can ignite accumulated lint. Dryer fires then spread through the lint-lined duct into walls and attics.
Can a clogged dryer vent cause carbon monoxide poisoning?
Yes, with a gas dryer. Gas dryers exhaust combustion byproducts including carbon monoxide through the same vent as the lint. If the vent is blocked, CO backs up into the home. Install a CO detector near the laundry area and keep the vent clear.
Is it safe to run my dryer if I think the vent is clogged?
Stop using it until it is cleaned if you notice a burning smell, the dryer is very hot, or the cabinet is shutting off mid-cycle. Long dry times alone are less urgent but still mean you should book soon.
Is it safe to leave the dryer running when I leave the house or go to bed?
Fire safety experts recommend against it. Most dryer fires start while the dryer is running, and an unattended fire does the most damage. Keep the vent clean so a fire is unlikely in the first place.
What type of dryer duct is a fire hazard?
White vinyl flex duct and thin foil accordion duct. Both trap lint in their ridges, sag, and can melt or burn. Code requires rigid or semi-rigid metal duct. We replace the short flexible section behind the dryer with semi-rigid aluminum for $39.
Does a dryer vent booster fan prevent clogs?
No, and it can hide a clog by forcing air through a restricted duct until the lint catches. Booster fans are only appropriate for runs over 35 feet and must be cleaned with the duct.
What should I do after a small dryer fire?
Call 911 if there are any flames you cannot immediately extinguish. Afterward, do not use the dryer until an appliance tech inspects it, and have the full vent cleaned and inspected since lint in the duct may have smoldered.
Are gas dryer vents more dangerous than electric?
They add a carbon monoxide risk on top of the fire risk. Both types need the same annual cleaning; gas dryers just make the consequences of a blockage more severe.
Does cleaning the dryer vent reduce fire risk right away?
Yes. Removing the lint fuel and restoring airflow immediately drops the operating temperature inside the dryer. Most customers notice the dryer runs noticeably cooler on the very next load.
How do I know if there is a bird nest in my dryer vent?
Chirping from the wall or ceiling near the dryer, twigs or grass around the exterior cap, a flapper stuck open, or a sudden drop in airflow in spring. Starlings and sparrows love the warm 4-inch opening.
Can you remove a bird nest from a dryer vent?
Yes. Bird nest removal is a $69 add-on. We remove the nest material, clean the duct, sanitize, and recommend a pest-proof cap so it doesn't happen again.
Book your dryer vent cleaning in 60 seconds
Flat $139 for wall vents, $199 for roof vents. No trip charge. Pay when it's done.