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Welcome to the JobTown Dryer Vent Safety Podcast. I’m Matt Parker, and today we’re discussing a seasonal threat many Birmingham homeowners face this time of year: birds nesting in dryer vents.
_ As we move into spring, birds are looking for protected places to build nests. Unfortunately, your dryer vent provides the perfect spot – it’s sheltered, warm, and typically undisturbed. But a bird’s nest in your vent creates a serious blockage and fire hazard.
Just yesterday, we responded to a call in Homewood from a homeowner who noticed their clothes weren’t drying properly. When we inspected their vent, we found a complete blockage about 4 feet in – a bird had built a nest filled with twigs, grass, and other materials. Fortunately, there were no eggs or baby birds, so we were able to safely remove it and thoroughly clean the duct.
The homeowner mentioned hearing chirping sounds near their laundry room for about a week but didn’t connect it to their dryer performance. This is actually a common story we hear every April and May.
Here are some signs that birds may have nested in your vent:
Chirping sounds coming from the dryer or vent
Visible nesting materials around your outdoor vent cover
Dryer performance suddenly declining
Birds frequently flying near your exterior vent
Prevention is straightforward: professional vent covers designed to keep birds out while allowing proper airflow. These are different from standard covers, which often have louvers or flaps that birds can work around.
Conclusion: If you suspect birds have nested in your vent, don’t try to remove them yourself. Professional removal ensures both your safety and the birds’. At JobTown, we handle these situations humanely and make sure your system is thoroughly cleaned afterward.
Remember, as former firefighters, our priority is keeping your home safe while respecting wildlife. We recommend scheduling your spring vent cleaning early in the season, before nesting becomes an issue.
Next time, we’ll discuss the specific lint buildup patterns we see in different types of dryers. Until then, this is Matt Parker with JobTown Dryer Vent Cleaning, wishing you safe and efficient home appliances.
