Birds in Your Dryer Vent? A Serious Fire Hazard

If you hear scratching, chirping, or fluttering coming from your laundry room wall, you likely have a bird's nest in your dryer vent. While it might seem like a minor nuisance, it is actually a dangerous fire hazard.

Why Dryer Vents?

To a bird (especially Starlings and Sparrows), a dryer vent looks like the perfect hollow tree cavity. It's high off the ground, protected from predators, and often warm from the dryer heat.

The Fire Danger

This is the critical issue. Birds build nests using dry grass, twigs, and straw—all highly flammable materials.

• Blockage: The nest blocks the airflow from your dryer.
• Lint Buildup: With airflow blocked, highly flammable dryer lint accumulates rapidly behind the nest.
• Overheating: The dryer has to work harder, getting hotter and hotter.
• Ignition: The heat from the dryer can ignite the lint or the nesting material, starting a fire inside your walls.

Other Risks

• Bird Mites: Tiny parasites that live on birds can migrate into your home and bite humans.
• Bad Odors: Droppings or a dead bird in the vent can cause terrible smells.
• Moisture Damage: Blocked vents trap moisture, leading to mold growth.