Exhaust vents are one of the most overlooked entry points for wildlife—but once birds get in, they bring more than just nesting material with them. At K.P. Wildlife, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly a small issue can turn into a bigger (and sometimes surprising) problem.
Take this recent job our technician Kevin responded to. A homeowner called about birds nesting in their exterior exhaust vent. What started as a routine bird removal turned into an unexpected encounter—with a black rat snake.
How Birds Get Into Exhaust Vents
Many homes have plastic vent covers that degrade over time due to weather and sun exposure. Once cracked or broken, these vents become easy access points for small animals like birds. They fly in, build nests, and settle in for the season—often bringing in leaves, twigs, and debris that block airflow.
In this case, the broken vent cover gave birds a way in. They built a nest inside the vent, laid eggs, and unknowingly created the perfect trap—not just for airflow, but for predators, too.
What Happens If You Don’t Act
It’s easy to ignore the sound of chirping in the wall or assume birds will leave on their own. But letting them stay can lead to a number of issues:
- Blocked airflow in your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry exhaust
- Unpleasant odors if a bird dies inside the duct
- Mold or bacteria growth from droppings and nesting material
- Fire hazards if the vent serves a dryer and the lint combines with nesting debris
- Repeat nesting—birds often return year after year if the issue isn’t addressed
A Surprise Visitor: Black Rat Snake Removal
When Kevin arrived to safely remove the nest, he discovered an unexpected visitor—a black rat snake had made its way into the vent, likely in search of the baby birds. Fortunately, he was able to safely remove the snake and relocate it away from the home.
Once the wildlife was cleared, Kevin installed a metal screen over the exhaust hood to prevent any future entry. This small step makes a big difference when it comes to keeping your vents secure and your home protected.
The Bottom Line
If you hear chirping, smell something odd near your exhaust vent, or notice pieces of debris falling from a vent opening, don’t ignore it. Wildlife problems in vents don’t go away on their own—and they often invite other animals in as well.
At K.P. Wildlife, we provide fast, humane wildlife removal and exclusion services to keep your home safe and secure. From birds to snakes and everything in between, we’re here to help. Contact us today if you suspect birds or other animals are nesting in your vent system. One quick inspection could prevent a major (and creepy) surprise later.
