bird and Pest gaurds
When a bird builds a nest in your dry vent or your kitchen or bathroom fan exhaust it can create a major safety concern.
To rectify the problem, you first need to clean out the nest and all its debris in the duct. Please keep safety in mind due to the potential height you are working from and the diseases that birds and pests carry. You may have to get inventive to get the bird nest out. Use a long metal rod with a hook on the end of it, be careful not to poke / penetrate your flexible duct. Leave the exhaust fan on, so debris is blown out once you get it loose. Always wear and use the correct PPE or leave it to the professionals.
This solution used 1/2-inch galvanized wire mesh. Cut the wire mesh using snips or small cutting pliers to fit the vent exhaust, making sure to leave four longer wires for your anchor points. Fit in place and mark where you want to drill your holes. It is best to drill two holes, fit the mesh in place and then drill the remaining two holes. See our maintenance gallery for a louver style installation.
There are pest guards available, Deflecto makes a number of different types like the Easy Clean Louvered Dryer Hood with Bird Guard or their overmount design, but typically aftermarket products don’t fit your exhaust vent perfectly, so measure twice. Furthermore, be careful with installation to ensure you do not leave your building envelope susceptible to moisture.
Tools needed: ladder, garbage bag, screwdriver, metal rod, wire mesh, cutting pliers, drill, drill bits and cleaning supplies.