What should you do if you discover a bird nest in the vent?

What should you do if you discover a bird nest in the vent?

• A. Stop work, remove the nest.
• B. Stop work, remove the nest, clean the vent, and ensure the vent is re-sealed with a guard that does not impede airflow when appropriate.
• C. Ignore the nest and continue cleaning.
• D. Seal the vent permanently and ignore airflow.

Answer: (B)

Encountering a bird nest in a vent is both a wildlife protection and a system maintenance issue, so you pause work to address it safely and properly. Stop what you’re doing to avoid disturbing the birds and to prevent blowing debris into the home or dryer. Then remove the nest if it’s safe to do so and allowed by local regulations, and thoroughly clean the vent to remove lint, debris, and any nest remnants. After cleaning, re-seal the vent and install a guard or screen designed to keep birds out while not blocking airflow when the vent is in use. This approach protects the animals, maintains proper dryer ventilation, and reduces fire or lint buildup risks. Merely ignoring the nest or sealing the vent permanently would fail to protect airflow and safety.

Encountering a bird nest in a vent is both a wildlife protection and a system maintenance issue, so you pause work to address it safely and properly. Stop what you’re doing to avoid disturbing the birds and to prevent blowing debris into the home or dryer. Then remove the nest if it’s safe to do so and allowed by local regulations, and thoroughly clean the vent to remove lint, debris, and any nest remnants. After cleaning, re-seal the vent and install a guard or screen designed to keep birds out while not blocking airflow when the vent is in use. This approach protects the animals, maintains proper dryer ventilation, and reduces fire or lint buildup risks. Merely ignoring the nest or sealing the vent permanently would fail to protect airflow and safety.