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So a strong gust a wind knocked my soffit vent cover off. While the cover was off, I had some birds fly in and decide to make a home... in my home.
Now that I want to put this soffit vent cover back on, how do I get these birds out? I think they have a nest inside the eave too but I"m not sure.
Do I cover the soffit vent and keep the birds out? If I do that, what happens if birds get trapped inside?
The attic floor is covered so its not like they are flying around up there either.
They have one way in and out, and that is thru the soffit vent that lost the cover.
I had this happen a couple of years ago. I had to wait till I knew everyone moved out, then fixed the area. Mama still comes back looking to see if she can get in again, she gives up after a few days and moves on. I cringed at the thought of baby birds dying in there. Best to wait it out in my opinion.
Climb up there and get them out!!!! We had birds destroy our duct work!!! The repairs (not covered by insurance) were not cheep!!! Not to mention the extra electric we spent cooling our attic!
Birds must be out.
You may want to consider a composite vent, which doesn't deteriorate like wood. Bought and made to spec from a local building center ( not the blue or orange box centers )
Remove the screen, pre-paint and staple back on the screen before attaching with screws.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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We had that problem with a starling, the darned thing ended up inside a wall and I had to cut out the sheetrock in the living room to get him out. I'd stake out the area from a chair, and when it leaves to get stuff to build the nest, get up the ladder quick and cover the hole.
It's gonna be very difficult for me to get them out.
Only one way in and if I start with my hand or some stick, all I'm gonna do is push them back into a corner. A corner I won't be able to reach into.
Crud... I think I have to wait for all them to leave. How can I close the vent and trap them inside?
Then what, dead birds rotting in my house?
Thanks everyone for your help.
Glad to see I'm not the only one this has happened to, LOL
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