A bird stuck in your garage can be a frustrating experience, for both you and the bird. Whether it’s a sparrow, pigeon, or even a robin, birds often fly into garages in search of shelter or food, only to become trapped and disoriented. The good news? You can safely and humanely guide them back outside using simple, effective methods.
In this guide, we’ll cover three proven ways to get a bird out of your garage without causing unnecessary stress. We’ll also share long-term prevention tips, and consider when it might be time to call a professional.
Why Birds Get Trapped in Garages
Birds don’t enter garages intending to stay, but certain factors make these places attractive. Garages provide a protected environment away from predators and harsh weather. Birds may enter seeking refuge, especially during storms or colder seasons.
Many people keep things like pet food, birdseed, or organic debris (like yard waste) in their garages, which can attract birds. In some cases, birds might even start building nests inside if they find soft materials, like leaves, insulation, or cardboard.
Once inside, birds struggle to navigate back out because they instinctively fly toward light sources rather than downward through an open garage door.
Common Bird Species Found in Garages
While any bird can get trapped in a garage, some species are more likely than others:
- Sparrows – Small, curious birds that frequently enter open spots
- Pigeons – Abundant in urban areas, and often looking for nesting locations
- Robins – Especially attracted to garages during spring nesting season
- Swallows – Although they are agile flyers, they may mistakenly enter while hunting insects
Preparation and Things to Do Before You Begin
Before attempting to get the bird out, follow these steps:
- Secure Pets and Children: Keep cats, dogs, and small children away to reduce stress on the bird and prevent it from flying around in a panic.
- Gather Necessary Supplies: Things like a soft towel, broom, and a flashlight can be handy for gently guiding the bird out of the garage.
- Identify Entry and Exit Points: Determine where the bird may have come in, and the easiest place for it to exit.
- Clear the Path: Move any large objects that could obstruct the bird’s way out.
Once you’re prepared, try one of the three methods below to help the bird escape safely.
Method 1: Natural Exit Strategy
The easiest and least stressful way to help a bird stuck in your garage is by encouraging it to leave on its own. The Natural Exit Strategy involves creating an environment that encourages the bird to leave on its own. By minimizing stress and providing clear exit points, you allow the bird to follow its instincts and fly out when it feels safe.
Follow these steps:
- Open All Possible Exits: Fully open your garage door, side doors, and windows to give the bird multiple escape routes. Ensure that there are no obstacles blocking the exits.
- Reduce Noise and Activity: Turn off any loud equipment like fans, HVAC systems, or radios. Leave the garage and watch from a distance, giving the bird space to leave on its own.
- Dim Interior Lighting: If possible, turn off garage lights while keeping outdoor lights on, to guide the bird toward the exit. Birds naturally fly toward brighter areas, so this method helps the bird find its way out.
- Stay Patient: Avoid waving your arms or making sudden movements that could startle the bird. It may take a few minutes for the bird to recognize the open exits.
If the bird doesn’t leave within 30 minutes, move on to method two.
Method 2: Manual Guidance Techniques
If the Natural Exit Method isn’t working, you may need to gently guide the bird toward an open exit.
Follow these steps:
- Gently Use a Broom or Towel: Hold a broom or long object, without swinging it, to encourage the bird to move toward the desired exit.
- Create a Light Path: Shine a flashlight or outdoor light near the exit to attract the bird’s attention.
- Use Bird Sounds or Calls: If you have a recording of bird calls, play it outside to lure the trapped bird toward freedom.
If gently guiding the bird toward the exits is not effective, capturing and releasing the bird may be your best option.
Method 3: Capture and Release
For a stubborn, shocked, or exhausted bird, a gentle capture and release may be necessary.
Follow these steps:
- Wear Gloves: A scared bird may try to peck or scratch you, so protective clothing is a must. Gloves can also protect against any diseases the bird might be carrying.
- Use a Box or Net: If the bird lands on the ground, carefully place a cardboard box or soft net over it.
- Slowly Carry It Outside: Once contained, bring the bird outdoors and open the box or remove the net in a safe, quiet area.
- Let It Fly Away Naturally: Step back and allow the bird to leave on its own.
Other Considerations
Sometimes, getting a bird out of your garage isn’t so simple. In situations like these, you may need to consider a more complex solution:
- Dealing With an Injured Bird: If the bird appears weak or hurt, contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center.
- Aggressive Birds: Some birds, like swallows, might defend themselves or their territory. In this case, it’s best to seek professional help.
- Baby Birds or Multiple Birds: If a nest is involved, removing it may be illegal in some areas. Research local wildlife laws before proceeding, or contact a professional for assistance.
What To Do After the Bird Is Gone
Once the bird has left, follow these steps to prevent future incidents:
- Inspect and Seal Entry Points: Inspect your garage, inside and out, for any potential entry points that birds might use to get inside in the future. Close any gaps, holes, or vents that you find to prevent re-entry. If you’d like help with this task, many pest removal companies offer inspection and repair services to ensure that your home and garage are secure. Contact local companies for more information.
- Clean Up Nesting Materials: Make sure that you maintain a neat and tidy area, free of nesting materials like twigs, feathers, and other items that birds may use to create a nest. Clean up any droppings or other mess created by the bird that was previously trapped in the space.
- Remove Food Sources: Secure bird seed and pet food in hard plastic bins that cannot be accessed by wildlife.
- Maintain a Bird-Free Garage: Keep doors closed whenever possible, and perform regular checks of the space to ensure birds haven’t found their way back in.
- Consider Bird-Friendly Deterrents: Consider bird deterrent options like non-toxic sprays, noise machines, or reflective materials.
Long-Term Tips On How to Keep Birds Out of Your Garage
Preventing birds from entering your garage in the first place is far easier than dealing with a trapped one. By following these long-term prevention strategies, you can keep your garage bird-free all year.
Keep Up With Regular Garage Maintenance
A clean, well-maintained garage is less attractive to birds looking for shelter or food. Implement these habits to reduce the chances of unwanted avian visitors:
- Keep doors and windows closed when not in use
- Store food sources properly – pet food, birdseed, and trash should be sealed in airtight containers.
- Remove clutter such as cardboard, fabric scraps, or loose insulation that birds may use for nesting.
- Check for signs of bird activity, such as droppings or small twigs, which could indicate an attempted nest.
By keeping your garage tidy and limiting potential nesting materials, you’ll naturally discourage birds from lingering inside.
Use Effective Bird Deterrent Methods
Birds tend to return to areas they see as safe and habitable. To make your garage less appealing, consider using deterrents like:
- Reflective objects: Hang aluminum foil strips, old CDs, or wind chimes near garage entry points to confuse and deter birds.
- Ultrasonic bird repellents: These devices emit high-frequency sounds that discourage birds from entering your space.
- Motion-activated deterrents: Sprinkles or lights that activate when birds approach can startle them away.
- Scent-based repellents: Some bird repellents, like Avian Control and Migrate products, use scented ingredients that create an uncomfortable environment for birds.
Identify and Seal Entry Points
Birds can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps. Regularly inspect your garage for potential entryways and seal them properly:
- Check for gaps around windows and doors, and install weather stripping if necessary.
- Inspect vents and exhaust openings, and use fine mesh screens to prevent birds from flying inside.
- Look for holes in walls or roofing, and seal any cracks or openings with caulk or wire mesh.
- Cover open rafters or ledges, because birds may attempt to nest in high, hidden areas within your garage.
By blocking access points, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of birds finding their way inside.
Consider Seasonal Bird Prevention
Bird behavior changes throughout the year, so seasonal prevention is key:
- Spring and Summer: Nesting season means birds are actively looking for safe, enclosed spaces. Check your garage weekly for signs of nesting activity.
- Fall and Winter: As temperatures drop, birds seek shelter from the cold. Keep your garage well-sealed and insulated to prevent them from sneaking in.
Adapting your bird-proofing efforts based on the season ensures year-round protection against unwanted guests.
Use Avian Control for a Long-Term Solution
For a professional and long-lasting bird deterrent, consider using Avian Control bird repellent spray. This EPA-approved, non-toxic solution is safe for humans, pets, and the environment, and is effective in repelling birds without harming them.
Applying Avian Control around your garage’s entry points or high-risk areas can create an invisible barrier that discourages birds from returning.
For the best results, use a combination of these deterrent strategies to make your garage an unwelcoming place for birds.
Should You Call a Professional?
Sometimes, it’s best to leave bird removal to the experts. Consider calling a professional if:
- The bird is injured or weak.
- You’re dealing with a protected species.
- The bird refuses to leave, despite all efforts.
- You have a recurring nesting problem.
A wildlife control specialist can safely remove birds while ensuring they aren’t harmed.
Keep Your Garage Bird-Free for Good
A bird stuck in your garage can be a stressful situation, but with patience and the right approach, you can safely guide it back outside.
For long-term bird control, Avian Control offers effective and humane deterrent solutions to keep birds away from garages, homes, and outdoor spaces. Contact us today for more information about our products. If you’d like to explore other deterrent options, check out our guide to the best bird deterrents.
How to Get a Bird Out of Your Garage: 3 Methods Plus Preventative Measures