How To Get A Bird Out Of Your Garage (Quickly & Easily!)

Ossiana Tepfenhart
by Ossiana Tepfenhart

If you really think about it, modern homes are pretty cozy. Even a relatively cheap garage offers a lot of protection from the elements in most cases. It’s unsurprising, then, that many birds seem to prefer building their nests in garages. Unfortunately for them, we don’t want them there and they can actually pose a health risk in some cases. So, how do you get a bird that’s there to leave?

In most cases, birds will leave of their own accord as long as you give them an exit. Open the door and the window and be patient. You should be able to see it fly off. If that doesn’t work, using a rake to guide the bird out the door can help. Catching birds with a net can help. If all else fails, call animal control for help.

Having a bird in your garage is annoying at the very least, but it isn’t something you have to just deal with. This guide will give you a better understanding of the situation.

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Why Is There A Bird In My Garage?

Believe it or not, most birds do not seek out garages as homes. Chances are higher that the bird in question just randomly got lost, flew in, and now doesn’t know how to leave. Knowing this, you should always assume that you can get it to leave by just leaving a door open or leaving a window open. The more obvious you make the exit, the easier the bird’s exit will be.

However, it isn’t unheard of for certain types of birds to decide to make a garage home. This is especially true if you rarely go in the garage and have a lot of clutter in the area. If you notice a nest or hear the “peep, peep” of baby birds, you might have a more permanent problem on your hands. This is doubly true if you have a belt or chain garage door opener with a nest up top.

Other Ways To Get A Bird Out Of Your Garage

Though opening a window, catching the bird, or just waiting it out tends to be the most common ways to get birds in your garage, they aren’t the only ways. These options below can also work well as far as DIY options go.

Can A Cat Get Rid Of A Bird In The Garage?

If you have not been able to remove the bird through means like opening a window or trying a “catch and release” attempt, owning a cat (or even a dog) can help. Cats are amazing birders and will be more than happy to chase after most birds. In most cases, your pets will have a fun time and the bird will fly out the window as soon as they see them.

Obviously, this is not a good idea if the bird in question is a large one—like a hawk, a falcon, or an eagle. Birds of prey like those are more likely to harm your pet than they are to flee in terror.

How Do You Catch A Bird And Release It Safely?

The best way to do this is to use a fishing net. You do not want to get too close to the bird, as it may fly up and peck you. Using a fishing net (or butterfly net) to catch the bird is the most humane way to get them out of your home. It also gives you the adequate spacing that you need.

How Do You Use A Rake To Get A Bird Out Of Your Home?

If the bird is calm, you can hold a rake out to it and let it hop on the rake. Then, gently point the rake towards an open window. You should see it leave as soon as it gets the hint. If you don’t have a rake, you can also use a broom, a branch, or a large stick. As long as it gives you ample room between you and the bird, it should work.

Can You Chase A Bird Out Of Your Garage?

For the most part, people shouldn’t try to chase birds out of their garages. If birds get too panicked, they may actually try to peck you in retaliation. So, it’s better to employ a little tact when you get them out. Gently guiding the bird is usually a better option, as is just letting birds leave of their own accord.

When Should You Call Animal Control?

There are certain moments where you may find that animal control is the better option. If you’re in this situation, it’s better to not bother trying to get rid of the bird on your own. This is true when it comes to the situations below:

  • There is reason to believe that the bird in question is someone’s pet. Sometimes, a cockatoo (or other pet bird) will get loose in the neighborhood. If you notice an exotic bird in your garage, make sure you’re not hallucinating, close the windows, and call animal control. Someone lost their pet!
  • The bird in question is a bird of prey. Raptors, such as owls and falcons, are very dangerous and fairly aggressive. They can attack both people and pets with fairly deadly consequences. If one gets in your garage, this is not a job to be left to someone who has no experience with them. Animal control is a MUST.
  • You’ve already tried most other types of ways to remove the bird, but it won’t leave. Or, you may have noticed that it keeps coming back. This could be a sign that you have something in there that is luring them in. You will need to call animal control or a pest specialist to get to the bottom of this. Our advice? Call animal control first, then pest control.
  • You are not 100 percent sure it’s a bird. Just because it flutters doesn’t mean it’s a bird. Sometimes, it could be a bat. Since bats carry a high risk of rabies, you should consider calling animal control if you suspect that a bat got into your home. Rabies is deadly for people and animals alike, so it’s best not to risk it.
  • The bird already put together a nest in your garage. Birds, like most other living creatures, get very territorial about their homes. This is especially true when it comes to their babies, which might just be hatching as you read this article. Because of the risk to both the adults and babies, it’s better to call an animal control specialist to take care of the matter.
  • You have reason to believe that the bird isn’t well. If you believe that the bird in question is acting strange, looks a little off, or otherwise has unsettling habits, then you may want to call animal control just to play it safe. You never know what could happen!

Can Birds Get Rabies?

One of the bigger concerns of many homeowners who find themselves with a bird in their house is rabies. Rabies is notoriously deadly and is carried by most wildlife that people consider to be pests. However, there is some good news if you only have a bird in your home: birds can’t get rabies. At the very least, this is one thing you don’t have to worry about.

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Related Questions

Can putting an owl statue in my garage deter birds from entering?

Though owls are birds themselves, most birds do not want to be too close to them. Birds of prey tend to be a major deterrent to many pests, including smaller birds and mice. While it isn’t the most reliable way to deter pests from entering your garage, adding an owl statue can help reduce the chances of having to call animal control later on.One thing you need to be aware of is that the owl needs to be 3D. A cutout of an owl probably will not have the same effect as a faux owl statue.


How do you get an owl out of your garage?

If you have an owl that found its way into your garage, it’s normal to panic. However, most owls do not want to be in a garage. The best way to get rid of it is to open a window and let it leave on its own. If you want to add an extra nudge to their leaving plans, then just turn on the lights in your garage. Owls can’t stand bright lighting!


Can an owl attack a large dog?

Owls and other birds of prey rarely interact with large animals. In fact, most large birds will not be able to pick up a 25-pound dog. However, if you have a small dog, a cat, or a kitten, birds like owls and hawks can become a very legitimate threat. If you notice large birds in your area, keep small pets inside and do not let them go out without supervision. They probably won’t attack with you standing next to your pet!

Ossiana Tepfenhart
Ossiana Tepfenhart

Ossiana Tepfenhart is an expert writer, focusing on interior design and general home tips. Writing is her life, and it's what she does best. Her interests include art and real estate investments.

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