How to Get Birds Out of a Garage (Without Going Crazy!)

Ever opened your garage door only to find a bird flapping around like it’s trapped in a horror movie remake of Finding Nemo? One second you’re grabbing a rake, the next you’re dodging a panicked robin on a kamikaze mission toward the fluorescent lights. It’s frustrating, it’s chaotic, and honestly kind of hilarious—until it poops on your windshield.

If you’re wondering how to get birds out of a garage without causing a scene or needing to call animal control, you’re in the right place. Whether it’s one stuck sparrow or a full-on feathered family reunion, I’ll walk you through it all calmly, clearly, and with a little sarcasm to keep us both sane.

Why Do Birds Even Go in Garages?

Before we kick them out, let’s answer the obvious: why the heck are they in there to begin with?

Here’s why birds crash your garage party:

• They’re chasing food like insects, crumbs, or open pet food
• They see shelter which is dry and predator-free
• They got confused by reflections or windows
• They’re nesting and literally building condos in your rafters

FYI, garages often have high ceilings and bright lighting that mimic open sky. Birds fall for it every single time.

Stay Calm (Seriously)

I know this one sounds obvious, but hear me out

Don’t panic. Don’t flail. Don’t scream “shoo” like a lunatic. Birds are already freaked out, and adding drama just makes them fly harder and aim worse. For your head, your car, and your sanity

What to do instead:

• Stay still and figure out how many birds you’re dealing with
• Look for obvious exits like the garage door, windows, or vents
• Remove distractions like kids, pets, and rogue Roombas

Why it matters: freaked-out birds fly in circles. Calm birds look for exits. That’s our goal

Open the Door (Yes, Really)

This sounds like common sense, but you’d be surprised how many people forget the simplest step

Here’s what works:

• Open the main garage door fully. Not halfway. Not a crack. Go big
• Turn off all interior lights so the brightest light comes from outside
• If possible, dim the garage even more by closing any other light sources

Why this works: birds follow light. If your garage looks dark and the outside looks like heaven, guess where they’re heading? Out. Hopefully

Pro tip: stand back and give them space. Hovering by the door just makes you a scary obstacle

Use a Broom Gently

If they’re not taking the hint, it’s time to guide them, not chase them

What to do:

• Grab a broom, but not for smacking
• Slowly extend it toward the bird from behind, gently herding it toward the exit
• Don’t swing or lunge. Just hold and guide

Think of it like sheep herding. Except the sheep are airborne and really bad at listening

Important: never touch the bird unless it’s injured. It’s stressful for the bird and risky for your hands

Use the Flashlight Trick

Still not working? Time to outsmart them with light

Try this:

• Wait until dusk or nighttime
• Turn off all garage lights
• Use a flashlight or phone light and aim it toward the exit
• Birds often follow the light thinking it’s daylight

Why this works: their instincts tell them to head toward brighter spaces. You’re basically leading them to freedom with a glowing breadcrumb trail

Bonus tip: add a bit of reflective material near the exit like foil or a mirror to exaggerate the light

Play the Scary Sound Card

If the gentle approach isn’t cutting it, it’s time to make the place sound less inviting

Here’s what to try:

• Play hawk or predator bird calls on your phone
• Use wind chimes or anything that rattles or clangs
• Make a bit of noise but don’t go full marching band

Why this works: birds hate feeling unsafe. A garage that sounds like a hawk nest isn’t prime real estate anymore

Don’t overdo it. The goal is to motivate them to leave, not cause a birdy heart attack

Use a Towel Trap If You’re Desperate

They’re still in there. You’re getting annoyed. Your car now has bird poop art. Time for the last resort

Here’s how to do it without turning into a cartoon villain:

1. Grab a light towel or cloth
2. Wait until the bird lands or tires itself out
3. Move slowly and quietly
4. Toss the towel over it gently
5. Scoop up the bird in the towel and release it outside immediately

Important safety note: if the bird seems sick, or you can’t catch it safely, call a local wildlife rescue. Better safe than scratched

Prevent It from Happening Again

Once they’re out, your work isn’t done. You’ve got to bird-proof that garage unless you want a sequel next week

Here’s what actually works:

• Keep the garage door closed when not in use
• Install mesh or netting over vents or upper openings
• Use motion-activated lights or sounds to scare them away
• Hang shiny objects like CDs, foil, or bird tape near entrances
• Keep food sources sealed up including trash or pet food

Bonus tip: if birds were nesting inside, remove the old nest after they’re gone. Clean the area with gloves and a mask. Droppings can carry things you don’t want to breathe in

When to Call for Help

Sometimes, DIY just doesn’t cut it

Call wildlife control or pest pros if:

• A bird is stuck and injured
• You’ve got a full nest inside the garage
• They keep coming back even after prevention
• It’s a protected species like swallows or migratory birds

Don’t mess with the laws. Some birds are federally protected and removing them or their nests without permission can get you in trouble

Quick Recap

In case you skimmed, here’s the TLDR version

• Stay calm and keep your cool
• Open the doors wide and turn off interior lights
• Use brooms, flashlights, or predator sounds to guide them out
• Avoid touching them unless you have to and use a towel if needed
• Bird-proof the garage with mesh, motion lights, and shiny objects
• Call wildlife pros if needed

And yes, clean up the poop. Nobody wants to find that on their tires later

Final Thought

Birds in garages are a weirdly common problem. You’re not alone, and you’re definitely not the first person to google “how to get birds out of a garage” while standing there in socks and confusion

Keep your cool, help them out safely, and make a few changes to stop it from happening again. Next time one swoops in, at least you’ll know exactly what to do and maybe even impress your neighbors in the process

Got any weird bird-in-garage stories? Share them with someone who’ll appreciate the chaos. Or better yet, keep your garage closed and just watch birds from the driveway like a normal person