Hummingbirds flying around inside a building can be alarming and disruptive. While they are beautiful birds to watch outside, having a hummingbird trapped indoors presents some challenges. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to safely remove hummingbirds from inside a building and prevent them from getting in again.
Why are hummingbirds in the building?
Hummingbirds are naturally drawn to feeders full of sugary nectar, so if there is a feeder near a door or open window, this can attract hummingbirds inside. Hummingbirds may also simply fly inside a building out of curiosity or by accident if a door is left propped open. Additionally, during migration seasons in the spring and fall, disoriented young hummingbirds may end up following insects or lights into garages, barns, or other structures by mistake.
Times of year when this is most common
Hummingbird appearances indoors are most common during their migration seasons:
- Spring migration: late February through May
- Fall migration: late August through November
Hummingbirds migrating through an area are easily drawn off course if they spot an inviting nectar feeder through an open door. During other times of year, it’s less common but still possible for hummingbirds to find their way inside, especially if a feeder is located close to an entry point.
Steps to safely remove hummingbirds
If a hummingbird finds its way into your building, here are some tips for encouraging it to leave safely:
1. Remain calm and turn off ceiling fans
Hummingbirds startle easily, so move slowly and speak softly. Also be sure to turn off any ceiling fans that could injure the bird while it’s flying around indoors.
2. Look for where the bird entered
Check doors, windows, or garages for openings where the hummingbird may have flown inside. If possible, close off the entry point so the bird can’t escape that way, forcing it to exit through an open door.
3. Open all doors and windows
Open any exterior doors or windows to give the hummingbird multiple escape routes. The more exits the better, so open as many doors/windows as possible on multiple sides of the building.
4. Direct the hummingbird toward an exit
Without chasing or startling the bird, gently direct it toward an open door or window by herding it in that direction. You can wave your hands slowly or use an object like a broom to guide the hummingbird’s flight path.
5. Tempt the hummingbird outside with a feeder
Place a nectar feeder filled with a 4:1 sugar-water solution right outside one of the open doors or windows. The scent of “food” can entice the hummingbird to fly over to investigate and exit the building.
6. Don’t squish the hummingbird
If the hummingbird lands, resist the urge to try catching it in your hands, which could harm it. Instead, use an object like a cup to gently surround the bird and transport it to the nearest exit.
7. Wait and watch
Have some patience. With multiple escape routes available, the hummingbird will eventually find its way back outside. Keep an eye on it but allow some time for this to happen.
8. Call for help if needed
If the hummingbird gets increasingly agitated or can’t find its way out after an hour or more, call your local animal control office, wildlife rehabilitator, or hummingbird rescue organization for assistance.
Prevent hummingbirds from entering buildings
To discourage future hummingbird visits indoors, here are some tips:
Remove outdoor feeders near entrances
Eliminate nectar feeders positioned near doors, garages, or windows that could attract hummingbirds inside. Feeders are best situated well away from building openings.
Install mesh over ventilation openings
Cover attic vents, eave openings, and other potential access points with 1/4-inch metal mesh to block hummingbirds from accidentally flying inside.
Use a liquid bird repellent
Apply non-toxic liquid bird repellents along the tops of door and window frames. The odor discourages hummingbirds from entering.
Keep doors and windows closed
Keep exterior doors and windows shut tightly when not in use, especially during spring and fall migration seasons when lost young hummingbirds are more likely.
Turn off exterior lights at night
Exterior lights left on at night can disorient hummingbirds traveling after dark, drawing them off course into buildings. Turn off unnecessary exterior lights.
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Remain calm and turn off ceiling fans | – Reduces risk of injuring the bird – Allows it to settle down |
– Doesn’t directly get the bird outside |
| Look for entry point | – Can close it off to direct bird outside | – Not always possible to locate |
| Open doors and windows | – Provides multiple escape routes – Easy to implement |
– Bird may still get confused – Lets bugs/other birds in |
| Direct bird toward exit | – Actively guides it outside | – Risk of startling/stressing it |
| Use nectar feeder to lure it | – Appeals to natural food-seeking instinct | – Need to have suitable feeder prepared |
| Avoid direct handling | – Prevents injury to bird | – Harder to move it if needed |
| Have patience/wait | – Allows bird to exit naturally | – Could take a long time |
| Call for expert help if needed | – Professionals can safely catch and release | – Costs money and time |
As shown in the table, each method has some advantages and disadvantages. Using a combination of approaches is likely to be the most successful in removing hummingbirds from inside buildings in a timely yet gentle, stress-free manner.
Humane traps or deterrents
In addition to the methods above, there are some humane trapping or deterrent products that may be useful for removing hummingbirds indoors, including:
Funnel or box traps
Tube-shaped funnel traps or small box traps baited with nectar can lure the hummingbird inside. Once it enters, the door closes behind it so it can be safely released outside. This avoids having to directly handle the bird.
Mist nets
Very fine, soft mesh mist nets can be strategically hung in a location the hummingbird frequents. When the bird flies into the nearly invisible net, its momentum causes it to become lightly tangled so it can be extracted and released outdoors.
Sticky deterrent gels
Non-toxic sticky gels can be applied to windowsills, eaves, and other surfaces to discourage hummingbirds from landing there. The sticky texture deters them from entering openings or perching where they could get stuck inside.
However, extreme care must be taken with sticky deterrents to avoid trapping the hummingbird’s feet or feathers, so professional advice is recommended before using these.
Shiny tape deterrents
Iridescent reflective tape or metallic streamers hung near windows or doors create flashing effects and noises that startle hummingbirds, preventing them from flying close or landing there.
These visual deterrents are less risky than sticky gels, but must be hung carefully to avoid tangling around a visiting hummingbird.
Avoiding harm to hummingbirds
Whenever attempting to remove hummingbirds from inside buildings, it’s crucial to avoid causing them harm or undue distress. Here are some tips for keeping them safe:
- Don’t make sudden loud noises or movements that may startle them
- Ensure ceiling fans and other blades are turned off before letting them loose
- Keep children and pets away so they don’t accidentally interfere
- Only use gentle guidance and hummingbird-safe products, never force
- If the bird starts to tire from flying, provide a perch
- Never grab or squeeze the hummingbird
- Seek expert advice if the situation seems dangerous for the bird
With some care and patience, nearly any indoor hummingbird situation can be resolved while keeping the beautiful bird’s safety and wellbeing a top priority.
Warnings about capturing, keeping, or relocating hummingbirds
It’s important to note that in the United States and Canada, hummingbirds are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. There are strict laws prohibiting certain actions without permits, including:
- Capturing and keeping hummingbirds as pets or for display
- Removing active hummingbird nests or eggs
- Relocating hummingbirds to a new area
Even if you free a trapped hummingbird outside, moving it to a distant or unfamiliar location could interfere with its normal migration pattern and ability to survive. It’s best to simply guide indoor hummingbirds back to the immediate outdoors whenever possible.
Penalties for violating regulations
According to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act can potentially result in fines up to:
- $15,000 for an individual
- $200,000 for an organization
- Jail time
In addition, any equipment used to capture migratory birds may be subject to forfeiture. It’s crucial to follow all applicable state and federal regulations when dealing with indoor hummingbirds to avoid steep penalties.
Conclusion
Having hummingbirds trapped inside can be problematic but there are simple, gentle ways to guide them back outdoors safely. Avoid making loud disturbances, gently direct them toward open doors or windows, use nectar feeders to lure them outside, limit handling, and enlist experts if needed.
Deterring hummingbirds from entering in the first place via screens, avoiding feeders near entrances, and keeping doors closed are the best prevention. With proper care and some strategic tricks, indoor hummingbird situations can be resolved while keeping people and birds secure.
