Starlings are more than just a nuisance; they can damage property, disrupt ecosystems, and make your outdoor spaces less enjoyable. Their aggressive feeding habits, noisy behavior, and rapid breeding cycles make them a challenge for homeowners to control. If you’re asking yourself how to get rid of starlings, this guide is here to help.
We’ll walk you through everything from identifying starlings and understanding their behavior, to applying effective deterrent methods and long-term preventative strategies. By the end of this guide, you’ll have the tools and knowledge to reclaim your yard and protect it from these invasive birds.
Identification of Starlings
Starlings are native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, but they were introduced as an invasive species to many other parts of the world, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, Mexico, and others. If you’re in the United States, you’ve likely seen starlings around your home or in your neighborhood, even if you didn’t recognize them at the time.
Before you can effectively deter starlings, you need to identify them. These birds have unique physical characteristics and nesting habits that make them easy to recognize. Starlings are medium-sized birds, typically 8–9 inches long, with short tails and pointed beaks. Their glossy black feathers shimmer with iridescent green and purple hues in the sunlight, giving off a majestic or magical appearance.
During winter, their plumage develops white specks, giving them a spotted appearance. Unlike crows or blackbirds, starlings have a sleeker body and a yellow beak during the breeding season. In the winter months, their beaks change back to a dark brown or black color.
Starlings are cavity nesters, which means they build their nests in enclosed spaces like vents, eaves, gutters, and tree hollows. They’re highly adaptable and often exploit human-made structures for shelter. Their nests, made of grass, feathers, and twigs, can block ventilation systems or clog gutters, leading to costly repairs.
Understanding Starling Behavior
Starlings’ adaptability and rapid reproduction make them a significant problem for homeowners and the environment. Understanding their behavior is key to managing their presence effectively.
Starlings are opportunistic feeders, consuming insects, fruits, grains, and seeds. They flock to bird feeders, where they can dominate and outcompete native birds. Their aggressive feeding patterns can deplete resources that would have otherwise been consumed by other less invasive species. For tips on protecting your bird feeders, check out our guide to keeping birds away.
Starlings breed prolifically, producing two broods per season with four to six eggs per clutch. Their nests are tightly packed and can obstruct air vents or gutters. In the winter, starlings form large roosting flocks, often numbering in the thousands, creating noise and leaving behind unsanitary droppings.
Starling droppings are acidic and can corrode paint, metal, and wood. Additionally, their droppings harbor pathogens that cause diseases like histoplasmosis, which can affect humans and pets. To learn more about the hazards of bird droppings, visit our bird poop guide.
5 Effective Methods to Deter Starlings
To effectively manage and get rid of starlings, homeowners need a multi-faceted approach. These five methods have proven successful in reducing starling populations and keeping them from returning.
1. Modify Feeding Practices: Starlings are drawn to bird feeders, where they dominate and outcompete native birds for food. To deter them, consider modifying your feeding practices. Switching to starling-proof feeders, which have weight-sensitive perches that close under the weight of heavier birds, can significantly reduce their access to the food you put out. Another effective choice is using tube feeders with small openings that only allow smaller bird species to feed comfortably.
The type of birdseed you use also plays an important role. Starlings dislike certain types of seeds, such as safflower and nyjer, which are favored by native birds like finches. By choosing these varieties, you make your feeders less attractive to starlings. On the other hand, suet cakes and high-fat mixes should be avoided, as they are particularly appealing to starlings and may encourage frequent visits.
2. Habitat Modification: Making your property less hospitable is one of the most effective long-term strategies for deterring starlings. Start by pruning trees and shrubs to eliminate overgrown areas that serve as ideal roosting and nesting sites. Open spaces with less cover make your yard less inviting to these birds.
Inspect your home and structures for potential nesting cavities. Starlings often exploit gaps, vents, and other entry points for nesting. Seal these openings with durable materials such as vent covers, steel mesh, or steel wool. This will not only deter starlings but also prevent other unwanted wildlife from taking up residence.
For areas where starlings frequently perch, such as ledges or rooflines, installing bird spikes is an excellent deterrent. These spikes prevent birds from landing and settling in these locations. If you’re protecting a vegetable garden or fruit trees, bird netting provides an additional layer of defense by physically blocking access to vulnerable areas.
3. Use Auditory and Visual Deterrents: Starlings are intelligent birds, but they can be effectively discouraged by creating an environment that feels unsafe. Auditory deterrents, such as devices that emit predator sounds or starling distress calls work by mimicking threats. These sounds unsettle the birds and encourage them to leave the area. For the best results, vary the sound patterns regularly to keep starlings from becoming accustomed to them.
Visual deterrents can also be highly effective. Reflective objects, such as shiny tape or mirrors, create moving light patterns that disorient and frighten starlings. Predator decoys, such as fake owls or hawks, can further enhance the perception of danger. Adding movement to these visual deterrents, like placing them on swivels or poles, increases their effectiveness. Moving items like pinwheels are another excellent option to keep starlings on edge. To maintain their impact, reposition these visual deterrents periodically.
4. Apply Liquid Bird Repellent: Liquid bird repellents, like Avian Control, are among the most humane and effective methods for deterring starlings. These repellents work by creating an environment that starlings find unpleasant, often by targeting their sense of taste or smell. Unlike some other deterrent methods, liquid repellents are safe for humans, pets, and other wildlife, making them an environmentally friendly option for bird control.
Avian Control offers a number of benefits for homeowners dealing with starlings. It’s non-toxic and biodegradable, ensuring that it won’t harm your garden or landscaping. A single application provides long-lasting protection, often lasting several weeks before reapplication is needed. The repellent is easy to apply — simply spray it on trees, shrubs, or other problem areas where starlings gather. For a safe, efficient, and low-maintenance solution, Avian Control is a top choice.
5. Seek Professional Help or Advanced Systems: If your starling problem is severe or persistent, professional wildlife control services may be necessary. Experts can assess the situation and implement advanced deterrent systems that are tailored to your property. These systems may include laser-based deterrents, automated scare devices, or large-scale habitat modifications that go beyond typical DIY solutions.
Professional intervention is particularly useful for large properties or areas where chronic infestations occur. Wildlife control specialists can also advise on long-term strategies to prevent starlings from returning, ensuring that your efforts yield lasting results.
Other Preventative Strategies
Preventing starlings from returning is just as important as addressing an existing problem. Here are some preventative measures to consider:
Regular Outdoor Maintenance: Keep your property clean and well-maintained. Remove debris, seal gaps in structures, and ensure vents and chimneys are covered with mesh to block access.
Limit Food Sources: Starlings are opportunistic feeders, so reducing food availability is crucial. Cover compost bins, clean up spilled birdseed, and store pet food indoors to minimize attractants.
Plant Native Vegetation: Some plants, such as conifers and native shrubs, are less appealing to starlings but provide shelter and food for native birds. Planting these can enhance your yard’s biodiversity while deterring invasive species.
Monitor and Remove Nests Early: During the breeding season, regularly check for starling nests. Safely remove nests before eggs are laid to prevent future generations from taking hold. Always follow local wildlife laws when removing nests.
The Benefits of Taking Action Against Starlings
Addressing a starling infestation can improve your quality of life and protect your property. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Reduced Noise: Removing starlings means less disruption from their constant chatter and calls.
- Healthier Property: Preventing droppings and nests reduces the risk of property damage and disease.
- Enhanced Ecosystem: By deterring starlings, you create a safer environment for native birds to thrive.
- Peace of Mind: Implementing effective deterrent strategies lets you enjoy your outdoor spaces without worry.
Protect Your Property From Starlings Today
Starlings may be a challenge, but with the right approach, you can successfully reclaim your property. By modifying feeding practices, altering their habitat, using repellents like Avian Control, and implementing preventative measures, you can deter these invasive birds and keep them from returning.
Need help finding the right solution? Contact Avian Control today for expert advice and innovative bird deterrent products. If you’re curious about how Avian Control works, explore our guide to a bird’s sense of smell, or check out our Frequently Asked Questions page.
How to Get Rid of Starlings: A Complete Guide to Effective Bird Control