Starling Control & Management
Effective solutions for starling problems in urban environments
About European Starlings
European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) are invasive birds introduced to North America in the 1890s. While they can be attractive with their iridescent plumage and complex vocalizations, large flocks often create significant problems for property owners and businesses.
Behavior
Highly social birds that form large flocks, especially in winter. Known for complex vocalizations and aggressive competition for nesting sites.
Nesting
Nest in cavities including building vents, signs, and light fixtures. Will aggressively evict native birds from their nesting sites.
Diet
Opportunistic feeders consuming insects, fruits, grains, and human food waste. Can cause significant agricultural damage.
Population Growth
Highly successful breeders that can produce multiple broods per year, leading to rapid population growth in urban areas.
Problems Caused by Starlings
Property Damage
- Corrosive droppings damaging buildings
- Blocked vents and gutters
- Nesting material causing fire hazards
Health Concerns
- Disease transmission risks
- Respiratory issues from droppings
- Food contamination
Environmental Impact
- Competition with native birds
- Agricultural crop damage
- Noise pollution from large flocks
Our Starling Control Solutions
We use integrated methods to effectively manage starling problems while maintaining property aesthetics.
Inspection
Thorough assessment of roosting sites and property vulnerabilities.
Exclusion
Installation of barriers and deterrents to prevent roosting and nesting.
Cleanup
Professional cleaning and sanitization of affected areas.
Prevention
Ongoing maintenance and monitoring to prevent future problems.
Prevention Strategies
We implement these effective preventative measures to manage starling conflicts:
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Physical Barriers
Installing netting, spikes, and other exclusion devices to prevent roosting and nesting.
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Habitat Modification
Modifying building features and landscaping to reduce attractiveness to starlings.
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Deterrent Systems
Using visual and acoustic deterrents to discourage starling activity.
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Maintenance Programs
Regular monitoring and adjustment of prevention measures to ensure long-term effectiveness.
Starling Control FAQs
No, European starlings are not protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act as they are a non-native, invasive species. However, we still use humane methods in our control efforts to ensure ethical treatment of all wildlife.
Starlings form large flocks that can create significant issues including property damage from droppings, noise disturbance, competition with native birds for nesting sites, agricultural crop damage, and health concerns from accumulated droppings. They're also known to spread diseases that can affect livestock.
We use a combination of physical exclusion methods (like netting and barriers), deterrent devices, and habitat modification to prevent starlings from roosting. The specific approach depends on your property's characteristics and the extent of the starling problem.
Once starlings establish a roosting or nesting site, they rarely leave on their own and will likely return year after year. Their strong site fidelity and social nature mean that professional intervention is usually necessary for effective, long-term control.
Need Help Managing Starlings?
Contact us for effective solutions to protect your property from starling problems.
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