How to Get Rid of Starling Birds
European starlings are considered an invasive species in the United States. They adapt easily and can be found throughout the United States. They compete with native birds for food and nest sites. They even take over the nests of other birds, kicking out eggs and nestlings if necessary. For these reasons, and to prevent damage to a home, many people wanting to remove starlings from their property. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Identify where the starlings are spending much of their time. Focus your efforts on these locations.
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2
Remove any food sources. Do not put out bird feeders and cover fruit trees that may be attracting the starlings with netting.
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Prevent the birds from nesting in vents or holes in your house. This can be done by covering vents, chimneys and other holes with galvanized wire hardware cloth. The openings in the wire cloth will not obstruct the flow of air, making it safe to use on your home.
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4
Use scare tactics to keep the birds away. This can be done by hanging reflective streamers and plastic owls in trees and at nest locations that are being used by the starlings.
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Remove nests and eggs. This can be done by hosing down the nests or physically removing the nests.
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Tips & Warnings
Starlings are adaptable and do not scare easily. To effectively encourage these birds to move on, you must be vigilant in your efforts to prevent these birds from building nests and setting up an established flock.
There are poisons available and marketed for use on starlings. Although European starlings are not native and, therefore, not federally protected, poisons should be used very carefully, if at all. These poisons can also kill other birds that are native and, therefore, federally protected.
