If you’ve had starlings on your property, you know the mess and noise they can bring. These birds might be small, but they can create quite a headache when they gather in flocks!
Starlings are drawn to nesting spots around homes, especially in attics, chimneys, or vents, and they can leave droppings, make noise, and even cause minor property damage.
So, if you’re wondering how to repel starlings effectively, we’re here to help with practical tips and a few insights on when professional pest control might be your best bet.
Why Are Starlings Such a Problem?
Starlings may initially seem harmless, but they can quickly become a nuisance. When they start flocking, the noise and mess can take over your property. Their droppings not only create an unsightly mess but can also carry bacteria and fungi, posing potential health risks. The constant fluttering and chatter can be downright stressful, especially if they’ve chosen to roost near your home or favorite outdoor spaces.
To keep your property peaceful and clean, it’s essential to understand effective ways to repel starlings before their presence becomes overwhelming.
Top Tips to Keep Starlings Away
Here’s what you can try to make your property less attractive to these noisy, feathered visitors:
Shine Them Away with Reflective Objects
Starlings are not fans of sudden flashes of light. Try hanging reflective strips, CDs, or even some foil near roosting spots. The sudden glints and flashes often deter them, and it’s a simple solution you can try right away. Just be aware you might need to adjust these occasionally if the starlings get used to them.
Bird Spikes or Netting for Roosting Spots
If starlings like to perch on ledges, rooftops, or windowsills, bird spikes or netting are easy ways to block them. Bird spikes make it hard for them to land and are humane since they simply redirect the birds without harming them. Netting works well for gardens or rooflines where starlings might otherwise gather or nest.
Cut Off Food Access
Starlings are opportunistic feeders, so cutting off easy food access helps. Keep pet food indoors, and if you’re a bird lover, switch to feeders designed for smaller birds. Feeders with short perches can prevent starlings from comfortably feeding, encouraging them to move on to easier spots.
Seal Off Nesting Spots
Starlings love to nest in small openings like vents, chimneys, and eaves. Vent or mesh coverings can make these spots inaccessible without disrupting your home’s airflow. A pest control professional can be a huge help in this area, as they can secure these areas properly to avoid any surprises down the line.
Sound Deterrents
Some people have luck with sound deterrents, which emit distress calls or predator sounds to scare starlings off. Just be mindful of your surroundings to avoid disturbing any neighbors, and try pairing sound deterrents with other methods for the best results.
Why Professional Pest Control Makes All the Difference
While there are plenty of ways to try and deter starlings on your own, the reality is that starlings are clever and adaptable birds. They quickly learn to navigate around common deterrents, so a single DIY approach often only works temporarily.
When dealing with persistent birds like these, partnering with a professional pest control team, like Sentinel Pest Control, can be a real game-changer.
Specialized Solutions for Persistent Pests
Our team provides tailored solutions for each property, designed to address specific vulnerabilities and nesting sites. After a full inspection, we’ll recommend and implement a range of deterrents and exclusion methods, from installing physical barriers to using sound devices or fog treatments.
Long-Term Prevention through Effective Exclusion
One of the most critical aspects of our bird control process is exclusion—ensuring starlings stay out once they’re gone. Here’s how our process works:
Attic Fogging: If starlings have nested in an attic or vent, we begin by fogging the space. The fog safely pushes the birds out of their nests and also targets secondary pests like bird mites that the birds can introduce.
Nest Removal and Entry Repair: After clearing out the birds, we remove accessible nests and repair any entry points to prevent re-entry. Common repairs include covering attic vents with hardware cloth or replacing dryer vent covers to block bird access.
Comprehensive Solutions with CustomCare™: For a more comprehensive, year-round approach, Sentinel offers our CustomCare™ service package, which includes extensive bird prevention work and regular maintenance. Our CustomCare™ and SafeHome™ programs provide Western Washington residents with ongoing pest control, attic and crawlspace clean-outs, pest exclusion, and more.
Considering Professional Help? Sentinel Has You Covered
From the noise and mess to the potential health risks, it’s worth taking steps to keep them at bay. While there are plenty of DIY options out there, a professional pest control team can often save you time and effort with solutions that last.
If you’ve tried different methods and are still struggling to repel starlings, Sentinel Pest Control is here to help.
Our goal is to help you enjoy a cleaner, calmer property without dealing with the hassle and mess starlings bring. Sentinel Pest Control provides reliable, professional solutions that last, so you can enjoy your outdoor spaces without any unwelcome feathered visitors.
Ready to reclaim your space from starlings? Give Sentinel Pest Control a call, and let us take care of the rest!