If you’ve ever heard a chorus of loud, chattering birds near your home or business, there’s a good chance starlings are the culprits. These invasive birds are everywhere in Western Washington, and while they may look harmless, they can become a serious problem when they start nesting in vents, attics, and other hidden spaces.
So, where do starlings nest, and why should you be concerned? Let’s break it down and talk about where they hide, why they’re a problem, and how to send them packing for good.
Meet the Starling: A Persistent Pest Bird
European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) aren’t native to the U.S. They were introduced in the late 1800s by well-meaning individuals who wanted to bring every bird mentioned in Shakespeare’s works to North America. Unfortunately, starlings thrived a little too well, and today, their population has exploded across the country.
These birds are small but tough, with sleek black feathers that shimmer with green and purple in the sunlight. They’re highly social, traveling in massive, swirling flocks known as murmurations, which can number in the thousands. While their aerial displays may be mesmerizing, their nesting habits are far less charming.
Unlike native birds, starlings don’t shy away from human activity. In fact, they prefer it. Urban and suburban environments provide endless opportunities for shelter and food, making homes, businesses, and other structures prime real estate for nesting. And once they’ve found a way in, they’re incredibly difficult to evict. These birds are clever and persistent and will return again and again unless their access points are sealed off for good.
Where Do Starlings Nest?
Starlings are cavity nesters, meaning they seek out small, enclosed spaces that offer protection from predators and the weather. In the wild, they favor tree holes and rock crevices, but they have adapted all too well to human-made structures.
Anywhere they can wedge themselves in and build a nest, they will create noise, mess, and potential damage. In addition to using natural cavities, these birds have learned that our buildings provide a steady supply of warmth and shelter, making them a persistent nuisance.
Where Do Starling Nests in Our Homes?
Many homeowners only realize they have a starling problem when they hear scratching, chirping, or rustling from inside their walls or vents. These birds are experts at squeezing into tiny openings and turning them into cozy nesting spots. Some of their favorite hideaways include:
- Attic vents: Gaps in attic vents make for an easy entry. Once inside, starlings build nests among the insulation and rafters, and sometimes they even bring along unwanted guests like mites.
- Dryer vents: A dryer vent’s warmth and snug space attract starlings, but when their nesting materials clog the vent, it can lead to serious fire hazards.
- Bathroom and kitchen vents: The constant airflow from these vents is irresistible to starlings. Unfortunately, their bulky nests can block ventilation, which might cause mold growth and reduce indoor air quality.
- Roof eaves and soffits: Even the smallest gap along your roofline is enough for these persistent birds to find a way inside. Over time, repeated nesting can even lead to structural issues.
- Chimneys: Without a proper cap, chimneys become an open invitation for starlings. Once they settle there, their nests can block airflow and pose a fire risk.
Once they settle in, these birds create large, messy nests made from twigs, grass, and any other bits and pieces they can gather. If you block one entry point, they usually find another, which makes the problem even more frustrating for homeowners.
It’s not just the mess that bothers people; these nests can attract other pests and cause damage that might not be immediately obvious but becomes a headache over time.
Where Do Starlings Nest in Commercial Businesses?
It’s not just homes that have to deal with these feathery invaders. Commercial properties often face their starling challenges. Businesses with open spaces, overhangs, or large ventilation systems are prime targets for these birds. Some common spots include:
- Warehouses and storage facilities: High rafters offer a safe, quiet spot for starlings to build nests. Meanwhile, droppings from these nests can create unsanitary conditions and even damage stored goods.
- Parking garages: Ledges, beams, and small gaps in parking structures often become favorite nesting spots. Over time, the droppings can corrode vehicles and stain concrete surfaces, affecting appearance and safety.
- Business signage: Gaps behind illuminated signs provide warmth and a bit of shelter, turning a company’s logo into an unexpected starling nest. This looks unprofessional and can signal that the building is not well maintained.
- HVAC systems: Starlings that nest around or inside HVAC units can cause dangerous blockages, reducing system efficiency and leading to expensive repairs.
For business owners, a starling infestation isn’t just an aesthetic issue. It can pose serious risks to property, affect the health of employees and customers, and lead to costly maintenance and repairs.
Why Are Starlings a Big Problem?
At first, starlings may seem harmless, but once these birds start nesting on your property, their true impact becomes clear. They can turn a peaceful home or busy business into a noisy, unsanitary, and even dangerous environment. Here are some of the main reasons starlings are such a big issue:
Property Damage
Starlings build large, messy nests that often clog vents and gutters. This can reduce airflow, cause water damage, and even increase the risk of fire when dryer vents become blocked. Their acidic droppings can corrode metal surfaces, stain siding, and slowly degrade roofing materials. Over time, these issues can lead to expensive repairs and a noticeable decline in your property’s curb appeal.
Health Risks
The droppings starlings leave behind are not just unsightly; they can also carry harmful bacteria and fungi. Inhaling dried droppings may lead to infections such as histoplasmosis, a lung infection caused by airborne spores. Additionally, the nests themselves can harbor pests like bird mites and carpet beetles that can infiltrate your home or business and create further health and sanitation problems.
Noise and Disruptions
Starlings are boisterous birds. When they nest in attics or vents, you may hear constant chirping, scratching, and fluttering throughout the day. In commercial spaces, this continuous noise can disrupt the work environment, affecting employees and customers. The persistent sound can make it difficult to concentrate or relax, ultimately reducing the overall comfort of the space.
Aggressive Behavior
During nesting season, starlings become more territorial and may swoop at anyone too close to their nests. This behavior poses a safety risk, particularly in areas with heavy foot traffic, but it can also lead to a general sense of unease among residents or employees. Aggressive interactions with these birds can be unsettling and dangerous, especially for small children and pets.
Starling Control in the Seattle Area
Because starlings are persistent, removing them requires more than just knocking down a nest. These birds will return unless their access points are sealed off and their nests are properly removed. That’s where professional pest control comes in. If starlings have moved in, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Check out our bird control services here.
Don’t let starlings take over your space. Contact us today for a customized bird control solution that keeps your home or business safe, clean, and starling-free!