How To Get Rid Of Starlings

Getting rid of starlings on your own can be challenging because these birds are highly social, persistent, and protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the U.S., which means harming them or their nests is illegal in most circumstances. That said, there are several legal, safe, and effective methods for homeowners and business owners to deter or exclude starlings:

Exclusion Techniques (Most Effective Long-Term Solution)

Exclusion prevents starlings from roosting or nesting on your property.

Bird netting: Install heavy-duty netting over fruit trees, gardens, or overhangs where starlings roost. Make sure the mesh is tight and taut.
Spikes: Stainless steel or plastic bird spikes on ledges, rooflines, and signs can prevent perching.
Screens and covers: Seal gaps in vents, chimneys, and building eaves where birds may enter.

Deterrents

Deterrents create an environment that starlings find uncomfortable.

Visual deterrents: Reflective tape, predator decoys (like owls or hawks), and moving objects can scare starlings temporarily. They are most effective if moved frequently, as starlings get used to static objects.
Sound deterrents: Devices that emit distress calls or predator sounds can temporarily discourage roosting. Effectiveness decreases over time if not combined with other methods.

Habitat Modification

Making your property less attractive will reduce starling presence.

Food source management: Remove accessible food, such as pet food, open garbage, or fallen fruit.
Roosting site removal: Trim dense shrubs, trees, or vines where starlings may gather.
Lighting: Starlings roost in well-lit areas at night; reducing nighttime lighting can discourage large gatherings.

Trapping (Legal Limits Apply)

Trapping starlings is only legal in certain situations and usually requires a permit. Some homeowners use non-lethal traps for relocation, but this is highly regulated. Contact your local wildlife authorities before attempting trapping.

For a DIY approach, focus on exclusion, deterrents, and habitat modification. Trapping should generally be avoided unless you are certain it is legal in your area.

The Best Way To Get Rid Of Starlings

Hiring our professionals to get rid of starlings from your home or business is the most effective and safe approach for several key reasons:

Expert Knowledge and Experience: Starlings are highly adaptable, aggressive, and often nest in hard-to-reach areas like attics, eaves, chimneys, or vents. Our professionals have the training to locate nesting sites accurately and understand starling behavior. We can implement strategies that target the problem efficiently rather than just temporarily discouraging the birds.
Safe and Legal Removal: Starlings are protected under wildlife regulations, so improper removal can lead to legal issues. Our professionals are familiar with federal and state regulations, ensuring that removal methods comply with the law. We also know how to handle the birds safely without causing unnecessary harm to themselves, the property, or the birds.
Comprehensive Exclusion: Our professionals don’t just remove the birds—we implement long-term exclusion strategies to prevent re-entry. This can include installing bird netting, spikes, vent guards, or other deterrents. Without these measures, starlings are likely to return, making DIY efforts largely ineffective.
Health and Sanitation Concerns: Starlings carry diseases such as histoplasmosis, salmonella, and E. coli, and their droppings can damage buildings and create fire hazards if they accumulate near vents or chimneys. Our professionals are equipped to remove droppings safely and sanitize affected areas, reducing health risks for occupants.
Efficient Use of Time and Resources: DIY methods—like scare tactics, repellents, or trapping—require ongoing effort and often fail because starlings are intelligent and persistent. Our professionals can solve the problem faster and more thoroughly, saving you time, frustration, and potentially costly property damage.
Guaranteed Results: If starlings return, we will revisit the property and adjust strategies as needed, giving you the peace of mind that the problem will be effectively controlled.

While homeowners or business owners can attempt DIY methods, the combination of specialized knowledge, safe removal techniques, long-term exclusion strategies, and health protection makes hiring our professionals the most reliable and efficient way to eliminate starlings.

Get Rid Of Starlings With Miche Pest Control

Hiring our team of professionals at Miche Pest Control is an investment in long-term protection, expertise, and peace of mind. Here’s why:

Personalized Service and Local Expertise: We know the specific pest pressures in the area—such as seasonal rodent activity, regional ant species, or local termite threats. Our technicians understand the environment, climate, and building types common to the area, allowing them to provide targeted, effective treatments.
High-Quality, Comprehensive Solutions: As a full-service provider, we doe’t just treat surface problems; we address the root causes. From inspections and prevention to exclusion and ongoing maintenance, we deliver complete, integrated pest management (IPM) programs designed to both eliminate infestations and prevent future ones.
Accountability and Reliability: We live and die by our reputation. We rely on trust, referrals, and repeat business, meaning we're committed to doing the job right the first time and providing exceptional customer care.
Faster Response Times: We respond quickly to emergencies and schedule services sooner than large, national chains. Especially when you’re dealing with urgent pest issues like rodents or wasps, that speed matters.
Customized Treatment Plans: We tailor our services to your property’s specific needs instead of using one-size-fits-all chemical treatments. This results in safer, more effective pest control that minimizes environmental impact and reduces unnecessary pesticide use.
Highly Trained, Experienced Technicians: We invest in training, certification, and continuing education for our technicians. We stay current on the latest pest biology, control techniques, and safety standards.
Long-Term Prevention and Value: Our focus on providing quality service means fewer callbacks, longer-lasting protection, and better value over time. Instead of repeated, temporary fixes, you get strategic solutions that protect your home or business for the long run and provide better peace of mind.

Hiring our team means you get expertise you can trust, faster service, safer and more effective treatments, and long-term results that protect both your property and your peace of mind. Contact us today!