How To Get Rid of Starlings – 10 Ways That Work

If you’re one of the many people who find starlings pesky, you’re not alone. These little birds can be a real nuisance, especially if they decide to roost on or near your home. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to keep them away. Here are 10 ways to keep starlings away from your home.

What Are Starlings?

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Starlings are small to medium-sized birds that are found in most parts of the world. They are often considered to be pests because they tend to form large flocks and nest in urban areas. Starlings are also known for their vocal abilities, mimicking the sounds of other birds and animals.

Why Are Starlings Bad?

While they may be small, starlings can cause big problems. These birds are known to carry diseases such as the West Nile virus, avian influenza, and salmonella. They can also introduce these diseases to humans through contact with their droppings. In addition, large flocks of starlings can damage crops, eat important insect pests, and compete with other birds for food.

10 Ways to Keep Starlings Away from Your Home

1. Get A Bird Feeder That Has A Small Opening

Starling (sturnus vulgaris) on a Bird Feeder

One way to get rid of starlings is to get a bird feeder that has a small opening. This will keep the starlings from being able to eat the bird’s food. You can also try putting Vaseline on the outside of the bird feeder. This will make it so the starlings can’t grip onto the feeder and will just slide off.

If you are having a lot of trouble with starlings, you can also try getting a feeder that has a weight-activated perch. This type of feeder will only open when a bird of the right size lands on it. This will keep the starlings from being able to eat the bird’s food. You can also try putting Vaseline on the outside of the bird feeder. This will make it so the starlings can’t grip onto the feeder and will just slide off.

2. Put Up A Wire Fence Around Your Property

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If you’re looking for a surefire way to get rid of starlings, put up a wire fence around your property. This will create a physical barrier that the birds cannot cross. Make sure the fence is at least four feet tall and has small openings that are no larger than an inch. You may also want to add an electric current to the fence to deter the birds even further.

Putting up a wire fence is not a guarantee that starlings will never enter your property, but it will make it more difficult for them to do so. It’s also important to keep an eye on the fence and make sure that there are no gaps or holes that the birds could potentially use to get through. If you find any, be sure to repair them immediately.

3. Hang Shiny Objects Around Your Home

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Another way to keep starlings away from your home is to hang shiny objects around your property. This can include things like aluminum foil, CDs, or even Mylar balloons. The reflective surface of these objects will deter the birds and keep them from coming too close to your home. Plus, it’ll add a touch of personality to your yard! Just make sure to keep an eye on the objects so they don’t become a nuisance themselves.

4. Play Recorded Predator Calls Near Your Home

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One way to get rid of starlings is to play recorded predator calls near your home. Birds are naturally afraid of predators, so this will make the starlings feel like they are in danger and they think twice about approaching your property. You can find recorded predator calls online or at your local hardware store.

5. Use A Net To Cover Your Garden

Garden Netting

If you’re looking for a surefire way to get rid of those pesky starlings, then consider using a net to cover your garden. This will provide a physical barrier that the birds cannot cross, and it will also keep them from being able to see your garden, which will make them less likely to visit in the first place.

To use a net to cover your garden, you’ll first need to purchase a net that is large enough to drape over the entire area. You can find these at most hardware or home improvement stores. Once you have your net, simply drape it over your garden and secure it in place with some stakes or rocks.

If you live in an area where starlings are a particularly big problem, you may want to consider using a net year-round to keep them away from your garden. However, if they are only a nuisance during certain times of the year, you can just put the net up during those times. Either way, using a net is a surefire way to get rid of starlings.

6. Keep Your Trash Cans Covered

Trash Cans

Starlings are attracted to food scraps and other garbage, so one of the best ways to deter them is to keep your trash cans covered. This will help to prevent them from rummaging through your garbage and making a mess. You can buy special lids for your trash cans that have a hole in the center that is just large enough for a trash bag to fit through. This will keep the starlings out but still allow you to easily access your trash cans.

Another option is to put a piece of hardware cloth over your trash cans. This is a type of wire mesh that is very tight and will not allow the starlings to get through. You can find this at most hardware stores. Be sure to attach it securely so that the starlings cannot pull it off and get into the trash cans.

7. Put Up An Owl Decoy or Statue

Owl Decoy

One effective way to get rid of starlings is to put up an owl decoy or statue. This will make the birds believe that there is a predator in the area and they will stay away. You can purchase an owl decoy or statue at your local hardware store or online. Be sure to place it in a strategic location, such as near the entrance to your home or in your garden.

Another way to deter starlings is to make a homemade owl decoy. To do this, you will need a styrofoam ball, some feathers, and a marker. First, use the marker to draw two eyes on the styrofoam ball. Then, glue the feathers around the ball, making sure that they point outwards. Place your homemade owl decoy in the same strategic locations as you would a store-bought one.

8. Plant Shrubs And Trees That Starlings Don’t Like

Some of the best trees and shrubs to plant to keep starlings away include:

  • Holly
  • Bayberry
  • Eucalyptus
  • Lavender
  • Pine
  • Cedar
  • Rosemary

These plants have sharp leaves or needles that starlings don’t like, and they also give off strong scents that will keep the birds away. Planting these around your property is a great way to create a natural barrier that will deter starlings from coming too close. You can also try planting some in pots and placing them around your deck or patio to keep the birds at bay while you’re enjoying the outdoors.

9. Use A Bird Repellent Spray

There are many ways to get rid of birds, but one of the most effective is to use a bird repellent spray. This type of spray works by creating an unpleasant smell that will deter birds from entering your home or garden. You can purchase bird repellent sprays from most hardware stores or online retailers. Simply follow the instructions on the packaging and spray the repellent around the perimeter of your property.

10. Call A Professional To Remove The Starlings From Your Property

If you’re fed up with the starlings on your property and nothing else has worked, then your last resort is to call a professional. Some companies specialize in getting rid of birds and other pests, and they will be able to remove the starlings for you. This is usually a last resort because it can be quite expensive, but it’s worth it if you’re at your wit’s end.

Why Are There So Many Starlings In My Garden?

Starlings In Garden

There are a few reasons why you might have a lot of starlings in your garden. One reason could be that there are plenty of food and nesting opportunities. Another possibility is that your garden is located near a roosting site, where large numbers of starlings congregate to sleep at night. Either way, having lots of starlings around can be a nuisance.

How Long Do Starlings Stay In One Place?

This is a difficult question to answer as they are known to be very nomadic. However, it is generally believed that they roost in large groups in the same area for around 3 to 4 months before moving on. So if you’re finding them a nuisance and want to know how to get rid of starlings, you’ll need to be patient and wait for them to move on of their own accord.

Final Thoughts

There are many ways to get rid of starlings, but these are some of the most effective. If you’re fed up with the birds on your property, then try one of these methods and see how it goes. You’ll likely be pleasantly surprised at how well they work.

If you have any other tips on how to get rid of starlings, please share them in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

Julian Goldie - Owner of ChiperBirds.com

Julian Goldie

I'm a bird enthusiast and creator of Chipper Birds, a blog sharing my experience caring for birds. I've traveled the world bird watching and I'm committed to helping others with bird care. Contact me at [email protected] for assistance.