What are Starlings?

Starlings are medium-sized birds that are considered one of the most invasive pest bird species in North America. Adults are about 20 centimeters long and have glossy black feathers that often appear iridescent with purple or green hues. Their bodies are speckled with white spots during winter. Starlings are highly social birds that travel in large flocks, sometimes numbering in the thousands. They often nest in vents, roof spaces, warehouses, barns, and other structures, creating problems for homeowners and businesses.

Signs of Starling Infestation

If you are searching for signs of starling infestation, here are the most common indicators:

• Large flocks of noisy birds roosting on rooftops, wires, or trees
• Nesting materials stuffed into vents, chimneys, or gutters
• Heavy bird droppings on sidewalks, rooftops, vehicles, or equipment
• Strong foul odor caused by accumulated droppings and nesting debris
• Damage to ventilation systems, insulation, or machinery due to nesting activity

Why They are a Problem

Starlings are a serious pest because of the large flocks they form and the damage they cause. Their droppings are acidic and can corrode building materials, machinery, and vehicles. Accumulated droppings also create slip hazards for pedestrians and damage crops in agricultural areas. Starlings compete aggressively with native birds for food and nesting sites, reducing biodiversity. In addition, their droppings may harbor harmful fungi, bacteria, and parasites that pose health risks to humans, pets, and livestock.

Where Do They Come From?

Starlings were introduced to North America in the late 1800s and have since spread across the continent. They thrive in urban, suburban, and rural areas where food and nesting sites are abundant. These birds are opportunistic and often nest in building cavities, vents, chimneys, and barns. They are attracted to spilled grain, garbage, and outdoor feeding sources, which makes them common pests around farms, warehouses, and commercial properties.

How to Get Rid of Starlings at Home

If you are looking for how to get rid of starlings, here are some practical steps you can try:

• Seal vents, chimneys, and other openings with bird-safe covers or screens
• Install bird spikes, netting, or deterrent wires to prevent roosting on ledges and rooftops
• Remove nesting materials promptly to discourage return activity
• Eliminate food sources such as spilled grain or unsecured garbage bins
• Use visual or audio deterrents such as reflective tape, predator decoys, or sound devices to discourage flocks from settling

These steps can reduce starling activity, but because they travel in large groups and adapt quickly, professional bird control is often necessary for long-term results.

Starlings vs House Sparrows

Many people confuse starlings vs house sparrows since both are invasive bird species found around homes and businesses. The differences include:

• Starlings are larger, measuring about 20 centimeters, while sparrows are smaller at about 15 centimeters.
• Starlings have iridescent black plumage with speckles, while sparrows are brown and gray with less noticeable markings.
• Starlings gather in massive flocks that cause heavy droppings and noise, while sparrows usually gather in smaller groups.

How We Can Help

At Go Away Pest & Wildlife Control, we provide safe and effective solutions for starling infestations. Our team uses humane bird control methods such as exclusion, netting, spikes, and deterrent systems to keep starlings from roosting and nesting on your property. We also identify food and shelter sources that attract these birds and help you implement long-term prevention strategies. With our expertise, you can protect your home, business, and health from the costly damage caused by starlings.