How to Keep Starlings off Your Property
Starlings may be small, but they can cause property owners major damage in a very short time. That’s because they frequently gather in large flocks numbering in the tens of thousands. And when they do, their large concentrations of droppings can lead to structural damage in vinyl, plastic, metal and masonry. The bacteria, fungal agents and ectoparasites in starling droppings and nesting materials can carry a number of serious diseases, including histoplasmosis, encephalitis, salmonella, meningitis, toxoplasmosis and more. Wet starling droppings can create slip-and-fall hazards. And their nests can quickly clog rain gutters, which can cause expensive roof leaks.
Starlings are Protected
Like many birds, starlings are protected by the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act as well as state and local laws. Using lethal or harmful measures like poisons or pellet guns to control starlings is illegal. To deter starlings from your property, you’ll need humane and effective bird control measures. Here are just a few starling deterrents you should consider:
Bird Netting 1-1/8" Mesh
Ideal for blocking birds from entering specific areas of a building or structure, Bird Net 2000™ heavy-duty polyethylene bird netting is easy to install. Effective and humane, the netting creates a physical barrier that prevents starlings from landing or nesting. Made of a UV stabilized mesh, this netting is quality tested using ISO 1806 and 9001 Mesh Test Protocols. It comes in various stock sizes and custom cuts and has the longest guarantee on the market—10 years for black netting, 3 years for white and stone netting. Bird-B-Gone offers a complete line of professional grade installation hardware to suit any job, and our experts can assist with design and installation.
Solar Bird Chase Super Sonic
Designed to exploit a starling’s natural fear of predators and their acute sense of hearing, the Solar Bird Chase Super Sonic device broadcasts pre-recorded distress and predator calls. The calls are repeated every 10 minutes, and the device can be programmed to turn on or off at night. A volume control allows the sound intensity of birdcalls to be adjusted—from 65-105 decibels. The sounds resemble normal birdcalls, so they will not bother pets or people. Yet unlike ultrasonic bird deterrents, which birds can’t hear, the Bird Chase device emits sounds within a starling’s hearing range, making it highly effective. Being solar powered makes the unit more sustainable during daylight hours. Rechargeable batteries provide power for nighttime operation. The unit can be initially charged in the sun for 8 hours, or it can be plugged into an AC outlet and fully charged in just 4 hours. The device comes with one internal speaker that provides up to an acre of bird deterrence.
Agrilaser® for Open and Semi-Open Spaces
Recommended for deterring starlings from open and semi-open spaces, Bird B Gone’s Agrilaser® provides an effective, humane solution. While propane cannons may temporarily scatter starlings, they can be disruptive in semi-open areas. The Agrilaser® uses advanced, patented optical laser-beam technology to harmlessly repel starlings as far away as 2,000 meters. The handheld device is silent and completely portable. Starlings react to the green beam as they would an approaching car, so they flee the area. Yet, unlike some deterrent devices, the birds will not get used to the laser beam’s implied threat. The Agrilaser® is ideal for use in ball parks, stadiums, monuments, marinas, dump sites, ponds, golf courses and other troublesome areas. It’s also highly effective for use in big box stores, warehouses, airplane hangers and other semi-enclosed areas. After using the Agrilaser® for about seven days, starlings will consider the area unsafe and will avoid the area. Each Agrilaser® comes with a battery pack that consists of two rechargeable batteries and an associated power charger. A high quality case protects the Agrilaser® and makes it easy to transport.
Ask the Experts
Bird B Gone offers a number of deterrents and repellents for keeping starlings away from buildings and structures. If you’re unsure about which product would work best for your specific situation, Bird B Gone has over 80 years of combined experience in the field of bird control. We can help you with product selection, installation and cleanup. Just call us at (888) 570-0360 for a catalog, pricing, or product samples or email us at nobirds@birdbgone.com. We also work with a network of authorized installers, call today for a trained bird control professional in your area.