Starlings and the Grain/Agriculture Industry

European starlings cost growers as much as $800 million in the U.S. annually. These loud, destructive birds steal grain, ravage crops, and crowd out native bird species. Starlings move in vast numbers, with migrating flocks sometimes numbering 100,000 birds. Furthermore, starlings now have fewer natural predators to keep their populations in check.

Attacking Grain Fields

As highly aggressive omnivores, European starlings compete with native fauna for food. They primarily feed on ground invertebrates using open bill probing, but in new grain fields, they will pull up young plants to eat the seeds.

Extensive Fruit Damage

Starlings assault a wide range of crops, including strawberries, blueberries, grapes, tomatoes, peaches, figs, apples, and cherries. Fruit damage is often caused by younger birds with underdeveloped probing skills. It is not uncommon for a flock of 4,000 starlings to cause major revenue loss in a large vineyard in just one week.

Problems Around Livestock and Poultry

Starlings create formidable problems for livestock and poultry facilities by congregating at feed troughs and diminishing supplies; 1,000 birds can consume 100 pounds of grain a day. They contaminate food and water sources with droppings, carrying parasites and diseases such as E. coli, which are transmissible to livestock and people. Other risks include transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE), blastomycosis, salmonella, and the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, which causes histoplasmosis in humans.

Nesting and Structural Hazards

Starling nests built into building cavities can pose a fire hazard, as old nesting materials are often compounded with new ones. When starlings roost in buildings or farm equipment, they create sanitation and fire risks. Their droppings are highly acidic, capable of degrading paint, structural integrity, and infrastructure, while also killing trees and vegetation underneath.

Humane, Effective Starling Deterrents

Getting rid of flocking birds can be challenging, as many species are protected by law. Growers and farmers often find that the most viable solution is to use humane, proven bird repellents. Our experts at Bird B Gone can help with these solutions.

Heavy Duty Bird Netting

Ideal for sealing birds out of specific areas around a warehouse or storage facility, our Bird Net 2000 is made of tough, UV-stabilized polyethylene mesh. This netting is rot- and waterproof, flame-resistant, and temperature-stable (-250°F to 270°F). The 3/4” mesh is ideal for blocking out small birds like starlings. It is backed by a 10-year guarantee and available in black, stone, or white.

Bird Chase Super Sonic

The Bird Chase Super Sonic broadcasts pre-recorded distress and predator calls that intimidate over 24 species of birds. Ideal for deterring birds from lofty or hard-to-reach areas—like rooftops, trees, and open fields—the device is programmable and comes with a built-in speaker that covers up to an acre (additional speakers can be added). This unit is AC-powered.

Ask the Experts

If you are unsure about which product would work best for your specific situation, we have over 90 years of combined experience in the field of bird control. We can help you with product selection, installation, and cleanup. Call us at 1-800-392-6915 for a catalog or pricing, or email us at nobirds@birdbgone.com. We also work with a network of authorized installers; call today to find a professional in your area.