Starlings

The facts

This is a short-tailed, chunky, iridescent black bird flecked with white in the winter. It has a long pointed bill that is yellow in the summer and dull gray in the fall and early winter. Juveniles are a uniform dull gray with dark bill. Like the house sparrow. Starlings are well adapted to urban life which offer it an abundance of food and nesting sites. Starlings are very aggressive and will drive native birds out of their territory, much to the dismay of local bird watchers. Starlings are well noted for their flocking habits. They often gather in the tens of thousands, creating a nuisance when roosting in populated areas.

Where do Starlings live?

Starlings are found in a wide variety of habitats including cities, towns, farms, open woodlands, fields, and lawns. Ideal nesting habitat would include areas with trees or other structures that have cavities suitable for nesting and short grass (turf) areas or grazed pastures for foraging. Ideal winter habitat would include areas with structures and/or tall trees for daytime loafing (resting) and nighttime roosting; and grazed pastures, open water areas, and livestock facilities for foraging.

Why keep Starlings under control?

Starlings rank just behind pigeons and sparrows as an urban bird pest. Starlings can be a nuisance in both urban and rural areas due to their nesting, eating and living habits. When the bird is in its flocking phase, thousands of starlings often overwhelm buildings and trees. Large scale buildup of feces from these flocks can lead to structural damage. The uric acid in the feces can corrode stone, metal and masonry. Gutters and drainage pipes clogged with starling nests often backup, causing extensive water damage. The bacteria, fungal agents and parasites in the feces also pose a health risk.

Prevention & Control

All wild birds and their eggs and nests are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981; under this Act, birds cannot be taken or killed, and their eggs or nests (when in use or being built) cannot be taken or destroyed except under licence. The best way to prevent, or minimise, the nuisance caused by feral pigeons is to control where they roost, nest and feed. One way to do this is to ‘pigeon-proof’ your building. This includes simple tasks like sealing gaps under eaves and replacing missing roof tiles (please remember to remove pigeons prior to proofing works). Total proofing against all birds can only be guaranteed by closing all openings bigger than 20mm in diameter. Pigeons can be deterred from using common roosting sites such as window ledges and roofs by fitting stainless steel wires at the correct height to prevent the birds from landing. Other deterrents to the feral pigeon include barrier gel, spikes, netting and bird repellent gel. Finally, do not put down food to feed the birds nor drop litter (especially food litter).

Treatment

Contact Paramite Pest Solutions if you suspect you may have a problem and we can advise you on the best course of action. A visit by our pest control officer can be arranged, he will carry out a survey. Paramite Pest Solutions will take all possible precautions in the placing of poison baits. Revisits will be made until the problem is cleared.

Vermin

Paramite carries out rodent management

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Insects

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Mammals

We carry out mammal management

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Birds

Paramite also carries out bird proofing

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Think Wild Life

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BASC

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Deer Society

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NPTA

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