Birds can be very relaxing to watch. That is until they invade the back yard and become a nuisance. One of the most nuisance birds in the United States is the starling. These birds mimic nearby sounds and are very protective of their nests and food. They will protect a food source, sticking around until they have eaten it all. Unfortunately, repellents only work temporarily, if they work at all. Because of this, it is important to hire a pest control company for the starling removal from a residential area.
Habitats
Starlings have been spotted in areas where there are high populations of people. However, they prefer to live in areas where there are old dead trees. They build their nests in these trees which act as protection for the birds against predatory birds, such as hawks. In residential areas, starlings build their nests just about anywhere they can find a safe space. This includes in gutters, cracks in the roof, ledges, and rafters in attics. They like to live in large groups of birds, which is why this species is considered a nuisance and a pest.
Starling Dangers
Just as with any nuisance creature, starlings can pose a threat to the health of humans, as well as cause significant amounts of damage to buildings. Their feces is filled with uric acid that damages paint, plastic, canvas, and other building materials. It also corrodes stone, metal, and masonry work. Nests can clog gutters and drainage pipes, as well as block exhaust vents. This results in poor indoor air quality and becomes a potential fire risk.
Starlings carry parasites, bacterial, and other fungal agents, which are very hazardous to a person’s health. An accumulation of feces from a flock of starlings often create slip and fall hazards. Hiring a starling removal company will help eliminate all the dangers associated with this nuisance bird. The technician will evaluate the situation and come up with a plan to remove and clean up once the birds are gone.
Diseases
Starlings are known to carry a variety of diseases, including salmonellosis, histoplasmosis, toxoplasmosis, fowl pox, various livestock diseases, and several fungal diseases. They are also known to carry parasites, such as tapeworm. These diseases and parasites are transferable to livestock, domesticated animals, and humans via the bird’s droppings.
The droppings from starlings can contain histoplasmosis fungus (among other diseases), which is a disease affecting the lungs. As with any major disease, if left untreated can be fatal. Avoid walking under trees with lots of starlings perched in them, as well as avoid walking on sidewalks covered in droppings. Immediately disinfect anything that comes in contact with the droppings and wash hands and surfaces often and thoroughly.
Prevention
The best way to prevent starlings from entering a structure is to close up all openings larger than one inch. For commercial buildings (and if needed for residential buildings) install rubber strips hanging down in open doorways. Other ways to prevent starlings from hanging around is to cover ledges of buildings with angled wood planks, place netting or screens over windows and openings, and use bird deterrent spikes on ledges.
Don’t leave anything lying around or easily accessible that attracts starlings. This includes covering fruit bearing trees with a netting, not feeding pets outside, and removing unattended bird feeders. Do not leave any unnecessary water puddles and do not use bird baths in areas where starlings are common. Noise makers have been known to work, as well as old-fashioned scarecrows. If there is still a problem with these nuisance birds, call in an expert in starling removal for assistance.
Removal
Though federal law does not protect starlings, state laws may vary. Because the laws vary, it is always best to seek help from a professional starling removal expert. The technician can advise how to remove the bird and prevent any future nestings in and around the home. Bird removal technicians can also help with clean up and many are trained and licensed to help with minor home repairs post-bird removal. Check with the company to see what services are offered and which services are included in the initial removal contract.
Sanitation
If an area has been invaded by starlings, it is necessary to take the necessary precautions and clean up the area immediately. Starlings are very dirty birds which are known to carry and spread diseases to livestock, humans, and domesticated animals. Diseases are spread primarily through the bird’s droppings and parasites on its feathers. Because of this, it is necessary to use all proper protective gear before cleaning up after the birds and handling the nests.
Once the birds and nests are removed, the clean up process may begin. Everything the birds and its feces came in contact with needs to be thoroughly cleaned and properly sanitized. This is a project that might be best left for a professional cleaning crew that specializes in post-starling removal clean up. An experienced clean up crew can properly clean up the area in a timely and safe manner.
Starling Facts
In 1890, starlings were brought to the United States and released in New York City. Since then, they have spread across the country with an estimated population of 140 million birds. For food, starlings eat various types of food, including fruits, seeds, grubs, and other insects. Starlings are not true migrating birds, however, some have been known to travel more than 100 miles in search of food, shelter, and to mate.
Starlings are robin-sized black birds with light speckles. The bill is yellow during mating season (January to June) and darker the remainder of the year. The tail is short and the wings are triangular in shape. Baby starlings are more of a grayish color until they mature.
Homeowners suffering from a starling infestation need to hire a professional, trained, and licensed expert. The technicians ensure safe starling removal and help set precautions in place to prevent the birds from coming back. Many bird removal companies also offer clean up services. Check with the technician for a full list of services available and what is included in the removal contract.
