Are you ready for starling season?

The invasive European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is about to start its yearly invasion of homes throughout North America.

The starling is a cavity-nesting bird that doesn’t have the ability to create a cavity like a woodpecker does. However, starlings do have the ability to find and utilize the gaps, construction flaws and building products that allow entry.

Issues associated with their ability to utilize our structures as their nesting sites include large nests in attics; exhaust or dryer vents obstructed by nesting; odors and dropping accumulation; and bird mites inside homes.

Unlike many species that enter homes, trapping usually isn’t necessary. First, flush the adults and remove all eggs and fledglings from the harborage area, followed by exclusion and repair as appropriate.

Always use full personal protective equipment (PPE) when removing starling nests, especially now with the risk of avian flu. Their nests can be foul, with lots of dust and droppings. Also follow all ladder and roof safety measures, as well as all attic protocols to avoid injury or property damage.

There are many venting products available that stop starling entry without needing to fabricate a custom solution. Remember, a dryer vent should never be screened due to fire hazard or shortened life of appliances. Gable vents now have prefabricated solutions available; however, customer screening from the exterior is still commonly used as a solution.

Besides venting, focus on gutter line gaps, soffit returns and metal ridge vent ends as common entry points. Unfortunately, these areas often require solutions that usually don’t have prefabricated solutions. 

The repair game has evolved in recent years. Thankfully, repair training is offered by the National Wildlife Control Operators Association and several industry suppliers.

While starlings are a pain, they offer a revenue bump that can be outstanding after a slow winter season. Get your game plan together and get ready for starling season!