Starlings Load Homes with Nesting Material
In the winter, have you ever seen those HUGE flocks of small birds that cover whole fields or seem to never end when flying overhead?
If you have, then you are familiar with the European starling, one of the the most common birds in Ohio.
Here are some other facts about starlings:
- The European Starling is one of the most common birds in the whole US.
- They are considered an invasive species
- They make nests in cavities / holes
- They often nest in the same spots year after year
- They don’t mind being close to other nesting starlings
- They are one of three bird species in Ohio that have no protection under Ohio law
Take a look at the regulations for nuisance animals in Ohio relating to starlings.
How Starlings Become a Nuisance
For many Canton, Kent, Akron, area homeowners, starlings only become a nuisance after they have decided to put nests INSIDE their structures.
Soffits, by far, are the number one place in human structures where starlings put their nests in clients’ homes and other buildings.
Why soffits? Because there is a whole lot of loose soffit material out there in our area.
Starlings don’t need big openings at all. They spot a drooping edge of soffit and move right in.
The cavity that is created between the eaves and soffit material is prime real estate for starlings.
When they do move in, they bring three things that make them a nuisance to many:
- Nesting Material – Starlings don’t build pretty, compact nests. Into the cavity they bring lots of loose material and clump it all together. To us, it seems they go with a ‘more is better’ approach.
- Bird sounds- People are often alerted to the birds as they rustle against the soffit material getting in and out of the hole. Then, when babies are born, typical baby bird noises are heard- especially when a parent returns with food.
- Bird pooh- Pretty self explanatory. More birds in one spot = more bird pooh streaking the building.
Take a look…
Starling Nesting Example
Solutions for Starlings in the Soffit
Dealing with a starling problem in a soffit is about removal and repair.
The area needs opened up and cleaned out – all the nesting material needs removed.
Once that happens, the soffit material then needs to be re-installed securely. This is accomplished by providing attention to detail – something that, apparently, some soffit installers in our area miss.
For more on dealing with nuisance bird problems here in the Akron, Canton, Kent, OH area, please give us a call.
