The uk starling breeding population has declined by around 65 per cent in the last 30 years.
How to get rid of starlings nesting in roof uk.
A good tip is to provide a starling nestbox close to where they are entering the loft and the chances are they will use this instead.
Additionally limit standing water or keep it at a low level in a deep container to deter starlings from it.
Keep in mind that call and audio related deterrents should not be put in place after starlings have already started nesting they have to be implemented before the breeding season.
Hide the nest material.
If you find they ve built a nest but haven t laid any eggs remove the nest and immediately fill the gap.
At the same time use small gauge mesh to block open pipes vents and other nooks and crannies that may appeal to nesting starlings.
This will benefit starlings for years to come and they need all the help we can give them.
It is illegal to intentionally disturb or destroy the active nest of any wild bird.
It would be best to bag up and dispose of the nest after the starlings have vacated.
To get rid of starlings limit their access to food and water.
All bird nests are protected by law.
The sparrows or starlings can easily recover this and effortlessly rebuild their nesting place.
After destroying the nest make sure that you don t throw the nest materials in the trash.
Put wide netting or cages around your bird feeders which will allow smaller songbirds to get in but keep starlings out.
The starlings will not be returning to feed these.
Be proactive and seal any cavities and gaps where starlings have nested before as they do have a tendency to return to nesting sites.
If your birdhouses have large entrances repair the entrance holes and make them smaller so starlings are unable to get inside.
Starlings require an entrance hole of 1 5 in diameter to access a birdhouse.
They do need our help so if at all possible please allow them to access to nest in your roof but if the roof must be sealed off place nest boxes under the eaves for starlings sparrows swifts swallows and house martins.
Preventing the birds from gaining access to their nests may also be viewed as illegal by the courts.
Instead place it in a plastic bag and hide it from possible pecking.
Starlings are protected under the wildlife and countryside act 1981 which makes it illegal to intentionally kill injure or take a starling or to take damage or destroy an active nest or its contents.
However it is possible that despite the strain of rearing one brood the adults will nest again.
After a while hunger may force them to venture off looking for food like through a crack between a bedroom ceiling and a wall.
