Starlings: the bird you want removed

Why do people call us about starlings?

On our bird-control jobs, the complaint is often the noise in the roof or tiny insects appearing inside the house. Starlings are one of the birds I encounter when there is also a bird-lice problem. Tell us about both the roof activity and anything you've noticed indoors.

That doesn't mean a noise identifies the bird or that every tiny insect is bird lice. We inspect what is there before deciding which work is needed. Dealing with insects indoors and dealing with the nest or entry route are different parts of the job.

Why does access matter?

I start by asking where you've seen the birds entering and leaving. Then I look for the nest and whether it can realistically be reached. The opening visible from outside and the nest inside the roof are two different things to assess.

Some roofs have many possible entry points. Closing all of them can be a much bigger job than closing one opening, which affects the scope and quote. I check that before agreeing to nest removal or proofing.

Can timing mean waiting?

Yes. We've had nests tucked away where we couldn't practically reach the birds. On those jobs, we may have to wait until they have moved out naturally before closing the access point.

The nest, birds and access need checking before work is agreed. We don't plan to close birds inside, and an immediate removal isn't something to promise before seeing the roof. I explain that limit when planning the work.

What does exclusion involve?

We generally use chicken mesh or chicken wire, with the material and fitting chosen for the gap and roof. The point is to close the route being used rather than put the same answer on every building.

What if there is activity inside the house too?

Tell us where you're seeing the tiny insects when booking. A suspected bird-lice problem needs inspecting alongside the roof activity, and treatment inside may also be needed. The bird-lice pages below explain that work separately from physical bird proofing.