Starling deterrents use movement, reflection, and predator cues to drive starlings off roofs, signs, and trees. Starlings are invasive and not protected, so you can deter them without the legal limits that apply to native birds. Here are the deterrents worth using.
- Reflective devices and owl decoys are the most reliable starling deterrents.
- Starlings are invasive and not protected, so deterrence and removal are legal.
- Remove food and nesting sites so starlings have no reason to stay.
- Combine and rotate deterrents, since starlings habituate to a single one.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Type | Best For | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benasan Bird Scare Ribbon | Reflective tape | Best Tape | Check price |
| Hedoc Reflective Discs 24-Pack | Reflector | Best Discs | Check price |
| Hausse Owl Decoy 2-Pack | Decoy | Best Decoy | Check price |
| Hedoc Owl Decoy 2-Pack | Decoy | Best Owl Value | Check price |
| Ugold Solar Owl | Solar decoy | Best Solar | Check price |
| Hausse Spiral Reflectors 6-Pack | Reflector | Best Spiral | Check price |
Best Tape: Benasan Bird Scare Ribbon
Best Tape- Type
- Reflective ribbon
- Target
- Starlings and birds
- Length
- 492 feet
- Mechanism
- Flash and movement
Benasan’s reflective scare ribbon flashes in the wind and sunlight, deterring starlings with a visual disturbance. The 492-foot roll covers a large area for a low cost.
Reflective tape is a proven bird deterrent, and the long roll is the economical choice.
Best Discs: Hedoc Reflective Discs 24-Pack
Best Discs- Type
- Reflective discs (24-pack)
- Target
- Starlings and birds
- Mechanism
- Reflection and motion
- Placement
- Rooflines, trees
The Hedoc 24-pack of reflective discs spins in the wind and flashes light, creating the visual disturbance starlings avoid. The 24 discs cover a whole roofline or garden.
The large pack is the right choice for covering multiple roosting spots.
Best Decoy: Hausse Owl Decoy 2-Pack
Best Decoy- Type
- Owl decoy (2-pack)
- Target
- Starlings and birds
- Mechanism
- Predator cue plus movement
- Placement
- Two areas
The Hausse two-pack of owl decoys adds a predator cue, since owls prey on starlings. The rotating head adds movement that starlings find threatening.
Move the decoys periodically, since starlings learn to ignore a stationary decoy.
Best Owl Value: Hedoc Owl Decoy 2-Pack
Best Owl Value- Type
- Owl decoy (2-pack)
- Target
- Starlings and birds
- Mechanism
- Predator cue
- Placement
- Two areas
The Hedoc two-pack of owl decoys is the value option for adding a predator cue to deter starlings. The rotating head adds movement.
It is the economical way to add an owl decoy to two areas.
Best Solar: Ugold Solar Owl
Best Solar- Type
- Solar owl decoy
- Target
- Starlings and birds
- Power
- Solar
- Feature
- Motion detection
The Ugold solar owl has motion detection and rotating features powered by the sun, adding movement even without wind. It is the solar upgrade over a static decoy.
The motion detection makes the decoy more convincing than a stationary owl.
Best Spiral: Hausse Spiral Reflectors 6-Pack
Best Spiral- Type
- Spiral reflectors (6-pack)
- Target
- Starlings and birds
- Mechanism
- Reflection and motion
- Placement
- Rooflines, trees
The Hausse six-pack of spiral reflectors spins in the wind and flashes light, deterring starlings with a continuous visual disturbance. The six-pack covers a roofline or garden.
The spiral shape reflects from more angles than flat tape.
How to Deter Starlings
Remove Food and Nesting Sites
Starlings are drawn by food and cavities to nest in. Remove bird feeders, seal vents and eaves, and block nesting cavities so starlings have no reason to stay.
Combine and Rotate
Starlings habituate to a single deterrent, so combine a visual deterrent with an owl decoy and rotate them periodically.
Legal Note
Starlings are invasive and not protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, so deterrence and removal are legal. Native birds are protected and must not be disturbed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, especially reflective devices and owl decoys, when combined and repositioned. Remove food and nesting sites so starlings have no reason to stay.
Reflective motion, owl decoys, and removing food and nesting sites. Starlings habituate to a single method, so combine and rotate.
No, starlings are invasive and not protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, so deterrence and removal are legal.
Remove food and nesting sites, then use deterrents for the transition. Sealing vents and eaves is what ends the problem.
Yes, especially with a rotating head or motion detection, but starlings habituate if the decoy is not moved. Rotate it periodically.
