Hello we ve just discovered that starlings have gotten in to our roof to start building a nest.
Starlings nesting in roof space.
Foolproof ways to stop sparrows and starlings from nesting under your eaves.
Stop before the nest completes.
European starlings were introduced to north america purposely and have adapted to a wide range of habitat conditions including city office buildings warehouses and bridges.
If so treat this nest like a nest in an attic or similar cavity.
Make the slope steeper.
Starling nests are a loosely woven mass of bark grass twigs and trash.
If you find they ve built a nest but haven t laid any eggs remove the nest and immediately fill the gap.
If there is a nest present the starling in the attic is most likely male.
Nests in attics and similar cavities.
Check the nest frequently once the young leave the nest remove the nesting material and seal the openings.
The beak of the european starling is dark brown in winter but turns yellow during breeding season.
What does a starling nest look like.
Starlings often nest within tree hollows and even cracks in utility poles.
Breeding usually starts in mid april so it is possible that they are only roosting in the roofspace in the evenings and leaving the following morning to feed.
A starling in the attic is usually the result of uncovered vents or openings in the exterior of a home.
Hide the nest material.
Only when you are certain that a nest is no longer in use can it be removed as active nests for all birds are fully protected by law.
Although they are noisy they seldom cause any damage and their nesting period is fairly short.
Be proactive and seal any cavities and gaps where starlings have nested before as they do have a tendency to return to nesting sites.
At this time of year starlings will be investigating any crevices and holes in buildings for a suitable place to breed.
Starlings prefer to roost in tree cavities or small crevices but will choose an attic if these natural habitats are not available.
You may have to wait about 12 days for eggs to hatch and up to 3 weeks for young to leave the nest.
Starlings love nothing more than a cosy space in a roof or loft for their nests.
If you can see a gap you think they may take a shine to seal it before they start nest building.
If you find eggs or young birds in attics or similar cavities leave them be.
