Frightening or scare tactics are useful in driving starlings from roosting sites and fruit crops. Both visual and auditory frightening tactics have been effective. There are a number of noise-making devices and tape recorded distress or alarm calls being sold, in addition to gas-operated exploders, battery-operated alarms and lights. Visual devices such as mirrors, pie tins, mylar reflective tape, blinking or revolving lights, balloons, and colored flags or tapes have been effective when hung around areas to be protected. Good “old fashioned” human harassment or hazing, such as spraying with water, beating tin sheets or barrels, hollering, and throwing rocks or other things at roosting birds will discourage birds from using certain areas. For the best results use a variety of techniques.

There are several repellents registered for use on starlings; however some of these may be harmful to other birds that accumulate the material on their feet and feathers. “Shoo,” “Tacky Toes,” Roost-No-More, 4-The-Birds and Bird Tanglefoot are several of the nontoxic materials that have been useful in deterring starlings. These types of repellents are spread on roosting or perching ledges and rafters. These are non-toxic soft sticky materials that the birds do not like to get on their feet and feathers. Starlings need only 1″ of space to roost or perch so make sure you cover the area.