Food baited funnel, bob-type or decoy traps are effective devices letting starlings enter a trap but not exit. Decoy traps let birds enter continuously building up the number of birds who call and attract even more birds. In addition, nest-box traps with spring loaded doors are commonly used to eliminate individual or small numbers of birds from an area. Instructions and patterns for making nest-box or decoy traps can be found in Prevention and Control of Wildlife Damage from the Cooperative Extension Service at the University of Nebraska.

Starlicide is a chemical compound commercially available as pelletized bait. The poisoned starlings are not dangerous to scavengers or predators. Directions for the use of starlicide must be followed closely. There are other poisons, pesticides, and even toxic perches available. Most of these require licensed applicators and/or government supervision to use. The use of any poisons is not recommended for general use and should be considered only as a last resort and for use only where large numbers of birds are to be removed.