Starlings somearial begin to use barns as winter roosting areas when the weather turns cold in british columbia. Their droppings can cause fouling of cattle feed and other filth problems leading to the need to control the birds. In bc european starlings are classified as schedule c wildlife. This means that they may be captured and killed anywhere and at anytime in the province. Starling nests and eggs may also be destroyed.

Traps may be used to reduce starling numbers and the populations of other nuisance birds. There are a number of sizes and styles of bird traps, some homemade and others available from commercial sources. A trap frequently used for the capture of starlings is an adaptation of the "australian crow trap".

Although it can be of almost any size, the most common dimensions are 2 x 2 x 2.5 metres. The trap frame is made of pipe or lumber and covered with small mesh poultry wire. The birds enter through small openings in the top and the trap design prevents them from escaping. The trap is baited with food, and if possible, live decoy birds. The use of decoy birds usually increases trapping success.

Barriers that restrict access to barns or potential roosting sites within barns can be useful in discouraging starlings from taking up residence. Examples of bird barriers are:

Galvanized wire mesh screen, Bird netting, Stainless steel wires, wire prongs or spikes spaced along the entire length and width of landing surfaces. (a low-tech equivalent is to drive nails through strips of old tires or inner tubes then affix these, points up, where needed.) these are especially useful on rafters above feed bins / troughs.

Although expensive, the installation of various patented spiked or pronged bird barriers provides long-term protection from bird problems. However, instead of using barriers to exclude birds you may want to "fight fire with fire" and use barn owls to discourage starlings from roosting in barns. Some reports indicate that significant declines in rodents and starlings were noted after barn owl houses that were set up in barns were occupied by the owls. After you've installed nest boxes for owls you might consider contacting veterinarians or wildlife rehabilitators in your area to adopt an owl.

Information on protecting raptors from pesticides.

Detailed information on bird control options.