Solution: Frightening Mechanisms

Frightening methods are more a matter of relocating starlings than killing them. Frightening the birds will scatter the roosts and diminish the territorial damage brought about by such high concentrations of pests.  Unfortunately, starlings acclimate quickly, so the frightening mechanisms must be effective in the first few attempts. Though some believe that ultrasonic noises scare away starlings, the birds, like humans, cannot hear above 20 kHz, so this will accomplish nothing (Johnson et al. 2005). The most successful are alarm calls as seen in Figure 5, pyrotechnics, chemical agents, bright lights, and reflective tape (Johnson et al. 2005).  Pre-recorded distress calls of other starlings can be alarming enough to encourage roosts to move on. Lastly, bright lights and reflective tape will make any location seem unwelcoming and encourage the birds to pass it by (Johnson et al. 2005). 

Figure 5. Starling roosts are scattered by loud calls through the streets of Rome. (The Hindu 2012). 

Works Cited:

The Hindu. (2012) Frightening away Rome's starlings. Today's Paper - In School. The Hindu. (Date Accessed: May 17, 2013). http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/frightening-away-romes-starlings/article4109704.ece?css=print

Johnson, R. J. & Glahn, J.F. (2005) European Starlings and Their Control. Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management. Cornell University, Clemson University, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, and Utah State University. (Date Accessed: May 11, 2013.) http://icwdm.org/handbook/birds/EuropeanStarlings.asp