Nuisance Seagulls – All in a flap
Seagulls are a common sight in coastal areas, often seen soaring through the sky or perching on rooftops and telephone poles. While many people find them to be charming and enjoyable to watch, others see them as a nuisance. Seagulls are often seen as the ASBO-birds of seaside towns, often causing a range of problems, from stealing food to damaging property.
Seagull Problems
One of the most common complaints about seagulls is that they are aggressive and will swoop down to steal food right out of people’s hands. This can be particularly frustrating for those who are enjoying a meal or snack outdoors, as seagulls can be persistent and difficult to deter. In addition to being annoying, this behavior can also be dangerous, as it can lead to injuries or even cause people to drop their food and create a mess.
Seagulls can also cause damage to property, particularly to buildings and vehicles. Seagulls are known to be attracted to shiny objects, such as car mirrors or reflective surfaces on buildings. This can lead to them pecking at these objects, causing scratches or other damage. Seagulls can also create a mess with their droppings, which stains surfaces and creates an unsanitary environment.
Seagulls can also be a problem for businesses that rely on outdoor spaces, such as restaurants or cafes. Seagulls can deter customers from visiting these establishments, particularly if they are aggressive or create a lot of noise. This can lead to lost revenue and a negative impact on the local economy.
As we move from spring to summer, we also start to see and hear signs of the next brood of Seagull chicks appearing in and around nests. Whilst this may seem adorable, especially when the fluffy young Seagulls become more adventurous and we see them waddling around, the over-protective parents can become extremely aggressive towards any animal or person getting close to their precious chicks. In areas with greater numbers of Seagulls, it can at times be perilous to walk down the street without being divebombed by mature Seagulls.
Seagull ‘Prevention’
So, what can be done about nuisance seagulls? The first step should always be to try and deter them, with non-lethal means. This could include using visual deterrents, such as fake owls or scarecrows, or using sound-based deterrents, such as loudspeakers that emit bird distress calls.
Seagulls are true scavengers (hence their love of landfill sites), and any rubbish or food waste should always be removed/protected. Many seaside towns have now provided wheelie bins and Seagull-proof bin bags in an effort to minimise their impact. However it is important not to leave easy targets readily available.
Whilst not as common, reflective surfaces can incite problems with Seagulls, and if this is the case, the surface should be covered to reduce the temptation for the birds, and also the risk of damage.
Where Seagulls are nesting on your property – commonly on chimneys, the problem may take longer to resolve; particularly in the breeding season. Ideally you will want to prevent the Seagulls from nesting on your property, however it is illegal to interfere with nesting Seagulls, their nest and their eggs/young.
Generally the young fledge from the nest around September, and you may find the adults disappear for a while too. The same pair of Seagulls will generally return to the same nest site each year, and they can live up to twenty years, so now is your chance! Pest Control contractors can obtain licenses to remove nests and apply protection such as spikes and even large ‘cage’ structures to stop the Seagulls from creating nests again. If there are alternative places to build a nest, it may be necessary to protect more than one area, or supplement your actions with other preventative measures such as the sounders mentioned before.
In some cases, it may even be necessary to use more extreme measures to control Seagull populations. This can include culling or relocating birds, although these options are often controversial and can be difficult to implement effectively. In order to reach this stage however, all of the non-lethal means of prevention must have been exhausted. Again, any lethal measures will need to be undertaken strictly by license. Ultimately, the best approach will depend on the specific circumstances and the severity of the problem.
Contact Us
While Seagulls can be a charming part of coastal environments, they are often a nuisance for many people. Whether it’s stealing food, causing damage to property, or creating a mess, Seagulls are commonly a problem that need to be addressed. By taking proactive steps to deter or control seagull populations, it may be possible to mitigate the impact of these birds and create a more enjoyable environment for everyone. In the first instance, please contact Infinity ProServ’s professional pest control team for a chat about the options that exist at your property. Please call 0800 148 8088 or complete the form below: