Stop the Squawk: How To Keep Seagulls At Bay

We’ve all seen the gulls down by the seafront, trying their hardest to pinch chips and ice cream cones, and tearing their way into empty packets and wrappers. The truth is, though, that they can do enormous damage to property and health – and their numbers are increasing.

But why are seagull problems in the UK on the rise, and why are seagull control services so vital? Read on to find out…

Understanding the Escalation of Seagull Problems in the UK

In coastal areas, seagull populations are declining. In our cities, though, they’re on the rise.

This is happening for a number of reasons. As areas become increasingly urbanised, gulls are having to find new places to live – and the prevalence of tall buildings with flat roofs gives them an alternative to cliff-top living. The rise in rubbish being sent to landfill, rather than burning, gives these birds a regularly replenished food source.

They’re clever creatures, too. They can learn when schools dispose of lunchtime waste, or when farmers bring out food for their pigs that they can steal. They can learn when new loads of household rubbish are likely to be delivered to a waste disposal site. And with temperatures also generally warmer in urban areas than by the coast, it’s clear to see why inland seagull problems in the UK are rising.

Large numbers of seagulls can be a nuisance: their noise can be unbearable, and their behaviour can sometimes be aggressive. There are significant health implications, too, with gulls carrying bacteria like salmonella and listeria, and their nests often infested with mites.

Their guano (droppings) can be toxic, and nesting activity can cause damage to buildings and solar panels. If you’re seeing large numbers of seagulls around your property, it may be time to call in an urban pest control team.

Why Seagull Control is Crucial

Did you know that gulls are protected by law? It’s illegal to harm or kill a seagull, take their eggs, or destroy an active nest. With the possibility of a fine or jail time if you do any of these things, you can see why it’s important to leave seagull control to the professionals. They have the tools, techniques and tricks to manage and mitigate seagull problems effectively – and proof against future infestations, too.

At Pest Stop Boys, we provide seagull control solutions that are completely tailored to each client. Not only do we have years of experience and expertise, we’re also fully accredited by the British Pest Control Association, and use humane methods to tackle the issue.

Our solutions focus on removing access to food sources, placing deterrents and gull-proofing your building – both of which are best done before the nest-building season begins around early May.

Effective Seagull Control Solutions

We have a range of techniques and methods at our disposal when it comes to dealing with seagull infestations. We’ll first assess your property to give us an understanding of which of these we should use. We can look for evidence of previous gull nests and remove access to these areas out of nesting season – using tools like wires, netting, spikes and posts. We can help you to remove access to food sources that could attract colonies in the future.

We can also use deterrents, such as electric deterrents or bird-repellent gel, to make your property less attractive to gulls. Whichever solutions we choose, we’ll always ensure that we take human residents and pets into account, and that our choices are humane.

Benefits of Professional Seagull Control

It’s easy to find seagull deterrents online. But are you confident in fitting them yourself – and are you sure that they’ll get rid of the problem completely?

At Pest Stop Boys, deterrents are just one tool in our urban pest control toolbox, and they generally work better alongside other techniques, such as seagull proofing.

By choosing Pest Stop Boys, you’ll ensure that your seagull control solutions are not only effective, but that they are installed correctly and safely and pose no risk to your property’s inhabitants. What’s more, we pride ourselves on our focus on long-term prevention – not only getting rid of existing problems, but helping you to avoid similar issues down the line.

Your seagull issue may seem like a minor inconvenience, but tackling the issue early can avoid property damage and disease. What’s more, effective seagull control contributes to a healthier and more peaceful environment – for you and your neighbours alike.

How to Get Started with Seagull Control

Struggling with seagull problems? Contact Pest Stop Boys today for expert seagull control solutions that safeguard your property and provide peace of mind. Get in touch and we’ll talk through the situation with you before coming out to your property and creating a tailored solution to keep those gulls away for good.