Seagulls

There are six species of Seagulls which can be a public nuisance:

• Common Gull – Larus canus
• Black Headed Gull – Larus ridibundus
• Great Black Backed Gull – Larus Marinus
• Lesser Black Backed Gull – Larus Fuscus
• Kittiwake – Rissa tridactyla
• Herring Gull – Larus argentatus

Appearance:

• Medium to Large sized bird
• Large wing span
• Black or grey back and wings
• Depending on species they can be between 34cm to
78cm in length
• Usually found in large groups

What are the clear signs of Seagulls?

Although we would traditionally have found Gulls predominantly in and around our coastal areas this is no longer the case and you can quite readily find Herring Gulls, Lesser Black Backed Gulls and Black Headed Gulls much further inland.

Gulls often cause a nuisance when they are nesting on our buildings whether that be a private house, a hotel, warehouse or factory. Gulls will often nest in large colonies and once a breeding ground is established the birds will return to it year after year.

A few signs which are associated with Gull activity that requires help can include:

• Guano
  The most obvious sign of a Gull problem, guano is not only unsightly it can cause damage to buildings and has health implications.
• Damage
  Gulls can cause damage to buildings, guttering and drainage when they are building and placing their nests
• Attacks
  Gulls are very protective of their nests and chicks during the breeding season and the birds have been known to be aggressive towards humans during this period by swooping and dive bombing passers-by.

Also as Gulls are becoming less afraid of people in coastal areas they can often be seen swooping to steal food from people’s hands.

Problems associated with Gulls

• Building Damage
• Cryptococcosis
  This is a very serious illness. It begins as a lung infection but can progress to the meninges of the brain causing Meningitis
• Erysipelas
  This is a serious wound infection, which may be brought about by the transmission of streptococcus pyrogenes that may enter minor wounds from the debris of birds’ environment.
• Secondary Pest
  Nest can be ideal habitats for blood feeding parasites that can bite such as bird mite (Dermanyssus spp)

How to get rid of Gulls?

Gull control t is essential should you have a problem. The longer the problem is left untreated the more expensive it can be to treat the overall problem.

To help you get rid of your Gull problem Total Pest Control can offer the following solutions:

• Bird netting
  One of the most popular and effective methods used for protecting structures against Gulls. Nets highly versatile and can be used on most parts of a building where there is a void or ledge
• Ledge protection
  Stainless steel post and wire systems can be fitted to ledges to make the potential landing surface unstable preventing birds from settling. This is a discreet system that is suitable for light pressure and possibly an alternative to spikes for aesthetic purposes./li>
• Trapping
  Trapping of gulls is often perceived as the most humane method of removal. The birds are enticed to feed and enter open traps for a few day after which the traps are set and the birds are trapped and humanely dispatched.
• Culling
  Culling can control bird infestations, but only if adopted on a continual basis. The preferred and most cost-effective method is culling by shooting.