Seagulls are often associated with the ocean and the beach. Yet in a residential setting, these birds can quickly turn into a real nuisance, especially when they decide to build their nests close to homes. With their piercing cries, toxic droppings, and food stealing skills, seagulls can be a real challenge to live with.
In this article, our seagull pest control experts suggest effective solutions for getting rid of these pest birds. If you’ve tried everything and you are still struggling with pest seagulls, contact us for a professional pest control intervention!
Why are seagulls considered pests?
Seagulls can quickly become a source of concern when they get too close to urban or residential areas. Here’s what makes these birds so problematic for humans.
Noise pollution
One of the most obvious signs of the presence of seagulls is their unmistakable shrill cries. While hearing the occasional squawk can evoke sweet memories of vacations, constant cawing, especially at dawn or at the end of the day, can quickly become a source of irritation, especially when you’re trying to enjoy a calm moment at home.
Property damage
Seagulls aren’t just noisy, they also leave a very visible trail in their wake. Seagull droppings make a mess, and they are highly acidic, which means they can damage roofs, facades, cars and other surfaces. Over time, gull feces can cause discoloration, corrode certain materials and even lead to water infiltration.
Health risks
As if that weren’t enough, seagulls can also pose a health risk, as they can carry parasites like fleas and mites. Sometimes, as in the case of bats, their droppings can contain pathogens that are potentially dangerous to humans and could lead to disease.
Stolen food
Seagulls are opportunistic and daring animals who don’t hesitate to steal food, either right from your hands or straight from your barbecue. Not only can this spoil a pleasant moment, it can also frighten children. To avoid this type of nuisance, consider calling in a professional exterminator!
6 solutions for repelling seagulls
Looking for ways to keep seagulls away without harming them? Rest assured, there are several methods for keeping seagulls away that are both humane and effective.
1. Scare balloon
A scare balloon, or scary eye balloon, is a simple yet powerful device for keeping unwanted birds like seagulls away. Often made of PVC, a scare balloon is usually decorated with a pattern that looks like the eyes of a predator (from a bird’s point of view). The movement of the balloon in the air, combined with the pattern, will scare unwanted birds from the immediate area.
For best results, we recommend placing several balloons at different heights and moving them regularly. If the balloons remain in one place for too long, the seagulls will no longer see them as a threat and will return to their old habits.
2. Plastic hawks and owls
Like many other birds, seagulls have an instinctive fear of predators. Plastic imitations of common predators make the most of this primal reaction to keep seagulls away.
As with scare balloons, you’ll need to move the fake bird of prey regularly. If you can place it where it will move slightly in the wind, it will be even more effective.
3. Aluminium foil
Strategically placed strips of aluminium foil will create both light reflections and noise, both of which discourage seagulls from alighting.
For best results, hang several aluminum strips in different places, making sure they can move freely in the wind.
4. Bird scare tape
Bird scare tape is specially designed to create intense flashes of reflected sunlight, which is a natural deterrent for seagulls and other birds.
While similar to aluminum foil, bird scare tape is specially designed to be more durable and weather-resistant and to cover a wider area. It’s also generally less noisy but just as effective, which is a distinct perk if noise is a concern for you.
5. Ultrasonic pest repellant
Ultrasonic systems work by emitting sound frequencies that are inaudible to the human ear but disruptive to birds. These sound waves make it uncomfortable for gulls and other bird pests to remain in an area for long. It’s often possible to adjust the frequency and modulation of the sound to suit the situation.
Safety precautions:
- Choose the location carefully: It is essential to place the ultrasonic device in an area where the sound waves will not be blocked.
- Maintenance: Like all electronic devices, this gadget requires regular maintenance so that it will work properly.
- Pet sensitivity: Before installing an ultrasonic pest repeller, make sure that it will not affect your pets, as they may be sensitive to the same frequencies as the gulls.
- Local regulations: Always check local regulations concerning the use of ultrasound to repel wildlife before you install an ultrasonic pest repeller.
6. Anti-gull spikes
Gull-proof spikes are designed to make birds’ perches uncomfortable without causing harm. The spikes make it impossible for seagulls and certain other birds to land comfortably.
Installation tips:
- Evaluation of nesting areas: Before you install anti-gull spikes, verify that you have identified an area that the seagulls are most likely to use.
- Clean surface: Clean the area to be sure that the spikes will adhere strongly.
- Angle: Make sure the spikes are leaning at an angle that will discourage gulls from landing.
- Spacing: For maximum performance, be sure to respect the recommended spacing between spikes.
- Regular checks: Remember to check the spikes from time to time to make sure that they are in good condition and are still attached securely.
Keeping seagulls away
When trying to control or manage the presence of seagulls or other birds, it’s important to use a respectful and safe approach. After all, birds are part of the ecological balance. Choose your methods carefully to avoid doing more harm than good.
Respect wildlife
Birds are an integral part of an ecosystem. They contribute to biodiversity, help with pollination and play a role in controlling other pests like insects and rodents.
Before putting any pest control methods in place, assess whether the inconvenience caused by seagulls is truly a problem, or whether it is merely a passing inconvenience. Avoid excessive or unnecessary intervention.
Keep birds safe
When installing invasive solutions such as spikes, make sure you use them correctly so that the birds will not injure themselves. Spikes are meant to be deterrents, not traps or a means of causing harm.
Comply with local wildlife regulations
In many regions, there are strict regulations on managing and interacting with wildlife, including birds. These regulations have been put in place to protect at-risk species, avoid cruelty to animals and preserve biodiversity.
Before taking any action to manage an animal pest, check with local authorities or pest control experts to find out whether your plan is allowed. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in fines or even arrest.
Elite Pest Control can keep seagulls away for you!
Managing bird pests like seagulls can be complex. Pest control involves a nuanced understanding of the needs of both humans and wildlife, and while implementing the above methods might work, it’s also possible that seagulls will return to the treated area.
For many years, Elite Pest Control has been offering pest management solutions that both address your concerns, and respect nature.
If you’re looking for a humane and effective approach to keeping seagulls away, contact us now!
