Gulls (Seagulls)

Professional help should be sought when dealing with a bird problem.

In the event of bird management issues 999 Pest Control will need to survey the area to determine the size of the colony, the nature of the nuisance and the most appropriate form of control.

999 Pest Control are experienced and trained in bird management and can help you call us on

07775 801190 

 

There are a number of species which cause problems in The UK however the two common ones are;

  • Black Backed Gulls
  • Herring Gulls

Distribution

Originally from coastal areas Gulls have inhabited all inland areas of the UK.

 

Gulls thrive in towns and cities and can be real pests.

 

Pest concern

  • Gulls have the potential to spread diseases in three ways (Air-borne, Food borne and Insect Borne disease)
  • Bird droppings not only harbour harmful pathogens, insects and mites but they are also very slippery when wet.
  • Gulls are becoming an increasing problem in certain towns, villages and cities attacking people for their fast foods and nesting on roof tops.
  • Droppings causing damage to buildings and slippery surfaces
  • Where birds roost, nest and perch they will leave fouling (Guano)
  • Gulls can be very noisy especially when in large numbers.
  • Gulls can drive customers away from outlets such as outside areas in pubs, restaurants and coffee outlets.

 

 

Control

Gulls can cause a particular nuisance if they choose to roost or rest on your building, and if left they can even present a health hazard as well as an unsightly build-up of droppings. Here at Avid Pest Control we specialise in providing a range of ways to deal with gulls, including bird proofing and deterrents, such as:

 

  • Bird netting
  • Bird wires
  • Bird spikes

 

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 protects all wild birds. It is an offence to kill or injure any birds or their nests or eggs unless acting under a licence and only in compliance with the conditions of that licence. 

A General Licence allows "authorised persons" to undertake certain actions which would otherwise be illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act but only to certain birds in certain circumstances.

“Authorised person” means the owner or occupier or any person authorised by the owner or occupier of the land on which the action authorised takes place.

 

All non-lethal methods must be considered first, such as deterrent devices, and only if none are thought suitable can lethal measures then be considered.

 

A General Licences allows Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus), Lesser Black-backed Gulls (Larus fuscus) and Great Black-backed Gulls (Larus marinus) to be killed and their eggs and nests to be damaged or destroyed, but only for the following reasons:

  1. Preserving public health or public or air safety
  2. Preventing the spread of disease.
  3. Preventing serious damage to livestock, foodstuffs for livestock, crops, vegetables, fruit, growing timber, fisheries or inland waters.

Noise from birds, that they leave droppings or the fact that they open rubbish bags are NOT reasons under the Act. Killing or injuring birds for these reasons is an offence and offenders can be prosecuted.

 

Professional help should be sought when dealing with a problem with birds.

In the event of bird management issues 999 Pest Control will need to survey the area to determine the size of the colony, the nature of the nuisance and the most appropriate form of control.

999 Pest Control are experienced and trained in bird management and can help you