Seagulls are nice to watch from afar, as they catch their live prey or glide gracefully in the skies. These birds are highly intelligent and capable of high-level communication. Seagulls are carnivores that either hunt live prey like fish and crabs or become scavengers or “thieves” by getting food from humans.
These birds can become huge problems when they start to bother humans by grabbing their food, building nests in homes, and leaving their droppings on your roof, car, and anywhere else. Gulls can also become aggressive and hurt people in the process. These creatures are huge birds, so they may seriously injure or traumatize a victim.
If you live near the coastline, then there is a big chance that you will encounter seagulls. Before you take out your shotgun and shoot every seagull in your view, you should know that seagulls are wild birds protected by wildlife conservation laws. Harming, killing them and destroying their nests will get you into trouble.
The Seagull Problem
Aside from swooping down from the sky and grabbing your sandwich or going through your garbage, seagulls also leave droppings everywhere. These droppings are nutrient-rich waste, a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and other organisms that may cause diseases and infections in humans. Infected seagulls may also harm you when they become aggressive and bite or scratch you.
Some of the common disease-causing organisms found in seagull droppings are E. Coli, Cryptococossis, and Histoplasmosis.
Droppings also are corrosive - they may damage your roof or your car's expensive paint job. Bird droppings are also very difficult to clean.
Seagulls No More
There are several ways to rid your home of seagulls. Here are the most common yet effective options you have:
Seagull Spikes – If your roof or balcony becomes a meeting place for large groups of seagulls, leaving unsightly and damaging droppings everywhere, then you can use seagull spikes. Don't worry, seagull spikes will not kill or injure them. They are usually made of blunt metal or plastic. These spikes prevent birds from landing by making the area uncomfortable to stay for a long time.
Gulls are very choosy when it comes to perching spots. They want a sturdy and stable spot, but when spikes are installed, it gives the illusion of instability. These spikes are very easy to install. You can install them on your roof, fence, or even on your boat. These spikes are small enough that they don't alter the aesthetics of your home.
Seagull Wires – Seagull wires are also one of those great add-ons. These are basically long metal wires with mounted springs on each end. When a gull lands on the wires, the spring will bounce up and down, creating a feeling of instability.
Since these birds only want to land on stable and safe spots, the springy wire will make the bird feel shaky. This option is best in long areas that are quite impractical for seagull spikes.
Bird Nets – If you need to protect a large area from seagulls, like your entire wall or roof, a bird net is best to use. A bird net is a very durable synthetic material that is installed on large spans that need protection. It can even be used to protect a whole building, if needed. Since bird nests are very durable, they can last for up to 10 years or more. They also don’t interfere with the aesthetics of the structure or building because they can barely be seen from afar.
If you use nets to protect your home or a part of it, you must make sure that the net you have installed is for the right bird. For seagulls, the average mesh size is 75 millimeters only.
Nest Moving – If you can’t afford other methods, you can always ask that nests be move legally. The moving of seagull nests can only be done by licensed authorities or companies. Since these wild birds are protected animals, you will be breaking the law if you do it yourself.
You must be careful though – seagulls can become defensive and aggressive when they sense someone trying to tamper with their nest. Without the proper equipment and protective gear, you will be putting yourself in a dangerous position. It is best if you let professionals do the job for you. They have the necessary training and equipment to move the nest away from your home safely. With their nests gone, the seagulls will have to find another home.
Seagull Prevention
It is better to prevent seagulls from making a home out of your home. Instead of spending a lot of time cleaning up and getting rid of seagulls, it is better to take preventive measures against these birds.
The reason why seagulls stay around your home is that they can easily find and get food there. If you do not want them to flock to your home, never feed them. It may be nice to feed one seagull, but because these animals have high-level communication abilities, they will tell others that you can provide food. Seagulls are highly capable of getting their own food, so there is no need to feed them.
Garbage is another seagull favorite. To avoid hungry seagulls going through your garbage, make sure your trash cans are properly sealed or covered.
If you love to dine outdoors, install poles and seagull lines to deter the perching of nearby seagulls. You do not want gulls snatching your food just before you put it in your mouth, right? If there are lots of seagulls in your area, you should consider purchasing seagull control devices to ward off any seagull that gets within its range.
There are various seagull control devices available on the market. The most common ones are devices that emit high-frequency sounds that deter birds like seagulls that are within range. You might also want to introduce a pet in your home, like a dog or a big cat, to scare off these scavenging birds.
There is no need to harm these seagulls just to get rid of them. Aside from it being illegal to do so, it also would disrupt the ecosystem, as these birds also play a big role in it. Harming them is irrational and inhumane. These birds are just hungry creatures looking for food in order to survive