Pest of the Month - Gulls

What are their habits?

  • There are several species of Gull and only a small number are recognised as being pest birds- Greater Black-backed Gull, The Lesser Black-backed Gull and the Herring Gull.
  • Gulls often roost in many thousands on large bodies of water such as reservoirs or flooded gravel pits.Gulls can sometimes be found in large numbers at refuse tips , especially in the winter months.
  • The occurrence of Herring and Lesser Black-backed gulls nesting on buildings has increased, buildings used as nest sites include private houses, hotels and large warehouses.
  • Gulls normally feed away from the nest site and are omnivorous.

How do they breed?

  • Gulls lay their eggs between April and May(Depending on species) Up to 3 eggs are laid at 2-3 day intervals
  • Incubation in Herring gulls takes 28-30 days
  • The young can make their first flight at about 10 days old but do not leave the nest area for about 5-6 weeksNormally there is only a single successful clutch

Danger Signs

  • The main problems with Gulls, particularly in towns, are associated with roof nesting of the Herring gull and lesser Black-backed gull.
  • The gulls pecking at the roofs can cause damage to the fabric of the building and nest debris and droppings can sometimes cause gutters to block.
  • The problems and business consequences Gulls droppings can become a problem when they land on people, cars, and washing.
  • In addition to their nuisance value, the acidic nature of the droppings causes damage through their chemical action.
  • Whilst Gulls are establishing and maintaining a breeding territory they can be very noisy.
  • Gulls especially if they have dependant young can threaten or attack people.
  • If Gull chicks fall off the nest site, the adults can become aggressive to people in areas where they have previously been passive.
  • Gulls habit of feeding at refuse tips and roosting on and subsequent pollution of reservoirs also cause concern.Gulls have been implicated in the transmission of botulism and salmonella.

Steps to take yourself

  • All wild birds, their nests and eggs are protected in Britain under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and it is essential to seek qualified guidance and support in eliminating the risks associated with Gull infestation.

How Cannon can help

Numerous legal, humane and effective control methods are available from Cannon Pest Control including

  • Anti-roosting (nesting) devices such as net and spike systems to act as a deterrent.
  • Bio-acoustic systems
  • Shooting
  • Repellents and scaring devices
  • Professional falconry
  • Nest and egg removal, substitution or egg oiling and pricking

Cannon’s team of British Pest Control Association qualified staff are able to offer a comprehensive range of solutions for any bird infestation. Our pest control experts can carry out efficient after-care and professional cleaning and proofing.

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