At Servos Exterior Cleaning, we recognise the challenges that seagulls can present to homeowners and businesses alike. These birds, integral to our coastal and urban landscapes, can become a nuisance when they congregate in large numbers, especially during nesting season. This guide offers comprehensive, humane, and legal methods to mitigate the issues caused by seagulls, ensuring harmony between human and avian residents.
Understanding Seagull Behaviour
Seagulls are known for their intelligence and adaptability, thriving in various environments, particularly where food is easily accessible. This attraction to human-inhabited areas can lead to conflicts, especially in places where waste management is less stringent.
The Challenges of Seagull Infestation
Aside from property damage and health risks, seagulls can also disrupt the peace with their loud calls, especially during early mornings and late evenings. Their aggressive behaviour during breeding season is also a concern for residents and businesses, as it can deter customers and create an unwelcoming atmosphere.
Comprehensive Deterrent Strategies
Limiting Food Access
A key aspect of controlling seagull populations is reducing their food sources. This involves not only securing bins but also educating the public about the consequences of feeding these birds. Local community involvement can significantly enhance the effectiveness of these measures.
Innovative Physical Deterrents
Beyond traditional spikes and netting, there are innovative solutions like electric bird deterrent systems, which provide a harmless but effective barrier against seagulls. Bird gels, which create an uncomfortable surface for the birds to land on, can also be applied to ledges and rooftops.
Combining Visual and Audio Deterrents
Incorporating a combination of visual and audio deterrents can be more effective than using either method alone. For instance, pairing ultrasonic devices with moving objects like wind-driven scarecrows can create an environment that is less appealing to seagulls.
Importance of Regular Maintenance
Regular maintenance goes beyond simple cleaning. It involves strategic planning, like planting certain types of foliage that deter birds or designing landscapes that are less attractive to seagulls. This approach requires a balance between aesthetics and functionality.
Legal Considerations in Seagull Control
When addressing the issue of seagull control, it is imperative to consider the legal protections afforded to these birds under UK wildlife laws. Seagulls, like many other bird species, are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This legislation makes it illegal to intentionally injure or kill any wild bird, including seagulls and extends to their nests and eggs.
Understanding the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 is a comprehensive law that provides protection to various forms of wildlife in the UK. Under this act, specific actions against wild birds, such as seagulls, are prohibited. These include:
- Deliberate injury or killing of seagulls.
- Destruction or removal of active nests (nests that are in use or being built).
- Taking or destroying seagull eggs.
- Disturbance of seagulls, particularly during breeding and nesting seasons.
Implications for Property Owners and Businesses
For property owners and businesses, these legal protections mean that any action taken to control seagulls must be non-lethal and non-invasive. This legal framework necessitates a focus on deterrence and prevention rather than removal or harm. It is essential for any control measures to be carefully planned and executed to avoid violating these protections.
The Role of Professional Intervention
Given the complexities of the law, professional intervention often becomes necessary. Wildlife control professionals, such as those at Servos Exterior Cleaning, are knowledgeable about the legal aspects of bird control and can provide advice and services that comply with the law. This expertise includes:
- Identifying whether a nest is active and therefore protected.
- Employing humane and legal methods for deterring seagulls.
- Advising on long-term strategies that are both effective and compliant with wildlife laws.
Tailored Solutions for Businesses
For businesses, especially those in the hospitality sector, managing seagull presence is crucial for maintaining a pleasant environment for customers. Our team provides bespoke solutions that fit the unique needs of each business, considering factors like location, size, and customer base.
Building a Long-Term Strategy
Creating a sustainable and effective long-term strategy involves regular assessment and adaptation of methods. It’s about staying proactive and responsive to the changing behaviours of seagulls and the evolving urban environment.
Education and Community Involvement
Educating the community and involving them in seagull management efforts can lead to more sustainable results. Workshops, informative campaigns, and collaboration with local authorities can foster a community-driven approach to wildlife management.
Conclusion: A Balanced Approach to Seagull Management
Dealing with seagulls requires a balanced, informed approach that respects both the needs of the community and the natural behaviour of these birds. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, property owners and businesses can effectively manage seagull populations, reducing the associated nuisances while adhering to legal and ethical standards.
Need Help With Seagulls? Call us Today!
Are you facing challenges with seagulls at your property or business? Servos’ bird control service can help control seagulls and stop them from nesting, call our team for a consultation at 01745 289055. Our team of experts will provide you with a tailored solution that respects wildlife laws and focuses on long-term effectiveness.
