Herring Gulls

Herring gulls are large, noisy birds found throughout the year around our coasts and inland around rubbish tips, fields, large reservoirs and lakes, cities and towns. Many people who have gulls on their property find they cause a nuisance through noise, mess and damage to property. Birds can dive and swoop on people and pets causing great consternation and fear. Their nests have been known to block gas flues, valley gutters and drains causing considerable water damage to the fabric of buildings. Their droppings are smelly and corrosive. Control is achieved by fitting spikes and nets and lifting nests and eggs.

How to Prevent Entry

Herring Gull colonies can be discouraged from establishing through two means:

Reduction of food sources:

Do not feed gulls as this only encourages them to remain in the area.
Ensure your rubbish is securely contained as gulls love raking through rubbish in the hope of finding food.
Do not leave rubbish outside in plastic bags.

Proofing of buildings:

The principal methods of deterrence are:

Fitting of long spikes to nesting locations such as chimney stacks.
Fitting of short spikes, contained in a special plastic base, to nesting locations such as dormer roofs.
Fitting of wires or nets to prevent herring gulls landing.
Disturbance of nesting sites including removal of nests and eggs

The proofing of buildings is a job for specialist bird control companies. You will find a list of local companies in the Yellow Pages.