It seems like every day in the paper there is a new story about an antisocial ‘seagull’ (technically seagull is a colloquial term) which has stolen someone’s chips or outright attacked a passerby. Furthermore, the problems don’t seem to be getting better.
However, is this just media hysteria, or is it really a common occurrence? And if so, why? In this blog, we will give an overview of Britain’s gull situation.
If Gulls are causing havoc on your property, give us a call today on 0131 322 1291.
The Rise British Gull Populations
There is very firm evidence that gull populations are exploding on the British Isles. Their ability to thrive in this environment combined with strict wildlife protection laws have allowed their population to quadruple in fifteen years.
Just before the millennium, various bodies in the UK began a census for breeding birds called Seabird 2000. This would study populations across Scotland, England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic.
The census determined that there were around 240 gull colonies firmly established in the UK. Fast forward to 2015, and there were 473. Not only had every population from the first survey survived, but the number had increased by around 100%.
However, even this doesn’t give a proper picture of our current situation. While the number of colonies has doubled, the total population of gulls has quadrupled.
What Explains Supposed ‘Increased’ Gull Aggression?
Many of us have read countless stories about so-called gull ‘aggression’ around the UK, apparently on the rise. However, are gulls themselves becoming more aggressive, or can the phenomenon be attributed to something else?
Thankfully, the answer is almost certainly no. Because the population has risen by four times, you would expect the number of attacks to similarly rise by around 400%. While arguably still a problem, the gulls are not finding a personal vendetta against us!
It is likely that gulls will take more chances in terms of grabbing at our food as they grow to understand that we are unlikely to hurt them. Since people generally won’t do any harm to an animal like a gull, they will become more comfortable around us.
Having said that, gulls will attack humans. Since they have very poor depth perception, they often perceive people several stories below them and, importantly, their young as significantly closer, and therefore a threat.
When hatching season begins, many people throughout the country will find themselves or their pets being swooped upon by aggressive ‘seagulls’.
Our well-trained and knowledgeable technicians can put their skills to good use and make sure that any colony on your property is dealt with. Call today on 0131 322 1291.
Why Have Gull Populations Risen?
The dense urban environments that we have built in the United Kingdom are a perfect home for gull populations. Their countryside populations have to survive in a much harsher habitat and, as a result, are actually on the decline.
There is an effect that takes place in towns and cities throughout the world known as urban heat island (UHI). Because of the fact that we cover the ground in road surfaces and, of course, buildings, urban regions are several degrees warmer than natural country.
Because of this warmth gulls have a significantly easier time making it through Winter and their populations can grow fast as their breeding season is several weeks longer than colonies in a rural setting.
Moreover, there are no birds of prey to hunt gulls in cities, nor weasels and such-like to steal their eggs. In addition, street lighting means that they can continue to scavenge for food at night while their rural counterparts have to sleep.
Get in Touch
Many businesses throughout the UK are now realising the fundamental importance of controlling gull populations as they rise. Despite their soaring numbers, our experience allows us to take control of the situation in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
From proofing techniques which make it impossible for pest birds to settle and nest around your business or facility as well as an egg replacement service which deals with eggs before they hatch, you can rely on our company for dependable results.
All of our bird control technicians have been trained to the highest standard and we have carried out extensive research to ensure that we use only the finest products and equipment.
Our personnel are only a phone call away, dial 0131 322 1291 today.
If you would rather that we got in contact with you, complete our contact form and one of our sales advisers will give you a call as soon as possible.
