Urban gulls have made a name for themselves as being intelligent, troublesome, and resourceful pest bird species. Despite their noise and invasive behaviour, we can quickly tackle the problem using our decades of practical experience.
If you are facing gull-related problems on your domestic, commercial, or industrial property, give us a call today on 0131 322 1291.
Urban Gulls
When a gull colony settles on your property, you can expect health and safety issues, structural issues, and aggressive behaviour. Their excessive noise and mess will quickly give your business a bad reputation and will encourage customers to go elsewhere.
Male and female gulls usually pick life partners and prefer to remain on the same territory for many years. Many gulls will return annually to the same nest, generally around May, either building a new one in the same spot or repairing one.
Female gulls will usually lay their eggs in early May, although their laying patterns are not as strict as other animals. Their eggs take around three weeks to hatch which will lead to their behaviour changing as they aggressively defend their young.
With a lifespan of around 20 years depending on the species, even one breeding pair will cause real problems when given enough time. It is not unusual for colonies in urban areas to build to hundreds or even thousands of members.
Aggressive Behaviour
When gulls are in the process of caring for their eggs, their activity will suddenly calm down. The birds have to keep their eggs at a certain temperature and defend their future young from any predators.
However, once the eggs hatch this calm will come to an end. Gulls aggressively protect their young from anything they consider to be a threat, yet often mistake humans on the ground for danger due to their lack of accurate depth perception.
The parents will attempt to scare passers-by off by ‘divebombing’ them, often swooping just inches from the target. They will also call for support from nearby birds who typically join in, meaning one unfortunate person can be swarmed by a group of birds very quickly.
Naturally, this is a health and safety concern. It is also a bad look for any customers, and an unwelcome distraction for any employees trying to get on with work. When you are dealing with pest gulls, make sure you contact professionals.
Bird Droppings
The amount of guano a single seagull can produce in a year is a serious hazard, but the amount distributed by multiple breeding pairs is downright dangerous. Not only will their guano spoil the aesthetics of your building, but they can cause real structural issues and will readily spread disease.
Although birds can carry an incredible amount of diseases, there are three primary infections which are most common:
- Histoplasmosis
- Cryptococcosis
- Psittacosis
Clearing up a few bird droppings is perfectly safe, and advisable, but when guano gathers over time and creates a mass, no one unqualified should go near it. Our technicians have the expertise and equipment to handle it safely and effectively.
Health and Safety
Bird colonies existing on your premises will lead to a number of serious issues for your customers, staff, or any visitors to your facility.
As we mentioned, guano is one medium by which birds can spread dangerous diseases, but many elements of their activity present problems:
- Bird fouling
- Nest debris
- Carcasses
- Feathers
If any of these materials find their way into a ventilation system within the building, then all inhabitants are at risk of being infected by airborne diseases.
Dealing with gulls
Birds are persistent and forcing a colony to move on initially is only a half-measure. Eventually, they will return to the area, and find just as many roosting spots as before. Effective bird control Edinburgh requires preventative measures.
We have an array of bird-proofing techniques at our disposal which can accommodate bird issues of any severity and structures of any type:
- Bird Spiking
- Bird Netting
- Bird Wiring
- Laser Deterrent Systems
- Bird Gelling
- Electric Bird Control
However, in order to install any proofing materials in an area inhabited by birds, we will need to clear them off initially. In order to do this for larger colonies, we will employ these techniques:
- Bio-Acoustic Scaring
- Falconry
Population Management
All British birds are protected by British legislation. The methods we can and cannot use are strictly regulated and enforced.
Killing birds should be avoided at all times, although in certain circumstances it is permitted. At Edinburgh Pest Control we use an air rifle for maximum effectiveness, if and when necessary.
However, we can also legally stop eggs from hatching altogether. By replacing gull eggs with plastic dummy equivalents, we can control the population and curb their aggressive behaviour, encouraging gulls to move on.
Dependable and Reliable Gull Control
With decades of experience in the business, you can rely on Edinburgh Pest Control Co. to either safeguard your property from settling birds or deal with an ongoing problem.
Our sales representative will analyse your situation and work with you to prepare a plan which addresses your particular needs in a practical and cost-effective way. Our representative will undertake a thorough risk assessment to analyse precisely what is required before any work begins.
Our company will tackle all jobs from routine domestic tasks to commercial jobs and even massive industrial projects. We have the experience and resources to tackle tasks of all sizes, and you can rely on us for perfect results.
Edinburgh Pest Control Co. has full accreditation from the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) and is in full compliance with all relevant legislation.
Get in Touch
For a rapid response to your pest problem call Edinburgh Pest Control Co. today on 0131 322 1291 for a FREE Survey or advice.
Alternatively, fill out our contact form, and one of our sales representatives will contact you as soon as possible.
