Seagulls

Seagull

Over the last decade, gulls have started to build nests in urban areas, mainly on rooftops and chimney stacks. Once a site has been selected they will continue to return to this location year after year, and will begin breeding once reaching their first year. Considering gulls live for 30 years or more, the best option is to prevent nesting on or around your property.

Seagulls and the law

Seagulls alongside with fledglings and their eggs are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It is an offence to injure , kill or harm the gulls, nest or eggs unless done so under licence.

Seagull behaviour

The main problem caused by seagulls is that of noise and aggressive behaviour. Physical attacks on people and their loud squawking sounds tend to occur when they have young in the nest. Gulls will make the most noise between May and July when they are breeding, which you may find will coincide with any "swooping incidents" - gulls that try and attack are usually only trying to protect their young. If you see a gull chick, usually mottled brown and grey in colour, leave it alone as it's parents will look after it, or contact the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds on 01392 432691  

How do I get rid of them?

Nesting birds are almost impossible to move. If you do remove a nest, the gulls will quickly return to make another one. Alternatively, you can contact a private pest control company who may be able to assist. Exeter City Council does not offer a pest control service for the control of Seagulls.  

To deter seagulls from claiming your property as a nesting space, you can:

• Use netting - primarily for building fronts, that will prevent birds from nesting.
• Wire and post systems - primarily for use on flat roofs and ridges.

What can you do ?

• Do not feed or encourage gulls by dropping food or feeding them scraps
• Dispose of food waste and litter by using public bins that are provided, or take your litter home with you
• Put out refuse, especially refuse bags, as close to 6am on the day of collection as you can, and certainly no earlier than 6pm the day before.  Please visit our web site for your areas collection schedule