Roosting and Nesting Seagulls on Roofs are a health hazard to the Buildings and Occupants below

 Seagull Facts

1. Wide Distribution: Seagulls are found on every continent except Antarctica. They thrive in coastal areas, but many also live inland near lakes, rivers, and landfills.
2. Adaptable Diet: Seagulls are omnivores, meaning they eat a variety of food. They are known to scavenge from humans, feeding on anything from fish to discarded fast food. They are also capable hunters and will catch fish or small invertebrates.
3. Impressive Communication: Seagulls have a wide range of vocalizations used for different purposes, such as attracting mates, defending territory, or alerting others to food.
4. Keen Vision: Seagulls have excellent eyesight, which allows them to spot food from great distances while flying.
5. Nesting Behaviour: Seagulls are often colonial breeders, meaning they nest in large groups. They typically build their nests on the ground or on rocky cliffs, and they lay 1–3 eggs per breeding season.
6. Strong Migratory Instincts: Some species of seagulls migrate long distances for warmer climates, while others are more sedentary.
7. Monogamous: Many species of seagulls are monogamous, forming long-term pair bonds. They often stay with the same mate for several breeding seasons.
8. Lifespan: Seagulls can live for up to 15 years, but many don’t survive that long due to accidents, predators, or human-related factors.
9. Incredible Flying Skills: Seagulls are excellent fliers. They can soar effortlessly in the air for long periods and even glide on air currents without flapping their wings.
10. Intelligence: Seagulls are quite intelligent, known to use tools, such as dropping hard-shelled clams onto rocks to break them open, and they have been observed engaging in complex social behaviours.

Seagulls are both resourceful and resilient, making them some of the most successful birds in the world.

Diseases spread by Seagulls

Seagulls can carry and transmit various diseases, often through their droppings or by contaminating food and water sources. Some of the diseases spread by seagulls include:

1. Salmonella: This bacterium can cause gastrointestinal illness in humans. Seagulls can carry salmonella in their droppings, and if people come into contact with contaminated surfaces or food, they may become infected.
2. Campylobacter: Another bacterium that can lead to food poisoning, causing symptoms like diarrhoea, vomiting, and fever. Seagulls are known to carry this pathogen, especially when they scavenge in areas with poor sanitation.
3. Avian Influenza (Bird Flu): While typically associated with poultry, seagulls can carry strains of avian influenza and spread it to other bird species. Though transmission to humans is rare, it is still a potential concern, especially in areas where wild birds gather.
4. Cryptosporidiosis: This parasitic infection can affect the intestines and is often transmitted through contaminated water. Seagulls can spread the parasite through their droppings, which can contaminate water supplies.
5. West Nile Virus: Seagulls, like other birds, can be carriers of the West Nile virus, which is transmitted by mosquitoes. While seagulls are not directly responsible for human transmission, their role in the bird-mosquito cycle is significant.
6. E. coli: Some strains of E. coli bacteria, which can lead to severe stomach cramps and diarrhoea, can be found in seagull droppings, particularly in coastal or urban areas where seagulls are common.
7. Leptospirosis: This bacterial infection is spread through contact with water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals, including seagulls. It can cause a range of symptoms, from mild flu-like signs to severe liver and kidney damage.

To reduce the risk of disease transmission, it’s important to avoid contact with seagulls or their droppings, particularly in places where large populations of seagulls gather.

How to Deter Seagulls 

To prevent seagulls from roosting, you can use a combination of physical, behavioural, and environmental deterrents. Here are some effective methods:

1. Use Bird Spikes: Install bird spikes on ledges, windowsills, and other surfaces where seagulls might land. The spikes make it uncomfortable for them to roost.

2. Bird Netting: You can install bird netting to block areas where seagulls tend to roost, especially on building roofs or balconies.
3. Scare Devices: Devices like reflective tape, scare-eye balloons, or predator decoys (such as owls) can deter seagulls. Motion-activated noise or water sprayers can also be effective.
4. Sound Deterrents: Seagulls are sensitive to loud noises. Ultrasonic devices or loud recordings of predator calls or distress signals may keep them away.
5. Remove Food Sources: Seagulls are often attracted by food, so ensure there are no food scraps or trash in areas where they roost. This reduces their incentive to stay.
6. Clear Their Nesting Sites: If they have already started nesting, remove nests and eggs (if legal in your area) to discourage them from returning.

7. Seal Entry Points: Block off any entry points to roofs or high places where seagulls might gain access to roost.
8. Use Gel or Liquid Deterrents: There are commercial bird repellents that can be applied to surfaces. These make the surfaces sticky or unpleasant for the birds.
9. Discourage Roosting Areas: If possible, alter the environment so it’s less attractive to seagulls. For example, you could make roosting spots less comfortable by introducing elements like wind or heat.
10. Egg and Nest Lifting 

A seagull egg-lifting programme in the UK refers to an initiative that is typically put in place to manage the population of seagulls, particularly around urban areas. The goal of these programmes is to reduce the environmental impact of seagulls, which can become problematic due to their large numbers, aggressive behaviour, and the potential for damage to property.

Egg lifting itself involves the collection of seagull eggs before they hatch, effectively preventing the birds from reproducing that season. The collected eggs are usually removed in a humane way, often with the aim of controlling the seagull population in specific areas, such as city centres, harbours, or other populated zones where seagulls are considered a nuisance.

Each of these methods can be more effective when used in combination. Consider local wildlife regulations before implementing any deterrent, especially those involving the disturbance of nests or birds.

Nest Clearing and Bird Spikes fitted to your Roof will Combat any bird activity and protect your family from potential diseases.

Highland Pest Control can typically place Spiking within a working day.