Gull Control
This information is relating to the herring gull (Larus argentatus) only.
Gulls can be a considerable pest when nesting and perching on properties and occasionally steps are required to be taken to minimise their activity or to encourage nesting offsite. Defensive gulls are a hindrance through the breeding season and their nesting, once abandoned, can cause a gutter and drainage issues. Gulls can also be a noise nuisance through the breeding seasons.
It is important to highlight that all birds including gulls are protected by law; herring gulls are on a red list of protected species; so installers must understand that birds nesting must not be interfered with and any proofing works must be undertaken outside of the breeding season. Nests can only be removed once the site has been abandoned. General licences are available; the user should research this in more detail as the advice changes more regularly than this webpage. If in doubt, we recommend seeking advice from a professional operator.
All our devices are designed not to harm the bird; it is, however, imperative to use the proper control method as pigeon products are rarely suitable for the control of gulls. This is particularly the case where pigeon netting is used to entangle gulls and cause considerable harm.
At Birdgo, we do not sell scaring products such as noise deterrents. From our experience, they work for a short period of time, but long-term effectiveness is low as gulls quickly associate noises with no danger. However, they may have a limited effect of stopping gulls from nesting within low-pressure areas, but an expensive solution with no guarantee of effectiveness.
To understand the difference in pressures encountered, we have created 3 separate forces.
- Low Pressure – Gulls are perching on outer non-specific ledges at height and not within a nest site’s direct vicinity. Gulls are not being defensive and are in low numbers.
- Medium Pressure – Gulls are more active and competing over food. They are more territorial and regularly are seen daily in the same spot.
- Heavy Pressure – Gulls are nesting or being territorial and attacking humans.
75mm Gull Netting
Barrier netting is the recommended solution for controlling gulls. Once installed correctly, gulls are unable to land and will leave the site to look for alternative locations elsewhere. Gull netting should be installed to that the net is firm and springy, like a trampoline, and should be installed at a minimum height of 0.5m; higher installations, however, are recommended. Gull nets can be installed over dormer roofs using non-piercing mounts.
Recommended for low, medium & heavy pressure sites
Gull Spikes
Gull spikes have more extended tips to compensate for a gull’s height; users should be cautious of using generic bird spikes as they are unlikely to work in areas of higher pressure. Gull spikes do not harm the bird; they have blunt tips that do not penetrate; spikes will prevent gulls from landing and a highly recommended solution for stopping gulls from landing on territorial ledges. We do not recommend installing spikes in large areas such as dormer roofs.
Spikes can be used in nesting areas; however, extreme caution must be undertaken to prevent gulls from landing within the vicinity of the installed spikes; whenever possible use nets.
Users must also understand the limitations of spikes, particularly the adhesive which may not be suitable for some roofing materials such as bitumen and lead. When possible, due to the higher pressures exerted on spikes, we recommend using screws and adhesive combined to offer a firmer installation.
Recommended for low & medium sites. Can be used in heavy pressure sites with caution.
Gull Post & Wire
Gull post & wire is a discreet system to prevent gulls from landing on various ledges within areas that they may be causing a problem. The wire does not harm the gull but instead makes it difficult to light, and if the bird pushes against the system, an uncomfortable experience that will deter gulls from looking for an alternative landing site.
Gull wire should only be used on low pressures sites to prevent perching as this system can easily be damaged by defensive birds. For example, this system would be convenient on a parapet above a shopping parade or a residential property ridge. Installation around a nesting site is prone to failure.
Recommended for low sites only. Can be used in medium areas with caution.