Gulls can weigh anywhere from 4 ounces (a small gull) to 3 and a half pounds. Gulls start their mating season in late March and April their eggs are laid in early May. During this time gulls begin to build nests. The gull is very social and usually once a bird builds its nest other gulls will build theirs quite close. About three weeks after their eggs are laid the baby chicks hatch (early June). These little chicks grow quickly and sometimes fall out of the nest. If they are not returned right away they will die when they are really small. It takes about three years for a gull to reach full maturity but they will fledge in early August.
Gulls can be a real nuisance. They can be hazardous to low flying air-crafts when the Gulls fly in flocks. A gulls droppings contain and acid known as uric acid. If allowed to build up, uric acid can cause structural damage to rooftops and other areas of a house where these Gulls are allowed to hang around. Here is a list of other potential problems having seagulls around can cause:
To find food the birds may pick open trash bags exposing the contents over lawns and driveways.
Their nest can clog rain gutters. When the drainage system is clogged there is a potential for water damage to a home or business.
The uric acid found in the feces can also damage machinery like air conditioners, siding, and insulation.
Gulls can make their nest in chimneys. This is potentially hazardous when the fire place is lit because the carbon monoxide is not able to escape causing anyone inside the home to be exposed to the deadly carbon monoxide gas.
Cars paint finishes can also be damaged by gulls, this is again the cause of the levels of acid found in their feces. If droppings are allowed to sit on the car is will eat away at the paint.
Dangerous Health Conditions
Studies done on Seagulls in 2010 showed that feces cultures contained 83 intestinal forms of bacteria and 20 other types of bacteria. These numbers include seven different types of E.coli. Further research shows that some of these potentially harmful bacteria were drug resistant for instance Enterococcus. Histoplasmosis or Cave Disease is another illness caused by seagull feces. This illness mimics the flu and if left untreated it can cause fatality. In areas with beaches the droppings can be found in the sand where humans can come into contact with it. Other coastal areas where railings and walkway bridges are used for passage are potentially havens for contact with gull feces.
Control Options Strategies
Gulls are a protected bird under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Keeping these birds off your property can be complicated. You will want to employ many methods which can include: corrective landscaping, exclusion methods, as well as barriers. The only true way to prevent gulls from invading your property is to eliminate anything that will attract them to your property. Making sure that garbage does not sit out for a long period of time or having a garbage can with a tight fitting lid will ensure they do not invade your garbage.
Other methods that can help reduce a gull invasion on your property:
Scare them away – another method to scare off seagulls is to get some stuffed owls or even balloons. Most seagulls will avoid stuffed or wooden owls and coyotes as well as even a kite that is shaped like a hawk.
Fencing, spikes, tension wires, and bird netting 2” mesh spacing – Installing these items over your chimney and high points in roofs, and over gutters can have a significant effect on whether or not a seagull can find a place to nest at your home.
Things that bounce or spin – mechanical spiders, spinning propellers or even a weather-vane can deter birds from landing on the roof.
There is some anecdotal evidence that the color red is a deterrent for gulls.
Electrified track systems.
Food and water source reduction.
Thermal fogging of trees and related areas.
Potential Sea Gull problem areas include:
• Rooftops. Especially flat roofs.
• Peaks and ledges.
• Street lights.
• Rooftop HVAC units.
• Around dumpsters and trash related areas.
Seagulls are very resourceful and smart they are also excellent swimmers. They are one of the few birds that are comfortable in the water as well as on land. A seagull will pretty much eat anything. They will ravage your garbage and hunt insects and mice to have food. The nuisances that these pests cause can be as costly as it is annoying.
Contact your local Sea Gull expert bird control company today to ensure that your property is protected and Sea Gull free.