Seagull control

Proofing measures

You are strongly urged to install gull deterrent measures suitable to your building. This may make it possible to reduce or break up colonies of birds. Health and safety should be considered when requiring access to roofs.

The principal methods of deterrence are:

• Fitting of spikes to nesting locations such as chimney stacks
• Fitting of spikes, contained in a special plastic base to nesting locations such as dormer roofs
• Fitting of wires and nets to prevent gulls landing
• Disturbance of nesting sites including removal of nests and eggs

Chimney guards

These can be fitted to chimney pots to prevent gulls perching on top and can be easily installed by a competent builder or roofer.

Spikes for roof edges and sills

There are several spike systems available which incorporate a stainless steel spike fitted in a plastic base. The spikes and base come as an assembled unit in convenient lengths which can be cut to size. The spikes can be used to prevent gulls nesting on top of chimney stacks, between the pots and in the valley behind a stack where it meets the roof.

Chimney top fixing

The surface to be treated, usually the cement flashing between the chimney pots should be brushed clean with a wire brush. The spikes are then bent into the required shape and placed in position on a bed of mortar. To assist adhesion the use of a PVA adhesive or similar sealant is recommended. These small spike systems may also be useful for protecting small dormer roofs and other similar locations. The usual fixing method is to use screws or where these would damage the structure, proprietary adhesives. Systems of this type can be obtained from specialised pest control companies.

Wiring and netting

These methods may have a use in certain locations. Where birds are nesting on large flat roofs a specialist bird control company should be contacted for advice. Due to the problems of fixing and the danger of trapping birds in or under nets, we consider these methods should always be done by, or after taking advice from a competent specialist.

Disturbance of nesting sites including removal of nests and eggs

Where access is easily and safely obtained, the site is worth checking from mid April onwards. It is worth checking the nesting site at fortnightly intervals until the middle of June to ensure that if birds return the site is again cleared.