Humane seagull deterrent ideas - How to get rid of seagulls

Seagull noise from seagulls who have moved into your roof can be irritating. Plus, these birds can be slightly intimidating neighbours. Read on to discover our top tips for how to get rid of seagulls on the roof, as well as how to deter seagulls from returning to nest on your home.

Why is seagull prevention important?

If you have seagulls nesting on your roof, they can cause issues for a number of reasons. These include:

• Seagulls carry diseases which can cause food poisoning in humans.

• Seagulls leave unsightly bird droppings everywhere.

• Not only are bird droppings unattractive; the acid is highly corrosive and can damage the exterior of your home.

• If you don’t get rid of seagulls, they will return year after year, making it harder to get rid of them.

• If they constantly return to your roof, they can dislodge roof tiles and leave debris from their nest in drains and gutters causing issues indoors such as damp, mould and more.

• Seagulls are very aggressive when hungry and will even take food straight out of your hand.

• Birds like seagulls will use anything they can find to build their nests, even smoking cigarettes, which is a huge fire risk.

• Insects such as bird mites, textile beetles and fleas are attracted to nests and roosting sites. This could lead to your home facing a bug infestation if you’ve got seagulls nesting.

If you have outdoor eating areas, make sure you use products like Cif multipurpose cleaner to fully clean up after eating, so that you remove the seagull food source.

How to get rid of seagulls

1. Remove their food source.

   As with any animal, seagulls like to set up home close to food sources. These could include bird feeders, pet food, compost or rubbish bins and even food debris in outside eating areas.

2. Install deterrents such as spikes or barriers.

   Bird netting and sloped sheathing help to stop seagulls (and other birds too!) from settling on your home.

3. Use a bird of prey as a seagull deterrent.

   This doesn’t mean you have to buy a pet hawk. The best seagull scarer could simply be a scary owl face on a mask or balloon or even kites shaped like hawks. A couple of these deterrents on your roof will ensure the seagulls move on.

4. If you have a major seagull problem, the easiest thing to do is to call a professional.

   Seagulls are considerably more intelligent than most birds and can be difficult to eliminate. Bringing in an expert who knows all the tricks of the trade and will get rid of seagulls using humane methods.

What keeps seagulls away from bins?

To deter seagulls from bins, a few strategies can be employed. Start by ensuring bins are securely closed with tight-fitting lids to prevent easy access. Consider using bins with lockable lids or weighted lids that are harder for seagulls to open. Avoid leaving bins open or overflowing with waste. Implementing visual deterrents like reflective strips, scarecrows, or hanging shiny objects near the bins can help deter seagulls. Some people also find success with audio deterrents like playing recorded seagull distress calls or loud noises. Regularly cleaning and deodorizing bins can reduce odors that attract seagulls. Lastly, securing bins in enclosed areas or using netting or covers can limit seagull access. With our easy guide to getting rid of seagulls - including tips for how to keep seagulls away - you can be sure to prevent a future seagull problem at your home. Now that you have top tips for seagull prevention, check out our guides for getting rid of other pests from your home such as how to get rid of bats in the loft, how to get rid of woodlice or keeping wasps away from your garden.