Why are Gulls so aggressive at this time of year?

Ever wondered why gulls are extra noisy, messy, and aggressive at this time of year? No, they’re not deliberately targeting you, it’s because their breeding season is in full flow. Here’s why gulls are so aggressive right now and what you can do if they’re causing problems around your home or business.

When is Gull Breeding Season?

The gull breeding season starts in April and they start nesting from early May. The female usually lays 2-4 eggs which are incubated for up to 30 days. Once the eggs hatch, gulls’ noisy mating calls become aggressive behaviour. Chicks tend to leave the nest after just a few days to move to safer ground, and the parents look after them for around 5-6 weeks. In this time, chicks start to wander around and are getting to ready to fly, and their parents get defensive and aggressive to protect them.

Another reason for them being so aggressive at this time of year is they have mouths to feed and will think nothing of squabbling over food with other gulls or stealing it from people.

How Do Gulls Behave Aggressively?

If gulls think you are a threat and you’re getting too close to their young, they’ll;

Swoop and dive as a warning that you’re too close;

Squawk loudly;

Strike or peck if they really feel threatened;

Even vomit or defecate on you!

How to Deal with Aggressive Gulls

The most important weapons against gulls are deterrents. These are a combination of physical deterrents and practical steps you can take to discourage them from nesting around your home or business.

Don’t feed them

Food will attract gulls so make sure you don’t feed them. Remove other sources of food by making sure that bin bags aren’t left lying around next to bins. Gulls will easily tear these open.

Call in professional bird control

A professional bird control company will survey your home or business and recommend some effective bird deterrents. There are plenty of options and the best one for you will depend on your situation. Some of the most effective deterrents to deter gulls are:

Bird netting

Bird spikes

Bird wire

Fire gel

Bird alert

Falconry bird control

Can’t I Just Get Rid of Nuisance Gulls Myself?

No you can’t. Yes they can be a real nuisance, especially at this time of year, but gulls are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This means that it’s illegal to capture, injure, or destroy them, or interfere with their nests or eggs.

If you need help with a gull problem, the best way to deal with it is to call in bird control professionals.

Contego has controlled pest birds for clients on challenging sites like supermarkets, listed buildings, stadiums, power stations, and more. What’s more, we understand bird behaviour, what really works in different situations, and how to help you stay compliant with the law.

Need help protecting your home or business from aggressive gulls?

You can count on Contego.