Rentokil has advised the public and businesses to remain vigilant about gull activity moving into autumn. While the peak nesting season has now passed, gulls will remain active in urban coastal areas as they search for food, which can lead to aggressive behaviour.
Gull droppings (guano ) can also pose a health risk, as they can contain bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, which can spread infection through surface contamination or inhaling bacteria from dried droppings.
Additionally, nests and roosting sites of birds can attract pest insects such as bird mites, textile beetles, and fleas. The presence of gulls at residential or commercial premises can therefore bring unwanted infestations from other pests.
Colm Moore, Area Technical Manager with Rentokil, said, "Although the summer has now passed, gulls will continue to search for food and can remain territorial.
“My advice is Do NOT Feed Gulls. This is the golden rule. Intentionally feeding gulls teaches them to associate people with food, which can lead to them snatching food from people's hands and becoming a general nuisance. Putting up signs to discourage public feeding is a crucial step for any community area.
“Use netting for areas like balconies, light wells, or outdoor storage areas; simple barriers on ledges may not be enough. Professional installation of bird netting is often the most effective and humane way to completely exclude gulls from a specific area.
“While the nesting season is over for this year, remember for the future that all wild birds, including gulls and their nests, are protected by law in Ireland. If you have gulls nesting on your roof, typically from April to August, you must not disturb them. For persistent problems, it is best to consult a professional pest control or bird-proofing company in the autumn to install deterrents legally and effectively before the next breeding season begins."
Rentokil employs several safe and eco-friendly methods to help protect premises from gulls. These include installing bird netting, as well as the innovative Rentokil Intelligent Bird Scaring (RIBS ) device. This technology provides an effective and sustainable approach to bird deterrence without harming the birds.
The RIBS device is designed to guard buildings 24/7 and can be controlled and monitored remotely via a tablet or smartphone app. It has an intelligent built-in listening system that recognises different bird species from their calls and identifies the best scare tool from a broad range to deter them. It can detect a flock of birds within a 250-metre radius.
For more information, visit www.rentokil.ie/birds/
