Seagulls

[Animals4me]

Problem we are having is with seagulls.Last summer there were 2 babies that had been left by the parents and a neighbour across the road fed them.
Thought no more of it until now and have lots of these adult birds...not sure if these 2 babies are amongst them but the huge problem not only is their screeching noise most of the day but landing on our cars and knocking on the windows and doors.....how do we get rid of them....we have other inside pets of our own and they are getting alarmed by knocking gulls on their windows....any help would be appreciated...there is no food left outside so they are not attracted to bins and we can't keep shooing them away every few moments.Thanks

[treetops68]

Distress cries played through a loudspeaker, the same as they do at airports,maybe?

[2sp_]

Try Environmental Health, they may send someone to "move them on" for you. At the very least, they should be able to advise you on how to discourage them.

[Baldric]

Have a word with your neighbour, they encouraged them

[RATTER15]

I have had a lot of experience with Gull issues when I used to be a "bird proofer" the only think you can really do is to not encourage them with food and not a lot more!

If they are perching on your house that is a bit different, the roof can be proofed to prevent or discourage them from landing but it isnt cheap. are they nesting nearby do you know, on a neighbours roof maybe?

[RATTER15]

Oh! and they are "Gulls" not "seagulls"

[tamborine]

do they knock at any particular time. If they see their mirror reflexion in the glass they peck thinking its another bird; a blind would deflect reflexion

[RATTER15]

You could try a Hawk Owl decoy, they only work if you position them facing the direction of the incoming gulls, as soon as the problem stops then you must take it down and then put it back up again if the problem recurs. If you leave it in situ the gulls will just become used to it, then they will ignore it. Try and get it up fairly high like on a chimney stack.

[carrust]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/like/301113862275?hlpht=true&ops=true&viphx=1&lpid=95&device=c&adtype=pla&crdt=0&ff3=1&ff11=ICEP3.0.0&ff12=67&;ff13=80&ff14=95
You could try this.

[RATTER15]

Exactly Scrivens!!

Those "Gulls" however can be real bastards!! I spent months on top of roofs proofing them and removing eggs and babies (working within current legislation of course)

[RATTER15]

I agree Carrust, certainly worth a try!

[Old_Geezer]

Are they big enough yet to make a meal ?

[RATTER15]

OG, I have eaten their eggs but they are very salty, I think the meat of the gull could well be the same, and under those huge wings and feathers lurk a tiny little bird, barely enough for a sandwich.

[murraymints]

gull pie !..with chips ?

[Old_Geezer]

Oh I like salt. Don't think my BP does though.

[Baldric]

Reminded me of this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_u7VGiMO0U

[Animals4me]

some people in the street are going to kill them so all might be quiet soon as no one knows what to do and no help given and everyone wants to sleep and not have kids and pets frightened by all this window tapping so will soon hope for peace.obviosly some on her think its funny but not when you are living with it so the air rifles will be out and we will let them commence
Glad someone is helping as environmental agency were no help and said it was normal living by sea but never had this before.

[sunny-dave]

"I live by the sea and Gulls are a nuisance - please stop them"

Right up there in daftness with people who move near churches and want the bells that have rung for 500 years silenced.

If you have got someone 'with a gun', I hope that he/she has the appropriate licence.

I would also hope that they are a crack shot and don't take out a few of your pets/children while they are at it ... that would be a bit harsh as it would involve killing innocent animals ... oh wait ...

Twitcher Dave

[RATTER15]

If you and your neighbours are going to be shooting gulls I just hope you get caught and prosecuted.

Their is legislation in place to protect them and under certain circumstances the gulls can be humanely destroyed, the average air gun will not do that and your problem with gulls is very unlikely to fit the criteria of having the gulls destroyed.

I suggest you move to the city where the gulls aren't as much of a problem.

[viv38]

RATTER and sunny-dave - WELL SAID !