Sea Gull Identification:

Sea gulls are intelligent birds existing in great numbers along coastal areas, as well as inland lakes and rivers. Gulls can drink either salt or freshwater and their scavenger diets allow them great adaptability. Sea gulls eat anything from dead fish and garbage to field mice and insects. The typical gull is somewhere between 18 to 24 inches tall, weighing about 2 to 3 pounds. Their generally light colored in body with black wing tips and a deep black to light gray mantle. Coloring can change between season depending on the species. Gulls enjoy protection at the federal, state and local levels, mandating humane control practices. They prefer open water and secluded breeding areas, causing winter migrations in some northern territories, although southern gulls remain resident birds year round.

Damage Caused by Sea Gulls:

Gull control problems often occur at dump sites due to the food opportunities present, as well as at harbors and pier areas, especially where fishing boats bring in their catches. Flocks of gulls often create hazardous conditions to low flying aircraft and can cause bird strikes around airports. Large buildup of gull droppings leads to structural damage from the uric acid in the bird droppings. This is often seen on boats, streetlights and coastal rooftops. Other sea gull problems include slip and fall liability from dropping buildup, plus an unclean, dirty company image. The bacteria, fungal agents and ectoparasites found in gull droppings can carry a host of serious diseases, including histoplasmosis, encephalitis, salmonella, meningitis, toxoplasmosis and more. Many companies also retain significant clean up costs due to gull problems they don't resolve, as well as customer complaints from the noise and aggressive nature of the gulls.

Sea Gull Control:

Physical barriers can be erected to deter gulls from entering an area. Overhead wire grids or large mesh (4 inch) bird netting can be installed over dump sites, aquacultures, ponds, courtyards and other large, open outdoor areas to prevent the soaring gulls from landing. Bird spikes and electrical bird wire or track are effective at detering problem sea gulls when installed around building perimeters and on ledges. Daddi Long Legs, a unique and humane physical bird barrier, is effective at dissuading gulls from landing on silos, street lights, A/C units, outdoor umbrellas and large flat rooftops.

At feeding sites such as dumps, audio /visual bird scare devices can be used in combination with overhead grids to get rid of problem gulls. The location and type of the audio / visual devices MUST VARY so the gulls perceive the threat as real. A combination of sophisticated noisemakers like the BirdGard Pro, Bird Squawker (for larger areas), Zon Gun propane canon with visual products like Firefly Bird Diverter, bird scare eye balloons, bird scare flags and hologaphic owl creates a menacing, predatory feel to the area driving the problem sea gulls from the vicinity.

Nesting

Gulls build basic nests on the ground in safe open areas. The nest often consists of grass, seaweed and some sticks. They nest in colonies on sandy or gravely areas near the shore.

Breeding

These birds have one brood a year with an average of three eggs. Incubation takes 20 to 24 days with a six week fledgling period before the young leave the nest. The eggs are brown, green or blue with blotches of black, brown or gray.

Cycles

Some species are migratory. Gulls need open water and secluded breeding areas. Because of this, Northern Gulls will fly south away from frozen lakes and rivers in the winter, while southern Gulls stay put year round. They have a distinct springtime breeding season. The young take two years to mature and display adult plumage.