Gulls generally do not enter homes, as they are too large to easily access attics, eaves, or vents like smaller pest birds. However, many choose to build nests on roofs or land in large flocks on trees and lawns.

Property damage and health concerns result from gull infestations. Their rooftop nests may block drainage systems, causing structural issues. Uric acid in the pests’ droppings can also corrode metal structures, wear away paint, damage polyurethane boat or pool covers, and even reduce the functional life of some roofs by half. In addition to corrosive acid, their feces often contain illness-causing salmonella, E. coli, and campylobacter. Finally, gulls’ loud, shrieking cries and tendency to aggressively defend their nests often annoys residents.

Since they frequently return to the same feeding grounds, the best way to prevent gull infestations is to avoid attracting them in the first place. To discourage the birds from landing, cover surfaces where they might rest, such as window ledges and roof tops, with porcupine wire. Reducing food sources is crucial to deterring gulls, though it can be difficult because of their varied diet. Treating lawns for any insect infestations and removing outdoor bird feeders are good places to start. Shiny plastic decoys or bird-of-prey-shaped cutouts may also scare them away.

Gulls have excellent homing skills, so trapping and removing them to another location is not an effective way to keep these pests from coming back. Homeowners should also be aware that gulls are legally protected in many U.S. states, so special permits are often required to remove them, their eggs, and their young. To be safe, homeowners should contact the licensed wildlife experts at Trutech.