The public is advised to treat gulls and other pest birds with caution as we enter the summer period.

In particular, Rentokil, a pest control provider, is issuing a warning to people living in coastal urban areas to be aware of the increase in activity of these birds during the summer.

The late spring and early summer period is subject to an increase in activity from gulls as the birds typically lay their eggs in April and May, which then hatch in June. The birds can become extremely aggressive and protective of their nests, eggs and young chicks during this period. Gulls also tend to become more active at this time and undeterred by human activity as they begin to search for food for their young.

Urban areas offer pest birds easy access to food waste and tall buildings can mimic the high cliff tops that gulls would traditionally nest on.

Gull droppings (also known as guano) also present a hazard as they can contain bacteria including E. coli and Salmonella and can lead to the spread of infection through surface contamination or inhaling bacteria from dried droppings.  These pathogens can also be transferred by bird mites, which can bite both people and birds.

The nests and roosting sites of pest birds attract a number of pest insects such as bird mites, textile beetles and fleas, so the presence of gulls and pest birds at a home or business premises can bring about infestations from other unwanted visitors.

There are many steps you can take yourself to prevent the presence of gulls and other pest birds at your home or business, such as:

Removing any food sources for pest birds around your premises.

Removing access to nesting sites, for instance by putting barriers over window ledges

Home or business owner should also make sure bin lids are secure and rubbish bags are not left in the open.

Another option to consider would be the use of a fake decoy birds of prey which may deter the presence of pest birds.

However, if the problem persists, Rentokil controls pest bird species in accordance with the EU Birds Directive and the Irish bird derogations and uses non-lethal methods to control all other species of birds if they become public health pests.