Warning issued over gulls and other pest birds as public urged to treat them with “caution”

Pest birds can be "extremely aggressive" and can lead to the spread of infections, it has been warned.

Rentokil has issued a warning to the public regarding gulls and other pest birds, advising people to treat the animals "with caution". The pest control provider said a large proportion of callouts for gulls and other pest birds so far in 2021 are originating from urban areas. This is as urban areas offer pest birds easy access to food waste, while tall buildings can mimic high cliff tops that birds such as gulls would traditionally nest on. "Dublin has accounted for the vast majority of total pest bird callouts from Rentokil so far in 2021, with 63% of the callouts," the company said in a statement. "Wicklow has accounted for the second most callouts at 18%, while Kilkenny and Cork accounted for 9% of callouts each." As August is the time of year when gulls are nesting and tending to young chicks who have recently fledged, the birds can become "extremely aggressive and protective of their young," according to Rentokil. The company said they are also likely to harass or try to steal food from members of the public and raid waste bins in search of food to bring back to the nest. "Pest bird droppings can also present a hazard as they can contain bacteria including E. coli and Salmonella and can lead to the spread of infections through surface contamination, inhaling bacteria from dried droppings, or being transferred by bird mites, which can bite both people and birds," Rentokil said. Advanced Technical Field Consultant with Rentokil Richard Faulkner stated: “Pest birds such as gulls can be a nuisance for home or business owners at this time of year," and listed some steps people can take to prevent the presence of these animals. These include:

• Removing the pest birds' food sources.
• Removing access to nesting sites. For instance, putting barriers over window ledges can be an effective bird deterrent.
• Making sure bin lids are secure and rubbish bags are not left in the open as gulls have sharp beaks that will make short work of bin bags.
• Using fake decoy birds of prey which may deter the presence of pest birds.

"However, if the problem persists, the best option would be to seek the advice of a professional pest control service," Faulkner added.