How to Identify & Get Rid of Seagulls
Author:
Mosh Latifi
Co-Owner of Ecocare
Published:
Nov 21, 2025
Seagulls are among the most persistent pest birds found in coastal and urban areas, often causing significant problems for homes and businesses. Their loud calls, aggressive nesting behaviour, and messy droppings can damage property, spread disease, and deter customers. Knowing how to manage seagull populations safely and effectively is essential for maintaining a clean, secure environment. This article covers how to identify seagull activity, prevent nesting, apply effective deterrents, and maintain long-term control. EcoCare Pest Control Management offers humane solutions combining inspection, prevention, and eradication - ensuring gull issues are managed professionally and effectively. Whether dealing with herring gulls or lesser black-backed gulls, EcoCare’s expert team provides sustainable, BPCA-certified methods to protect your property, keep roofs clear of nests, and restore peace to affected areas across London and Surrey.
Table of Content
Seagull Facts & Information
Habitat: Highly adaptable coastal birds that have increasingly moved inland, thriving in urban areas.
Size: Adult seagulls, such as Herring Gulls, measure around 55–66 cm in length with a wingspan of 125–150 cm.
Appearance: Grey or white plumage, hooked yellow beak, and pink legs.
Species Variation: Lesser Black-backed Gulls are smaller, with darker wings and yellow legs.
Diet: Feed on fish, waste, and discarded food - often scavenging from bins, rooftops, or outdoor areas.
Behaviour: Territorial, particularly during nesting season; known for aggressive behaviour when protecting chicks.
Nesting Habits: Build nests on roofs, chimneys, or ledges using grass, twigs, and debris.
Colony Formation: Form large colonies that expand quickly and return to the same nesting sites annually.
How to Identify Seagulls
There are several types of seagulls across the UK, but Herring Gulls and Lesser Black-backed Gulls are the most common urban species. Their life cycle begins in early spring when nesting gulls establish territories. Females lay two to three eggs, which hatch after about 25 days. Chicks become fully fledged in six to eight weeks, remaining close to the nest until ready to fly. These coastal birds are highly intelligent, capable of problem-solving and adapting to human activity. Seagull infestations often occur due to accessible food sources and flat roofs suitable for nesting. Improper waste management and open bins invite colonies to settle. Once a nest is established, removal becomes difficult due to the Wildlife and Countryside Act, which protects gulls during nesting season. Regular property inspections and professional advice from an authorised pest control company like EcoCare are vital for preventing infestations and maintaining control.
Identifying the Infestation: Signs to Look For
Typical signs of seagull infestations include increased noise, dive-bombing behaviour, and visible nests on rooftops or chimneys. Frequent droppings stain surfaces and spread bacteria, while nesting material and debris may block gutters or drains. Large flocks circling your property indicate nearby seagull colonies. During nesting season, seagulls become territorial and may attack anyone approaching their nest. Their droppings and discarded food attract secondary pests, such as rodents and insects, worsening the overall problem.
Preventative Strategies: Stop Seagulls Before They Start
Preventing seagulls begins with removing food sources and blocking access to potential nesting areas. Keep outdoor spaces clean, secure waste bins tightly, and avoid leaving food uncovered. Installing bird spikes, bird netting, or wire systems on roofs and ledges prevents birds from landing or building nests. Regular property inspections help detect early signs of nesting activity. EcoCare PestControl Management recommends using motion-activated sprayers, acoustic deterrents, or reflective materials as additional measures. These environmentally friendly methods reduce long-term gull problems without harming the birds, keeping your property safe and compliant with wildlife regulations.
Natural Deterrents: Safe, Non-Chemical Repellents
For anyone looking to get rid of seagulls without chemical products, several natural deterrents can be effective and humane. Seagulls are highly adaptable coastal birds, but they dislike strong scents and sudden movement. Natural repellents such as vinegar sprays, citrus oil, and crushed herbs like peppermint or rosemary can help discourage nesting seagulls around roofs or chimneys. Motion-activated sprayers and reflective surfaces also act as long-term deterrents by disrupting gull behaviour without harm. EcoCare PestControl Management recommends using these methods early in the nesting season to prevent seagull colonies from establishing nests on your property. When applied consistently and combined with professional advice, these humane solutions can keep areas clean, reduce droppings, and maintain control without breaching the Wildlife and Countryside Act.
How to Get Rid of Seagulls
Once nesting gulls have established themselves, more active removal techniques are required. The first step is safe nest removal, performed under a general licence and handled by authorised experts. Trained professionals, such as those at EcoCare PestControl Management, inspect every roof and ledge to locate seagull nests and determine the best removal method. Installing bird spikes, seagull spikes, or bird netting can physically block access to nesting sites, while acoustic deterrents emit distress sounds to make the area less inviting. In extreme cases, falconry and decoy hawks may be used to deter persistent seagulls. Because roof nesting is often protected by law during breeding season, consulting with an experienced seagull control company ensures all actions comply with current wildlife regulations while addressing the problem effectively and safely.
Integrated Pest Management: Combining Techniques
EcoCare’s integrated seagull control approach combines inspection, prevention, and humane deterrents for long-term effectiveness. This method involves assessing gull behaviour, removing nests where legally permissible, and installing deterrents tailored to each property type. By using eco-friendly materials and non-toxic repellents, the company ensures minimal disruption to wildlife while maintaining full control over the problem. Professional support is crucial when infestations persist, as technicians are trained to identify patterns, recommend lawful solutions, and implement lasting protection. Integrating multiple techniques creates a stronger, safer system for homes, businesses, and industrial areas across London and Surrey.
Unique Tips & Homeowner Insights
Property owners can maintain lasting seagull control through small but consistent actions. Keep roofs and outdoor areas clean and free of food waste, as open bins and scraps attract nesting gulls. Installing barriers such as seagull spikes, wire systems, or bird netting helps prevent new nests from forming. During the nesting season, avoid direct interference and instead consult a wildlife rescue or professional team for safe removal. Regularly check for damage caused by seagull droppings, which can corrode surfaces and spread disease. Maintaining a deterrent routine throughout the year provides both physical protection and peace of mind, ensuring your property stays clear of aggressive birds and recurring nests.
Quick Takeaways
Remove food sources and keep bins tightly sealed.
Install bird spikes, netting, or wire systems to prevent roof nesting.
Use natural repellents like vinegar, herbs, and motion-activated sprayers.
Schedule professional nest removal under the general licence.
Maintain consistent control to deter seagull colonies long-term.
Long-Term Seagull Control & Prevention
Getting rid of seagulls requires persistence, lawful action, and strategic deterrents. These coastal birds are intelligent and resilient, often returning to the same nest year after year. Effective control demands a mix of prevention, nest removal, and humane deterrents applied at the right time and location. EcoCare PestControl Management’s “Call - Clean - Clear” model delivers proven, eco-conscious solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Their BPCA-certified technicians use modern methods - such as bird netting, seagull spikes, and acoustic deterrents - to protect every area safely and effectively. With rapid response, local expertise, and an emphasis on prevention, EcoCare ensures that properties across London and Surrey remain free from seagull infestations, reducing damage, disease spread, and disruption for good.
