Seagulls in Brighton: Identify, Understand, Control

Seasons pass and change, but one constant remains in Brighton - the presence of seagulls. While these feathered friends can live happily alongside humans, sometimes their activities can become disruptive and present challenges to businesses and residents alike.

Identifying Seagulls

Seagulls are mostly recognised for their white and grey features, yellow beak, and sharp eyes. They adapt incredibly well to coastal cities, like Brighton, and have gotten accustomed to an urban lifestyle. For instance, their innate nesting habits have evolved so they can nest in various environments across Brighton.

Understanding Seagulls

Seagulls breed in large colonies, often choosing roofs, chimneys, and balconies as their nesting sites, when their traditional nesting sites like cliffs and sand dunes aren’t available. Their proximity to people can lead to potential risks such as the spread of diseases and injuries from displays of aggression during breeding season. They engage in disruptive behaviour such as swooping down at pedestrians or causing damage to property.

Moreover, seagulls, being intelligent creatures, have grown fond of urban areas. They are not simply attracted by the sea but also by the abundance of food sources readily available due to human activity. Given these factors, it requires a nuanced approach to managing their presence.

Controlling Seagull Activity

Seagull control starts with prevention. Refrain from feeding these birds - restricting their access to food is a practical first step in controlling their activities. Additionally, regular cleaning and maintenance can stop seagulls from getting comfortable at your premises. This includes cleaning any residual food scraps, covering rubbish bins, and regularly inspecting your property for potential nesting sites.

Further, employing professional gull control services can provide long-term relief. At NBC Environment, we offer a comprehensive suite of seagull control measures. Our services encompass everything from installing deterrents like bird spikes and netting to prevent the birds from nesting, to using trained birds of prey as natural deterrents.

The cornerstone of our approach is ensuring compliance with local legislation and the Animal Welfare Act. It is essential to remember that all bird control activity must adhere to the law, and while it may be possible to deter seagulls from settling on your premises, most seagull species are protected, meaning that lethal methods can only be used as a last resort.

Our team is well-versed in creating tailored gull control solutions. Our humane and eco-friendly practices ensure that the control measures put in place bring about a balance between the needs of the environment, the seagulls, and the residents of Brighton.

In conclusion, while seagulls are iconic to Brighton, they can be problematic for both businesses and residents. Identifying signs of a seagull problem, understanding their behaviour, and taking control with preventative measures can keep your premises safe and welcoming for your clientele or residents. 

Remember, while dealing with seagulls, the focus should not only be on deterrents but also understanding and cohabiting with these birds responsibly. For expert help with seagull control, please contact our local Brighton bird control team or to book an initial survey in Brighton, call us on 0333 567 2020. We are always here to support and advise you on all aspects of bird control in Brighton.

Author: NBC Environment/Orkin