Warning issued regarding gulls and other pest birds

Rentokil, Ireland’s leading pest control provider, has issued a warning to the public regarding gulls and other pest birds.

The company is advising the public to treat gulls with caution, and also has a number of practical steps that people can take to prevent the presence of these pest birds on their premises.

Rentokil has noted that a large proportion of callouts for gulls and other pest birds so far this year are originating from urban areas.

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

August is typically the time of year when gulls are nesting; tending to young chicks who have recently fledged.

The birds can become extremely aggressive and protective of their young. 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.

Richard Faulkner, advanced technical field consultant with Rentokil said “Pest birds such as gulls can be a nuisance for home or business owners at this time of year.

"The best way to discourage the presence of birds at a premises is to remove their food sources."