No need to hit the roof over noisy nesting gulls

Wednesday 09 April 2014

Islanders are being urged to check their roofs for nesting seagulls and get them removed by a licensed pest controller before they end up with even more of the unwelcome guests.

The Environment department say at this time of year gulls have already established their territories and are building nests ready to breed. They say it’s better to call out pest controllers now to remove them rather than next month when there are likely to be eggs or chicks in the nest.

They say removing the gulls in May will mean killing the chicks, it causes unnecessary distress to the birds and is illegal without a specific license.

Herring Gull numbers are declining in Jersey and all around the world. A law was introduced in the Island back in 2000 to protect them and their nests, eggs and chicks and there are now plans for an international agreement to protect them.

The department say it’s important that the gulls are discouraged from flocking to urban areas. Natural Environment Officer David Tipping said: “If we prevent gulls nesting on our roofs, discourage those people that persist in feeding them and stop food waste on the streets, herring gulls would revert to a more natural diet and in time we hope this will lead to birds returning to the cliffs and a reduction in urban gull populations.”

Herring gulls breed colonially, building large, substantial nests from vegetation and other debris. They lay two or three olive green eggs blotched with black. The young are fed by both parents for about a month.

The department have these tips to help you tackle gulls on your roof :

• Check your roof now especially if seagulls are congregating or have started to build a nest or if they have built a nest in your area in the past. 

• If you have gulls active on your roof, contractors can erect preventative measures which will stop the birds from nesting.

• If you have a nest, take action only through a pest controller with the appropriate licence.

• Let others know if a gull is nesting on their roof - a neighbour’s nest is very likely to impact on you.

• Commercial property owners should check their roofs now.

• Protect your domestic rubbish and do not feed seagulls.