Gull Nesting Season: Act Now to Protect Your Rooftops
Feb 21, 2023
Gull nesting season is almost here, and with 25 years of experience managing the havoc of rooftop gull colonies, the Wild Goose Chase team’s first bit of advice can be summed up in two words: Don’t wait. While gulls can be a nuisance in any season, nesting season, which begins in March and April, multiplies the threat, both literally and in terms of bird behavior. If you’re not prepared, you can find yourself playing host to hundreds of unruly and destructive “guests.” As the nesting season progresses, the birds will become increasingly aggressive with each other and anything else they may view as a threat – this includes you!
Managing gull conflicts requires extra planning because gulls are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and multiple permits are required before you can manage or disturb gull colonies or their nests. If you don’t act in time, you may not be able to take effective action after gulls after turned your rooftop into a nursery.
4 Signs Your Rooftop Is Vulnerable to Nesting Gulls
Gulls scouting your building or property for a suitable nesting site can often be identified in advance by their behavior or the waste they leave behind. Here are some signs that should not be ignored:
1. Loafing: Gulls will begin hanging out on the ground and the roof to determine if they have found a suitable spot to nest
2. More droppings than usual: When you begin to see more than the usual amount of gull waste on your rooftop or around the building, it’s time to take action. Gull droppings are acidic and can harm rooftops and equipment: bacteria from gull waste can get into HVAC systems and create a health risk inside the building.
3. Increasing volume of gull sounds: Colonies range between 30-1000 birds and become deafening when disturbed.
4. Rooftop debris: The appearance of debris like twigs, rocks or pebbles on your roof is a good sign that gulls may be taking an interest in your rooftop. Be sure to take precautions before inspecting a rooftop on your own, including wearing PPE (a hard hat and umbrella are recommended) and scanning the area to try to determine where they are landing.
Your Rooftop Gull Problems: When to Call an Expert
Managing gulls on your own in nesting season is not recommended. In addition to navigating the complexities of multi-agency permitting requirements, the most effective management of gull conflicts is built around a deep knowledge of bird biology and behavior.
At Wild Goose Chase, our staff is well-trained and experienced in the identification and management of problem gulls. Our team of experts is here to help you obtain permits and devise safe, effective and cost-effective bird management strategies to protect your property and the people who use it.
Get started today with professional help from Wild Goose Chase, before birds hatch and your options disappear. We can help you every step of the way, but a signed contract is required to begin the permitting process. Once the birds hatch, we have to wait until next season.
Contact WGC to Prevent Rooftop Gull Colonies
Flock of birds on rooftop disturbed before work begins. Site Evaluations available. Call in the experts to make sure problems don’t worsen over the season.
Actions to Take if You Suspect Bird Issues
1. Identify you have a problem
3. Sign your contract – remember we cannot start service without proper permits
4. Wild Goose Chase will visit your property frequently (every 2-3 weeks) in order to keep problem under control
5. Other management practices – your roof may need other approaches to manage damage done by birds on your property
6. Once season is over, we can do a roof cleanup to make sure debris from nesting gulls doesn’t clog drains or cause further damage to rooftops
Roof cleanup
- Make sure you sign up for next years’ service to ensure you don’t miss a season of gull control
With years of experience, Wild Goose Chase uses the best practices with proven results. The use of multiple tools and techniques will help in keeping your rooftops safe and clean. When it comes to problem birds you must have the proper permits and handle damage management with care. Wild Goose Chase will take away the guess work on how to properly deal with problem gulls on your property. With proven results it is always best to ask the experts! See how Wild Goose Chase can help you today!
0
