Act Now to Protect Your Rooftop from the Hazards of Gull Nesting Season

Gull nesting season is almost here, and with 25 years of experience managing the havoc of rooftop gull colonies, the Migratory Bird Management 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 at Risk from 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.

When to Call an Expert for Your Rooftop Gull Problems

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 Migratory Bird Management, 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 Migratory Bird Management, 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 MBM 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.

Steps to Take if You Suspect Bird Issues

1. Identify you have a problem

2. Call Migratory Bird Management

3. Sign your contract – remember we cannot start service without proper permits

4. Migratory Bird Management 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

7. Make sure you sign up for next years’ service to ensure you don’t miss a season of gull control

With years of experience, Migratory Bird Management 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. Migratory Bird Management 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 Migratory Bird Management can help you today!

Contact us to learn more about our bird management services