Gull Removal Services
In the Greater Seattle area of Washington, gulls are quite common. Attracted by the ample sea life complete with nesting sites and food sources, they frequent beaches and surrounding cities. They are seen inland as well but not as often. While some people enjoy the sights and sounds associated with gulls, the majority of the population regards them as a nuisance. Seagulls are a protected migratory bird in the state of Washington, so it's important not to attempt DIY gull control in order to comply with local laws.
Appearance
The majority of gulls are white, with markings ranging from gray to black. They are characterized by their webbed feet, a slight hook to their bill, and a large wingspan. Like most birds, gulls are exceptional fliers and swimmers, lending themselves to coastal life.
Another distinguishing feature of the gull family is their vocalizations—most often thought of for their raucous cries, gulls also make higher-pitched squeaks.
Habitat
Though gulls are well-suited to living on the shoreline, they are commonly spotted in parking lots, garbage dumps, rooftops of businesses, or wherever they can find sustenance. Many birds—gulls included—are clever and will return to whichever area they find consistent food sources. They're even occasionally found farther inland, grazing on farmers' crops and in residential areas.
Entry
Do gulls get into Seattle yards or homes?
Unlike smaller bird relatives, gulls usually stick to causing trouble outdoors. They will not hesitate to land in yards or other public areas in which they find food. Gulls that are comfortable with humans can even be so confident as to steal food from people eating outside; a behavior for which seagulls are infamous.
Damage
Do gulls cause damage to people or property in Seattle?
Gulls occasionally nest on chimneys or rooftops, and when this happens, they can clog drains, cause damage to air filters, and be responsible for corrosion on metal equipment and paint with their hazardous feces and urine. Nesting gulls are also notorious for dive-bombing pets and humans. Some hazards presented by the birds include diseases like campylobacter, cryptosporidium, giardia, E. Coli, and salmonella.
Control and Safety
Keeping these assertive and loud birds under control is a task not for the faint of heart. The most effective way to control gull populations is to limit access to food and enforce feeding restrictions. Reflective tape, calls of gulls in distress, decoy owls, hawk-shaped kites, or faux coyotes are all practical gull control scare tactics. Lastly, if gulls get too comfortable on chimneys or rooftops, bird spike setup can be effective.
Trapping and Removal
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects seabirds such as ring-billed and herring gulls, and it prohibits people from trapping, hunting, relocating, or otherwise interfering with gull nests without federal permits. If traditional scare tactics or bird-proofing pursuits fail, please call Critter Control of Seattle to deal with problematic gulls.
We'll get rid of gulls for good—call today: 253.343.0412.
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