a seagull on a beach in bradenton florida

Seagulls

Seagulls are a common sight in coastal cities and towns, making Florida a place these birds thrive. Seagulls are excellent swimmers and split their time between land and water. These large birds have, over time, become mostly unafraid of people. They alert us to their presence with their loud wail-like squawks. These birds usually have grey or white feathers and black markings on their heads or wings. Spending most of their time together in large groups, you commonly see these birds flocked together on beaches or in parking lots. Seagulls are well-known as aggressive scavengers, and while technically they are carnivores, these birds won’t turn down any food from fish scraps to french fries. A single morsel of food discarded on the ground will attract hordes of seagulls to an area.

Seagulls are especially problematic on commercial properties in areas where there are dumpsters and trash cans. They will make huge unsightly messes as they scavenge for food. Piers, beach areas, and parking lots can quickly become overrun with these birds who have no shame and take food directly out of people’s hands. They are also a hazard around airports where large flocks of these birds threaten low flying planes. The roofs of commercial buildings often become a place for these birds to roost. Their acidic droppings will cause erosion to surfaces and are a health risk to people. Also, large groups of these birds can drive customers away and damage HVAC units and other electrical equipment.

Health and Safety Issues

Seagulls, while a natural part of many coastal and urban ecosystems, can pose several health and safety challenges to humans. These issues primarily arise due to their increasing interaction with human habitats, aggressive behaviors, and potential to spread diseases. Below are some key concerns:

1. Aggressive Behavior

  • Food Aggression: Seagulls are known to snatch food from people, particularly in areas where they are accustomed to being fed. This can lead to injuries, especially to children or those unprepared for their sudden approach.
  • Nesting Defense: During the breeding season, seagulls may become highly territorial and aggressive if they perceive threats near their nests. This behavior can include swooping and pecking at humans or pets.

2. Disease Transmission

  • Zoonotic Diseases: Seagulls can carry and spread diseases that are harmful to humans, such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter, which are often found in their droppings.
  • Parasites: These birds may also harbor mites, fleas, and ticks, which can potentially transfer to humans or pets.
  • Water Contamination: Droppings from large seagull populations can contaminate water sources, leading to outbreaks of waterborne illnesses.

3. Property and Structural Damage

  • Droppings: Seagull feces are highly acidic and can cause damage to buildings, cars, and other structures. This can pose safety risks if, for example, slippery droppings accumulate on walkways.
  • Nesting: Seagulls often build nests on roofs, blocking drains and gutters, which can lead to water damage or structural instability.
  • Noise Pollution: Their loud and persistent calls, especially during the breeding season, can disturb residents and workers in urban areas, impacting mental well-being.

4. Air Traffic Hazards

Seagulls pose a serious threat to aviation safety. Bird strikes, particularly involving large flocks of seagulls near airports, can cause significant damage to aircraft and jeopardize passenger safety.

5. Impact on Local Wildlife

Overpopulation of seagulls can disrupt local ecosystems by preying on smaller bird species or competing with native wildlife for food and nesting sites.

Partnering with Bird Solutions is the best solution to your Florida commercial facility’s seagull problems. Seagulls are federally protected migratory birds, so partnering with a professional commercial bird control service company is essential when managing them.

In conjunction with our professional services, the following tips will help make your commercial property less attractive to seagulls:

  • Any trash cans or dumpsters located on your property need to have locking or tight-fitting lids on them at all times.
  • If you have outdoor eating areas on your property, make sure they are always clean of food debris.
  • Keep parking lot areas free of trash and other debris that attract seagulls.
  • Post “no feeding birds” signs on your property.