27/4/2010

As the breeding season gets underway, Cardiff Council is offering support and advice to help minimise seagull nuisance.

Executive Member for Environment Councillor Margaret Jones said: "It is clear that the seagull population in Cardiff is growing, as are the subsequent problems associated with the birds.

"By making helpful tips and recommendations available by leaflet, through our website and via the pest control service, we are giving people the opportunity to lessen the chances of seagull nuisance."

The gull population is on the increase in urban areas and can often lead to problems such as noise, nesting on roofs, swooping to protect young and the ripping open of rubbish bags.

A leaflet by the council's Pest Control and Waste Management services offers information and advice to businesses across the city. The team also offers a service to commercial premises, where eggs are carefully replaced with plastic imitations.

With fewer young, the birds are then less aggressive.

Businesses are advised to:

Make sure left over food is quickly cleared from outside areas

Dispose of edible litter in gull-proof hidden bins

Present food waste for collection in wheeled bins or similar
containers; plastic bin bags are an open invitation for gulls to explore

Discourage people from dropping food litter on the floor (this is an offence and the person committing the offence may be liable for a penalty)

Consider using parasols. These tend to "hide" food from seagulls' vision

Gulls are drawn to urban areas by the vast amount of food on offer and there are also cautionary measures that can be taken by residents. These include following the Council's advice about the presentation of food waste for collection, particularly in areas served by the tri-bag system.

Food waste for example, should be placed in bio bags, which are collected in the morning. If disposed of in black bags, which are collected in the afternoon, there is a longer opportunity for gulls to rip the bags open.

A trial scheme involving kerbside caddies will also begin shortly. Areas with the most reported cases of seagull nuisance will be some of those involved in this food collection scheme, which involves larger versions of kitchen caddies placed at the kerbside for collection.

It is also best to avoid putting out excessive amounts of food for wild birds in the garden. Gulls will return year-after-year to areas where they find food and will scare off other birds.

For advice on how to make your roof seagull-proof, or to enquire about the chargeable egg replacement scheme for businesses, contact the pest control team on 02920 872934.

Further information and advice is also available at www.cardiff.gov.uk