Blackpool residents and visitors issued seagull warning as breeding season approaches

That’s the warning from a national trade body as families across the North West head to the Fylde coast and other seaside resorts for the bank holiday weekend.

During the breeding season, gulls have been known to launch attacks on people, says the British Pest Control Association (BPCA).

After mating and nest-building in February and March, many gulls will be protecting nests and eggs into May.

The BPCA says that avoiding gulls wherever possible is always the best course of action as interfering with wild birds, their eggs or nests could lead to prosecution.

The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 states that all wild birds and their eggs are protected, but people with the appropriate knowledge on licences, such as BPCA members, can take steps if the birds are causing a public health and safety concern.

Natalie Bungay, technical manager at the BPCA, said: “We love British birds. All wild birds and their eggs are rightfully protected by law in the UK, so it is absolutely vital that holidaymakers, householders or business owners don’t interfere with them.

“However, gulls can pose a serious safety concern. They have been known to attack people unexpectedly, which can be a frightening experience, especially if they draw blood, which can occasionally happen.

“We often think of gulls as a coastal problem – which they can be in seaside towns where people have fed them regularly. But for some time now they have also been an increasing problem in towns and cities away from the coast too.”

Gulls can live for 25 to 30 years and many weigh around 1kg, with wingspans of around one metre.

Handy hints for avoiding gulls – and how to guard against them

Seaside visitors can try to avoid attracting gulls by ensuring picnic foods or chippy take-aways are kept covered or eaten out of sight of gulls where possible.

Nesting gulls can cause problems for homes and businesses both on the coast and inland, as well as at supermarkets and hospitals, as those buildings can offer ideal nesting sites which are difficult to access and proof.

Nests can clog gutters or chimneys, which may cause water overflows, or potential issues with carbon monoxide, as well as bringing a risk of secondary infestation from bird mites, ticks, fleas and beetles.

Properties are also at risk from bird droppings, which can carry some harmful bacteria and diseases, as well as even cause slips, trips and falls where they build up.

Natalie added: “Gulls are also protected by the law, so it really is important to seek professional help.

“BPCA members are trained in bird control and will be able to offer a management plan that will alleviate the issue.

“There are a variety of bird-proofing measures available, all of which will deter birds without causing them harm, and as gulls are large and heavy, any proofing measures need to be suitable for the job, very heavy duty and correctly installed by a professional.

“Bird prevention, proofing and control is a highly specialised area requiring specific equipment and techniques. Pest professionals are required to try all reasonably practicable non-lethal bird control methods before they consider lethal control.

“Always consult a BPCA member before considering any form of bird management. You could be prosecuted if you illegally interfere with a bird, its nest or eggs.”

To find a professional pest controller visit bpca.org.uk/find

Seagulls nuisance

At the height of the summer season last year, Blackpool Council urged people not to feed seagulls after they were spotted stealing food.

Images released at the time show a man eating his fish and chips while two seagulls quietly kept watch nearby and in a later picture he was surrounded by at least 18 of the winged terrors.

Lifeguard Lauren Brook said: “They’re a constant nuisance.

“Generally, visitors might feed them or put a chip out on the floor for them or encourage them to take it from their hand.

“But if you get some food out, they pick it straight up and they want more and then they come and attack them after that.

“When I’ve not been working I’ve been attacked by them. When I’ve been having a sandwich walking along, I’ve been swooped on by a seagull.

“The main thing is for people to just realise that by feeding them, it's making them worse, so don’t feed them.”

Earlier last year, seagulls were becoming such a problem that Blackpool Zoo sought to recruit a team of people to wear bird costumes to scare them off.

What the council says

A Blackpool Council spokesperson said “Seagulls are a natural part of seaside life and we have around seven miles of coastline so it is inevitable that birds are attracted to the environment.

“However, we urge residents and tourists not to feed them or leave litter or food behind on the streets which may encourage them.

"As part of that goal, we provide many litter bins located across the Promenade and the town to dispose of waste.

“We also look wider to tackle any potential problems by additionally providing seagull-proof refuse sacks free of charge to residential properties that aren’t suitable for wheeled bins.”