How do I prevent Seagulls?

Question

I have a marina that has a a major seagull problem. They "p**p" all over the place. I have seen some marinas that have cone caps on top of their pilings that prevent the seagulls from landing on them. I was wondering if anyone knew about these and where I can look into purchasing them? Any other suggestions? Ive seen the noise makers that prevent them, but I've also seen the seagulls "p**p" on those machines as well...

Answer 1

When I worked in a marina we got the cones from the same place we got buoys.  They are both fibreglass.  But if they find ample food, there is not much you can do to get rid of them.  If you have warm water discharges nearby you will increase the marine life and that means more seagulls.  If you have fishing boats you need to consider all sources of food that attracts the gulls. Many states have laws that protect even nuisance birds, so don't do anything without checking.  You may get some ideas how to discourage them from you local Fish and Game.

Answer 2

Get everyone in the marina to buy a shotgun and start blasting their little brains out!  The ones that are left alive should get the hint and move on.  Don't worry about :P.E.T.A..  You will still have the shotguns to get them to leave too.

Answer 3

I agree-they c**p all over your car and everywhere. One thing that DOES work but requires a bit of preparation is to broadcast alarm calls and also the hunting calls of hawks and owls. This works on airfields where they have to keep them away to lower bird-strikes on aircraft. They eventually get used to the sound and tend to ignore the calls but if not used too regularly it frightens them away.

If you go to www.rspb.org.uk and click on Peregrine you can play the hunting call of the Perigrine Falcon-it chills your blood!

Answer 4

There are companies making devices to discourage pigeons and other birds from perching or nesting atop lights or ledges (they look like  large sparse wire brushes).  Farmers use the noise of propane cannons to chase flocks of birds off crops.  Some people keep woodpeckers away by tying a CD to a string and letting it spin in the breeze.  Will any of these work?  Possibly- can't hurt to try.  but the man is right:  Fish and game should have some ideas, but as long as they have a food source, they will be a problem.  Good Luck!