COUNCIL chiefs have urged city residents to try alternative tactics to discourage birds from nesting on the roofs of properties as gull nesting season approaches.
Regularly opening and shutting skylight windows or doors, using an extended pole or long garden cane to tap loudly on roof areas and physically making your presence known could help to make a roof less attractive as a nesting place.
The warnings come as gulls will be scouring the city over the next two to three weeks looking for prime spots on which to settle, according to city council bosses.
Worcestershire Regulatory Services’ new gull officer, Gordon Dugan, has visited residential and business properties in the city to help owners find the best way to deter the birds.
He has also applied to Natural England for a licence to remove gull eggs and replace them with dummy eggs from nests on premises in the city.
Residents in Britania Square are collaborating to open their skylights and appear out of them regularly, create noise, shine torches at night and use a garden cane to make tapping noises around their roofs.
One resident who did not wish to be named, said: “We are able to have a human presence at a skylight daily and, so far, there is no sign of gull activity on our properties or on our immediate neighbours’.”
Worcester City Council has pledged a £30,000 cash boost from April to help businesses and residents tackle the long-standing problem and an additional £5,000 for an extendable cherry picker to remove nests from high and previously inaccessible roofing areas in some parts of the city.
“We have increased our budget and resources this year to deter gulls from nesting on Worcester rooftops,” said Coun Joy Squires, chair of the City Council’s Environment Committee.
“I would urge residents and business owners who have had previous problems to make their presence known to potential nesters as much as possible over the next few weeks.
Eliminating food sources for gulls is critical and the city council is working with food premises to ensure food is properly disposed of and that lids on trade waste bins are fully closed.
Last year the city council installed 22 new gull-proof litter bins and six recycling bins in the city centre.
