Free roof treatments to remove gull nests are now available in areas of Bath where evidence confirms large or increasing numbers of breeding pairs. This is one of many measures being taken by Bath & North East Somerset Council as part of its Gull Strategy.
Areas which qualify for the free treatments are: Abbey, Kingsmead, Newbridge, Twerton, Westmoreland and Widcombe wards in Bath.
Bath & North East Somerset Council has contracted NBC Bird and Pest Solutions to carry out this work and company representatives will visiting these areas over the next few weeks, with plans to start the first round of roof treatments in April.
They will try to call on as many properties as possible, leaving a leaflet with details if no-one is at home. If you live in one of the areas identified you can also call them directly on 03303 530060 to find out more and arrange a visit.
The company will also be using birds of prey as an additional way of deterring gulls from nesting in areas where they see the predators.
Councillor Martin Veal (Conservative, Bathavon North), Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “Residents and businesses in the areas identified who think they may have a problem should contact NBC Bird and Pest Solutions who can come along and carry out an assessment of gull nests on their roofs.
“This work is part of the Council’s co-ordinated approach to tackling the gull problem, which also includes reducing access to food sources and encouraging everyone to do their bit to keep the streets clear of litter and waste and to not feed the gulls. All of this work will be ongoing and we will continue to build on the successes of the trial methods next year.”
Ian Cain, Technical Director from NBC Bird and Pest Solutions, said: “Our experienced technical team look forward to working with the residents and businesses of Bath and North East Somerset to assess and where necessary treat the nest sites of aggressive gulls. You will see our technicians out and about with their birds of prey, and also using mobile access equipment to help us to safely access the nest sites on as many properties as possible in the problem areas. The birds of prey will ensure the gulls are given a helpful reminder they are not welcome.”
As part of the project, the Council is also working with University of the West of England and Middlesex University to carry out research into gull behaviour.
Council officers are working with behavioural ecology and psychology students at the universities to map and track the behaviour of the gulls as they interact with their food sources and nesting sites.
Find out more at http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/environment/pests-and-infestation/gulls
