With outdoor dining reopening in June, Rentokil has warned the public to treat seagulls with caution as we enter the summer period.
Rentokil has recorded a 50% increase in callouts to deal with seagulls and other pest birds so far this year in comparison to last year.
Increased time spent outdoors socialising due to Covid-19 and summer weather is likely to lead to greater interaction between the birds and the public.
Richard Faulkner, Advanced Technical Field Consultant for Rentokil, said: "As we enter the warmer summer period and lockdown restrictions are eased, we encourage members of the public to treat gulls with caution and keep their distance from them where possible.”
The breeding season for gulls runs from April until September, meaning they are at their most active at this time of year.
Seagull chicks typically hatch in June, making the seagulls more aggressive as they try to secure food to protect their young.
Mr Faulkner said, “This is the period when people and gulls are most likely to cross paths, and it is also when they are at their most aggressive.”
Rentokil urged people to be wary of the birds when eating outdoors, particularly when outdoor dining resumes, as they are likely to harass or try to steal food from members of the public.
Businesses should discourage pest birds by keeping food sources well hidden, ensuring bin lids are securely closed at all times, and rubbish bags are not left in the open.
Rentokil received the most callouts for countries Dublin (66% of all callouts), Wicklow (16%) and Kilkenny (16%).
Rentokil reminded the public that it is not only antisocial behaviour that can make these birds dangerous.
Pest bird droppings contain bacteria such as E. coli and Salmonella, which can lead to the spread of infections through surface contamination, inhaling bacteria from dried droppings or bacteria being
transferred by bird mites.
Bird mites are attracted to bird nests and roostings.
This could lead to insect infestations at your home or business.
Rentokil controls pest bird species in accordance with the EU Birds Directive and the Irish bird derogations and uses non-lethal methods to control all other species of birds if they become public health pests.
They employ a number of different safe and eco-friendly methods to protect premises from pest birds, including bird spikes and bird netting.
Experts can also use hawking, where specially trained birds of prey are used to scare gulls and other pest birds from an area without harm.
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