A rise in calls to tackle seagulls have increased this year - and almost half of them are in Dublin.
Pest control experts Rentokil have said that there's been a 12% increase across Ireland in calls relating to seagulls, pigeons and other pest birds.
49% of those calls have come from Dublin, and this time of year is when seagulls are at their nosiest and most likely to harass or try to steal food from members of the public.
Pest bird droppings contain bacteria including E.coli and Salmonella, and can lead to the spread of infections through surface contamination, inhaling bacteria from dried droppings, or being transferred by bird mites, which can bite both people and birds.
Richard Faulkner, Advanced Technical Field Consultant for Rentokil said: “We encourage members of the public to treat seagulls with caution and keep their distance from them where possible, as they are at their most aggressive at this time of year.
"As lockdown restrictions are lifted and people start spending more time outside, this is the period of time when people and seagulls are most likely to cross paths.
"To discourage the presence of seagulls and other pest birds from your home or business, keep any possible food sources well-hidden and ensure bin lids are secure and rubbish bags are not left in the open. Gulls have sharp beaks that will make short work of bin bags.”
