Bid To Crack Gull Menace

Cardiff council has launched an unusual new scheme to tackle the persistent seagull problem in the city. Fake seagull eggs are being offered to businesses in order to discourage the birds from congregating and in some cases attacking people. The eggs are used to replace real eggs, which are taken away. With fewer young, the birds are less aggressive.

The gull population is on the increase in urban areas and can often lead to problems such as noise, nesting on roofs, swooping to protect young and the ripping open of rubbish bags. A leaflet has been produced by the council's Pest Control and Waste Management services, which offers advice to businesses across the city.

Residents in Birchgrove faced a serious threat from the airborne nuisances in the past couple of years. Unsuspecting home-owners on Groveland Road were dive-bombed by the birds and some were too afraid to leave their houses. Now, due to the installment of roof-top spikes, the problem seems to have subsided.

Jennifer Reynolds, who lives on the street, said: "Hopefully it's going to be fine this summer, but for the past three or four years, some of our neighbours haven't even been able to go out in their gardens." Another resident, Susan Bull, said: "It's a really clean area around here so I don't know why they chose to nest here. They don’t make a lot of noise, but then when they had their babies they were horrible."

Cardiff council has offered advice about the presentation of food waste for collection, particularly in areas served by the tri-bag system. Residents should put food waste in bio bags, which are collected in the morning. If disposed of in black bags, which are collected in the afternoon, there is a longer opportunity for gulls to rip the bags open.

A trial scheme involving kerbside caddies will also begin shortly. Areas with the most reported cases of seagull nuisance will be some of those involved in this food collection scheme, which involves larger versions of kitchen caddies placed at the kerbside for collection.

It is also best to avoid putting out excessive amounts of food for wild birds in the garden, says the council. Gulls will return year after year to areas where they find food and will scare off other birds.

Cardiff council's cabinet member for the environment, Margaret Jones said: "It is clear that the seagull population in Cardiff is growing, as are the subsequent problems associated with the birds. By making helpful tips and recommendations available by leaflet, through our website and via the pest control service, we are giving people the opportunity to lessen the chances of seagull nuisance."