Over the past decade or so, gulls have become a far more common sight in our towns and cities. The reason is simple: food is easy to come by. Discarded scraps and waste litter the pavements and streets, and landfill sites on the edge of urban areas offer rich pickings for any gull willing to scavenge.
Why gulls choose the space under solar panels
Foxes are a gull’s main predator, so a nesting spot that keeps them out of reach is worth a lot. The gap behind a set of solar panels does exactly that. It is safe from foxes, sheltered from the elements and protected from bad weather all year round, which makes it close to ideal for nesting and roosting.
For the homeowner or business below, that is where the trouble starts.
The problems gulls cause
Nesting gulls produce a lot of droppings. They make a building look unpleasant, they smell, and they can harbour disease. Anyone in or near the building also has to put up with a great deal of noise, from the nesting birds themselves and then the constant squawking of their young once they hatch.
The nests cause damage too. Gulls gather feathers, leaves, twigs and other debris and push it all into the space beneath the panels. That material reduces how well your solar panels work, and it can block gutters and drains into the bargain.
Gulls can also turn aggressive, especially through spring and summer when they are breeding and raising their young. At that time of year it is not unusual for them to dive-bomb, attack or harass anyone coming near your home or business.
Dealing with it early
The sooner a gull problem is tackled, the less damage the birds can do. If you have noticed gulls nesting under your solar panels, call our team. Our technicians will visit, assess the situation and recommend the best way to clear the birds and protect your property. We are open every day except Christmas Day, from early until late.