How to Keep Seagulls Off of a Pier

No trip to the beach would be complete without seeing or feeding a few seagulls. Gulls are usually white and grey in appearance with black accents near the wings and head. The birds are scavengers by nature, seeking out crabs, tiny fish and human food scraps. For coastal gulls, boardwalks, piers and amusement parks have become both a food source and a habitat. Using safe, harmless methods, you can deter gulls from landing on your private pier or a portion of a community pier.

Things You'll Need

  • Monofilament bird nets
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Install a monofilament bird net over your pier or a portion of the pier you wish to keep safe from gulls. Mount the bottom side of the net to the guardrail. Attach the top side to a fixture that extends at least 6 feet above the railing, such as a light post. Stretch the net across the desired area of coverage, securing the net every 4 feet for best results. You may also have the nets professionally installed by a bird or wildlife repellent service.

    • 2

      Install bird repellent spikes on the pier's railings and nearby rooftops. Spikes make perching uncomfortable for seagulls without causing them harm. These spikes should be professionally installed by a bird or wildlife repellent service, which you can find in your local listings.

    • 3

      Contact your city's animal or wildlife control department and have them relocate the seagull nests. Many gulls build their nests near piers and boardwalks for easy access to human food scraps. Nest relocation is only legal when performed by a licensed official, so avoid performing this step yourself.

    • 4

      Eliminate potential food sources. Avoid feeding gulls leftover food scraps, and pick up any and all food trash before leaving the pier. Once gulls discover that food is no longer easily available, they may begin to avoid the area.