Prevent Seagull Nuisance

Gulls are increasingly common in Dutch villages and cities. They like to nest on roofs and search for food in the surrounding area. Unfortunately, this can cause nuisance. The nuisance occurs during the breeding season, from April to August.

What can you do yourself?

The municipality needs your help to reduce the nuisance. You can take the following steps to do so.

Do not feed birds

Only during a severe winter do a few birds benefit from some extra food. Gulls are fully capable of finding their own food. With spring just around the corner, it is no longer necessary to provide extra food for birds. By stopping feeding, you prevent providing an easy food source for gulls.

Make nesting sites on roofs inaccessible

Homeowners can take additional measures to prevent nuisance from gulls. For instance, you can make the roof inaccessible. This helps prevent gulls from nesting on roofs. You can, for example, install spikes, wires, or nets on the roof.

What does the municipality do?

The municipality has set itself the goal of informing residents and housing associations about gulls. In addition, the municipality monitors developments regarding options to reduce the nuisance - within the limits of the Nature Conservation Act.

Nature Conservation Act

When taking additional measures, please be mindful of the Nature Conservation Act. Seagulls are wild birds. They are legally protected animals. Under the Nature Conservation Act, it is prohibited to kill, injure, capture, or intentionally disturb seagulls.

Because gulls are protected animals, the municipality is not permitted to take direct action against them. Only in cases of severe public health risks can an exemption to the Nature Conservation Act be requested from the Ministry of EL&I.