Prevent Seagull Nuisance

Gulls are becoming increasingly common in Dutch villages and towns. They like to nest on rooftops and forage for food in the surrounding area. Unfortunately, this can cause a nuisance. The nuisance occurs during the breeding season, from April through August.

What can you do on your own?

The municipality needs your help to reduce the nuisance. Here’s what you can do.

Do not feed the birds

Only during a harsh winter do some birds benefit from a little extra food. Gulls are perfectly capable of finding their own food. With spring on the horizon, it’s no longer necessary to feed the birds. By stopping feeding, you prevent gulls from having access to easy food.

Make nesting sites on roofs inaccessible

Homeowners can do even more to prevent nuisance caused by seagulls. For example, you can make the roof inaccessible. This will prevent seagulls from nesting on roofs. You can, for instance, install spikes, wires, or nets on the roof.

What does the municipality do?

The municipality has set a goal of informing residents and housing associations about the seagulls. In addition, the municipality is monitoring developments regarding ways to limit 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 seagulls are protected animals, the municipality is not permitted to take direct action against them. Only in the event of a serious threat to public health may an exemption from the Nature Conservation Act be requested from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture, and Innovation.