Seagulls Are Moving Inland And It’s Hurting Local Businesses

When most people think of seagulls, they picture sandy beaches, boardwalks, and snack-snatching birds hovering near the ocean. But times have changed. These clever birds are no longer just a coastal nuisance; they're making themselves at home far from the shore, and for many businesses, that’s a growing problem.

Why Are Seagulls Moving Inland?

Seagulls are highly adaptable birds. Over the years, they’ve increasingly shifted inland in search of easier access to food and safety from predators. Urban and suburban areas offer an ideal environment:

• Abundant food waste from dumpsters and outdoor dining

• Fewer natural predators

• Warm, flat rooftops for nesting

• Year-round access to resources that once were seasonal

This migration trend isn’t temporary, it's part of a long-term behavioral shift. Seagulls have learned that inland living offers better survival odds and easy pickings.

How This Affects Businesses

While seagulls may be thriving, their presence creates serious issues for businesses, especially those in the hospitality, retail, and food service industries. Some of the most common problems include:

• Trash Scattering: Gulls rip into garbage bags, dig through dumpsters, and spread debris across parking lots and sidewalks.

• Structural Damage: Seagull droppings contain uric acid, which is highly corrosive. Over time, it can damage:

  • Air conditioning units

  • Roofing and insulation

  • Building siding and metal fixtures

• Health Concerns: Their waste can harbor bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, posing risks for both customers and employees.

• Customer Disruption: Aggressive seagulls may harass patrons, especially in outdoor seating areas, diminishing the customer experience and hurting a business’s reputation.

  
  

Why You Can’t Just Chase Them Away

Because seagulls are protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, businesses must approach removal carefully and legally. While it’s perfectly acceptable to attempt non-harmful deterrents, these birds are intelligent and often return once they realize there’s no real threat.

This is why temporary or DIY methods often fail. Effective control requires strategic, long-term solutions that comply with federal and local regulations and that’s where professional help makes all the difference.

The AviAway Solution: Humane, Legal, Long-Term

At AviAway, we specialize in solving persistent seagull problems the right way. Our seagull management plans are customized for each property. The most effective method is a grid wire system, though bird netting and falconry are also highly effective deterrents depending on the environment.

Grid Wire Systems

Our tensioned grid systems create an invisible barrier over rooftops, dining patios, and open-air spaces. These wires make it difficult and unappealing for gulls to land and roost. Benefits include:

• Customizable to fit your business’s unique needs

• Long-lasting (10-20 year life expectancy)

• Backed by a five-year warranty on all poles and brackets

  
  

Bird Netting

For areas requiring full exclusion, such as loading docks or under-structure spaces, bird netting is often the most effective solution. We use heavy-duty, high-density polyethylene twine netting and stainless steel hardware to ensure long-term durability. Benefits include:

• Fully customizable to your facility

• UV-resistant, high-durability materials

• Low visual impact that blends with architecture

• 20+ year lifespan

  
  

Falconry

For large, open spaces such as marinas, boardwalks, and agricultural sites, falconry is a natural and highly effective approach. At AviAway, our trained falcons and hawks mimic the presence of natural predators, creating an environment where birds feel unsafe. To extend the effectiveness, we often recommend installing sound units after falconry sessions to reinforce the deterrent effect. Benefits include:

• The most natural and eco-friendly method

• Highly effective in large or hard-to-cover areas

These systems provide a powerful and permanent defense against seagull intrusion without harming the birds or disrupting your business operations.

Don’t Wait for the Problem to Get Worse

Seagulls aren’t going away and their inland expansion is only increasing. If your business is dealing with recurring mess, property damage, or customer complaints caused by seagulls, it’s time to take action.

Let AviAway handle the problem legally, humanely, and permanently.

📞 Click here or call us today at 844-247-3373 to schedule a free site evaluation

or

📩 Contact us online to request a customized bird control plan.