Seeking an Effective Solution to Deter Seagulls from Soiling My Vessel? I'm Testing a Variety of Bird Repellents in 2023!
Boat owners have long been plagued by nuisance birds, particularly seagulls, who often leave behind unsightly messes and potentially damage important equipment. In an effort to combat this problem, the author is testing various bird scarers on two boats this season.
One intriguing option the author has considered is a fake dead seagull bird deterrent. This realistic-looking seagull, hangable from a raised point, may be a bit spooky looking, but its effectiveness against seagulls is uncertain. Another option is the possessed swivel headed OWL bird scarer, a large plastic owl with a swiveling head. While it might scare off small children, its effectiveness against seagulls is also uncertain.
However, based on real-world user experiences and tests, the most effective bird scarers for boats include lifelike bird of prey decoys such as falcon or hawk kites on poles and mechanical sweeping devices like the Gullsweep Bird Deterrent GS1.
Falcon or hawk kites on poles mimic the appearance and movement of predatory birds, which are natural deterrents for seagulls, pigeons, and other nuisance birds. According to user experiences, the StopGull Falcon Hawk Kite is highly effective at keeping pigeons and seagulls away from boats and surrounding areas. The kite’s wings even move naturally with the wind, enhancing its realistic effect. Other similar products like the eyijklzo Bird Scarer with a 6m telescopic pole also receive high ratings for their bird-deterrent performance on boats and other outdoor spaces.
The Gullsweep Bird Deterrent GS1 is a device that continuously sweeps an area on a boat to prevent gulls from landing or settling. It received good user reviews, scoring 4 out of 5 stars for keeping boats gull-free effectively. This type of device works well in situations where a physical presence is required rather than visual cues.
A combination of a lifelike predator kite on a suitably tall pole and a mechanical deterrent sweeper can provide the most comprehensive bird protection based on real-world owner experiences and product testing.
While most sailors fit some type of bird scarer, their effectiveness varies. Last season, the author's boat was a target for seagulls for their toilet business, resulting in a bird mess covering the decks and even damaging the solar panel, rendering it unusable. Leaving a boat unattended for a short or extended period can result in bird mess and potential nesting.
It's important to note that seagulls are protected by law in the UK, so the author can only discourage them from landing in unwanted areas. Some bird scarers, like the Owl hawk seagull deterrent, are not cheap and require a place to be stored when not in use. The rubber snake bird scarer tested is about 117cm long, cheap, fun, and versatile, but it might give a daily shock. The black crow bird scarer, made of hard plastic, has multiple holes for string or a hook, removable legs, and is cheap, but it might be off-putting if one has watched "The Birds" by Hitchcock.
In conclusion, boat owners looking to protect their vessels from nuisance birds should consider investing in a combination of a lifelike predator kite on a tall pole and a mechanical sweeper. Proper placement, pole height, and product build quality are essential factors for success.
- For those embracing an outdoor-living lifestyle with boats, home-and-garden stores offer a range of pet-friendly bird scarers to deter seagulls, particularly the Falcon or Hawk kites on poles and the Gullsweep Bird Deterrent GS1.
- Pet owners who love home-and-garden activities may find the StopGull Falcon Hawk Kite an effective companion for their boats, as it can help deter unwanted seagull and pigeon visitors, making boat maintenance a cleaner and less stressful part of their lifestyle.
