Residents

Gulls have become a significant issue in St Andrews, having discovered an easy and lazy food source through poor waste management and feeding. With our tall buildings providing perfect spots for nesting, their numbers have grown rapidly. It's time to take action and reduce the gull population around town. As a resident, you can help by...

Securing Your Waste

Securing your waste is one of the most effective ways to reduce the gull problem in St Andrews. Make sure your bins are tightly sealed with no rubbish overflowing and where possible, avoid leaving rubbish bags outside overnight or before collection day, as this gives gulls the opportunity to scavenge.

Maintain Outdoor Spaces

A scientific study conducted in St Andrews found that only around 10% of rooftops have nesting gulls. This means that measures like deterrents or nest removal often just shift the problem to neighbouring properties — and can even extend the breeding season, as gulls may start nesting again from scratch mid-season. Instead of pushing the issue elsewhere, a better approach is to prevent what attracts them in the first place. Keep gardens, courtyards, and balconies clear of food scraps and standing water, which can encourage gulls to settle and feed nearby.

Spread Awareness

Let's create a community-wide effort by sharing simple tips and encouraging others to secure their waste and keep public spaces clean. The more people who take responsibility, the greater impact we’ll have in reducing gull numbers and keeping our town a cleaner, safer place for everyone.