Gulls Be Gone: 10 Ways to Get Rid of Pesky Birds

Seagulls can spread disease and be a safety hazard. Here's how to keep them away.

Their cries may recall those long summer days at the beach, but seagulls that flock together can be pretty pesky, even bad for our health.

Once they show up, these intelligent birds stick around. "Here are animals that can adapt quickly, learn, and take advantage of a resource while its available," says Andrew Farnsworth of Cornell's Ornithology Lab. "Unlike for most wild animals, we've actually expanded their habitat and food sources with our behavior. Gulls are excellent opportunists and will keep coming back if they find something good."

The birds aren't just annoying beachgoers by dive-bombing boardwalks to snag French fries. They can be a real safety threat when they nest and fly around airports (think bird strikes). Plus,

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