Having seagulls that made a home on your boat or the lift canopy is every boat owner’s worst nightmare. They will quickly destroy expensive fabrics and essential features of the vessel while spreading diseases due to the acidic, corrosive nature of their droppings.
Although it's impossible to stop seabirds, particularly seagulls from settling on your boat because they're constantly looking for somewhere to land close to the water, where boats are frequently docked-radars, masts, railings, and canvas materials all make good perches, there are a few efficient ways to get rid of them as soon as possible.
Bird Deterrents
When weighing your options, use effective boat bird deterrents to keep seagulls and other birds at bay. These bird scarers for boats are one of the most effective ways to prevent birds from coming on your vessel and making a home there, especially when not in use.
There are several types of boat bird scarers, each with their pros and cons. But almost all of them serve the purpose they have been designed for. In this regard, visual deterrents do not physically stop birds from landing on exposed surfaces of a boat. They are quite effective at frightening off birds, though. When addressing troublesome birds on boats, certain physical deterrents are only suitable in specific situations and areas.
Electric bird deterrents, on the other hand, work well on boats and lift canopies, though they are commonly utilised in port locations. They are simply flat strips with a slight electrostatic charge to jolt birds who land on the boat. This scares the gulls away without harming them.
However, an electric boat bird scarer can be pricier than most other alternatives, but considering its efficacy, it's an investment well worth making. To help you narrow down your options, especially if you don't want to startle the seagulls, you may also buy an outdoor ultrasonic animal repeller. This device generates sound frequencies that are audible to birds but not to humans.
When on the hunt for the best boat bird deterrents consider the specific needs and areas of your boat. All products come with a different set of advantages, so it's important to take your vessel's specific requirements into account. You can look through additional options if you can't find something that meets your needs.
Spider Spike Devices
In addition to purchasing a bird repellent for a boat, spider spike devices are an excellent choice. They are easy to use, rapidly removed for boat use, and swiftly put back on for reliable protection when docking.
The majority of manufacturers provide a range of ways to secure spider spikes to different types of boats. You can now use glue or screws for mounting, or any other strategy that best suits you. If there's a convenient metallic spot where you can mount the device, you can choose one with a magnetic base as well.
Spider spikes also have the advantage of being incredibly versatile. They can be deterred from docks, boats, rooftops, and swimming places. However, remember that while these efficient devices will deter big birds like geese, pigeons and seagulls from landing on your boat, they may not be useful for small birds.
Nets
The most reliable way to keep seabirds off your boat and discourage nesting is to cover your vessel with a net. If seagulls discover they are unable to access the boat to search for food, they will have to find another place to roost.
You'll need to knot some nylon strings, and you may use them to support the bird netting. It may seem like a lot of labour, but this method works fairly effectively on small boats. However, if you have a large boat and are unable to cover every susceptible location, you might be better off using other methods to discourage seagulls. Instead, consider employing electric deterrents, a seagull sweep, or a spider spike device.
Rotating Seagull Sweeps
It is also possible to stop birds from perching on your boat by installing a seagull sweep. Most seagull sweeps are designed to spin in the wind, which makes it difficult for the birds to land on a boat. They are very affordable and may be added to any yacht. They are effective not only in keeping seagulls away from your boat but also in discouraging other types of birds.
All in all, by installing a seagull sweep on your yacht, you don't have to worry about killing the birds; it's a humane way of frightening them away, without causing harm.
Reflective Scare Tapes and Mirrors
Because seagulls and other birds don’t find reflective objects attractive, having scary mirrors and tapes on your boat will deter them from approaching.
Unlike lawn ornaments, reflective tapes and mirrors can improve the appearance of your boat, even though seabirds think them ugly, which is fantastic. Although the birds may soon become accustomed to them, some boat owners have had tremendous success by utilising lawn ornaments like owls, hawks, and rubber snakes.
Reflective tapes and mirrors can be attached to the lift canopy frame or any other suitable place on your boat. Some owners use Christmas lights and reflective spinners as effective substitutes for reflective tapes and mirrors.
