News for News and Trends

From Recycling to Record Sales: Celebrating Our 2025 Highlights

As we look back on 2025, we’re proud to reflect on a year filled with progress, learning and plenty of positive impact — not just for our customers, but for our team, our community and the environment too. From sustainability wins to customer favourites, here’s a snapshot of what made 2025 such a memorable year for Insight Security.

Recycling That Really Adds Up

Insight Security is highly committed to minimising the impact our business has on the environment. We continuously examine and review all our operations, making positive changes to minimise our environmental impact. 

In 2025, we spent £0 on void fill packaging for outgoing orders. How? By recycling 100% of our cardboard and repurposing it using our dunnage shredder machine. It?s a simple idea with a big impact, reducing waste while keeping products well protected in transit.

Smarter Energy Use

While solar panels aren?t an option at our head office site, we still made strong progress towards greener operations throughout 2025. 35% of the energy we consumed came from renewable sources, helping us reduce our environmental footprint. Sensible environmental practices will continue to be of primary importance as we progress into 2026.

Greener Commutes

Around 48% of UK commuters drive to work alone with average yearly commuter mileages of around 4,800 to 5,000 miles per driver. Reducing the number of solo commutes via car sharing significantly lowers the total energy use and emissions.

While the commute distances of many Insight Security staff are relatively short, thanks to car sharing across the Insight Security team, we saved 6,600 miles of car journeys in 2025. This is a great example of how small daily choices can make a real difference that?s worth celebrating.

Giving Back to Our Community

Although the Insight Security customer base is global we recognise and value our local community relationships. Establishing and maintaining partnerships, along with supporting local causes, is important to us. In 2025, we donated over £2,000 to local charities, helping them continue the valuable work they do in our community.

A Truly Global Customer Base

We are very proud of our growing, diverse worldwide customer base. Throughout 2025 we shipped high quality products to customers in 25 different countries around the world, helping people stay safe and secure wherever they are. Along the way, we sharpened our knowledge of international trade regulations, reminding us just how important it is to stay informed in an ever-changing global commercial landscape.

Customer Feedback We?re Proud Of

Online customer feedback is vitally important as it builds trust, demonstrates professionalism, highlights opportunities for improvement and provides transparency. 

We are immensely proud that our customers continued to rate us highly, with a Google Customer Feedback Score of 4.9 out of 5, for 2025. We are very grateful to everyone who took the time to leave a review as your feedback drives everything we do.

Investing in Our Team

The pace of change in technology, regulation, customer expectations and working practices has clearly accelerated. Businesses that don?t actively develop the skills of their personnel will inevitably fall behind which is why Insight Security prioritises staff development. During 2025 our team spent over 100 hours on training and development, ensuring we?re always ready to provide accurate, actionable expert advice and the best possible service.

Products That Made a Splash in 2025

Customers know that the carefully curated portfolio of high quality security and safety products in our store are all thoroughly vetted and considerately selected for efficacy and value for money. A few of our most popular ?star? product lines in 2025 included the following:

• We sold enough anti-climb paint to coat an entire Olympic swimming pool. Anti climb paint is a very effective, easily applied anti climb solution that?s widely used to protect a variety of sites including churches, community halls and stately homes.
• The most popular anti-climb Prikla Strip colour of 2025 was brown. Easily installed plastic Prikla Strip anti climb spikes provide a cheap and easy way to deter intruders from climbing into gardens or onto rooftops. Designed to cause discomfort without causing any harm these spike strips are ideal for homes and businesses.
• During 2025, we sold so much Bird Free Fire Gel, it would stretch from our office in Lewes all the way to Isfield in East Sussex. People are becoming increasingly aware of how effective this totally harmless anti-bird gel is in safely repelling pest birds such as pigeons and seagulls. 

We are always keen to talk to people about their challenges and help devise effective security and safety solutions. 

Customer Favourites of 2025

Amongst the wide range of high quality products we?ve supplied throughout 2025 there are a couple of customer favourites that are worth highlighting.

We offer a wide range of padlocks for every possible application and budget. Over the past year the excellent Squire Stronghold SS50S open shackle padlock has been a firm favourite. This CEN4 rated lock features anti-drill protection, a solid hardened steel body along with a hardened boron alloy steel shackle and has an electrophoretic anti-corrosion finish. It uses a 6 pin lock cylinder with over 250,000 key differs making it ideal for a wide range of high security applications. 

Another of our primary security product lines is our extensive range of high-security chains. During 2025 the most popular high-security chain has been the Pragmasis Protector 19mm at 2m in length. This incredibly tough chain has achieved Sold Secure Gold rating in all categories making it popular for securing motorcycles, ATVs, caravans, plant machinery and much more. Customers regularly submit favourable feedback about how tough this incredible security chain is.

Making Doors Safer

We offer a range of excellent door security and safety products that are widely used in homes, schools and businesses. Our Finger Protector Hinge Cavity Cover Strips have prevented many people, especially youngsters, from suffering significant injury through getting their fingers trapped between doors and door-frames. Over 2025 we helped make over 1000 doors far safer. 

Nuts, Bolts and Over a Million Fastenings

A significant part of our business is the wide range of high quality nuts, bolts, screws and security fastenings we offer from our store. Over 2025 we sold over one million of these nuts, bolts and screws for use in a wide range of applications. These small components often play the biggest role in ensuring security and safety. 

Sharing Knowledge

Here at Insight Security we know how important it is to have accurate, reliable information and guidance, provided in easily digested formats. That?s why we have continued to publish helpful, informative blog posts every week, covering everything from AI to outbuilding security. We?ve also produced over 25 helpful videos during 2025, providing viewers with clear, practical product guidance that answers many of the questions people often ask and expanding our growing library of over 80 useful videos.

Powered by Coffee

Last but not least, our busy team quaffed 7,500 cups of coffee over the year, highlighting the importance of both dedication and caffeine. 

Looking Ahead to 2026

2025 Has been a successful year of growth, change, innovation and impact. We are excited and optimistic to build on this momentum in the year ahead and want to extend our warmest thanks to all our customers, suppliers and partners, along with our hard-working team, for being part of our successful journey. We?re looking forward to a safer, more secure, sustainable future that we can achieve together in 2026.

If you have any questions about your security needs, or if you have any special requirements, remember we are here to help. Give us a call on 01273 475500 and we?ll provide you with free, expert advice.

This message was added on Thursday 8th January 2026

Bird Free Gel - Reliable, Long Term Anti Bird Deterrent

Bird Free is the only bird repellent gel fully authorised by the health and safety executive (HSE) for use in the UK. In this post we look at how this exceptional bird repellent achieved HSE approval and the reasons why its becoming increasingly popular.

Is Bird Free Gel Effective?

In order to gain UK health and safety executive approval, one of the primary questions they asked: How effective is Bird Free Gel? Many people ask the same question when considering the various options available today to implement effective bird control. We?ve discussed many of these options in previous blog posts, along with the risks associated with pest birds.

In order to assess the efficacy of Bird Free gel in repelling feral pigeons a 4 year study was carried out on a night roost site located on the rooftops of the Veterinary Clinic of the University of Pisa in Italy. The rooftop areas were popular with roosting pigeons due to the warm air expelled from the building vents on both the south and north sides of the building where heating equipment is housed. This created a comfortable environment that attracted a high number of feral pigeons and resulted in a huge build up of pigeon droppings and feathers.

The test and evaluation of Bird Free gel required the pigeon detritus to be cleaned away and dishes of Bird Free gel deployed in one rooftop area on the south side of the building while empty ?control? dishes were distributed on the north side. Over 100kg of accumulated pigeon faeces was cleaned away from each of the south and north rooftop areas before the areas were disinfected and the test dishes were put in place.

Video cameras were used by researchers to monitor the site, enabling them to record exactly how many pigeons were present on each of the south and north rooftops at specific times of day, as required by the health and safety executive. At sunset, three days prior to the Bird Free installation 48 pigeons were recorded on the south roof and 52 were on the north roof. These figures provided a valuable comparison for ongoing testing and evaluation in which the number of pigeon present in both areas were recorded after the dishes were deployed.

The results were remarkable. Figures show that the north rooftop area, where empty dishes had been distributed, continued to attract roosting pigeons at the same rate as had been recorded before the dishes were put in place. Contrastingly, figures recorded from the south rooftop where dishes filled with Bird Free gel had been deployed show that no pigeons were present on the rooftop, at any time of day, from the very first day they were put in place.

This study continued for over 4 years, recording the numbers of feral pigeons on both the south rooftop area, where Bird Free gel was in place, and the north rooftop area, where empty ?control? dishes had been installed. This exhaustive test demonstrated how Bird Free gel was 100% effective in preventing pigeons from roosting over a 4 year period at this site.

How Long Does Bird Free Gel Last?

Another key question asked by the UK health and safety executive along with many who are looking for effective bird control is: How long does the Bird Free gel last? The testing carried out in Italy, as required by the HSE, clearly demonstrates how Bird Free remains effective for over 4 years. Further case studies, from various locations around world, show how Bird Free gel remains effective for over 5 years without need for replacement. Feedback from some of these locations includes the following reports:

Bird Free remains effective for over 5 years.

Bird Free was installed nearly 5 years ago now and the pigeons have still not returned.

The installation of Bird Free remains effective today.

Since Bird Free was installed the pigeons have never returned.

An important attribute of Bird Free gel that?s worth noting is how it stands up to pollution. Dishes of Bird Free gel, installed at Kings Cross Station in London, were all seriously blackened by accumulated dirt over a seven and a half year period since they were first put in place. But this build-up of crud didn?t adversely affect the efficacy of the bird repellent. This is due to how UV light is only obscured by solid objects and isn?t blocked by particulates. So the Bird Free gel has remained effective over many years in a very dirty environment. 

Bird Free Gel is More Effective than Alternative Bird Deterrents

As noted, we have previously discussed the variety of bird deterrents available today including anti bird spikes, netting and more. Quiron Dexeus Hospital in Barcelona had been suffering from a severe pigeon infestation where the birds were nesting inside the skylight wells above the main hospital concourse. Anti pigeon spikes had previously been installed in these areas but pigeons had simply established their nests on top of the spikes.

In May 2018 16 pigeon nests were removed, along with all of the ineffective anti pigeon spikes. Dishes of Bird Free gel were installed in all of the problem areas and the professionals responsible for this work were asked, in 2021, if the Bird Free installation had been effective. Their managing director, Jean Louis Labadie, stated:

After removing the spikes, cleaning the surfaces and treating them with Bird Free we could see, during the first day or two, that whenever pigeons attempted to land they were deterred by the Bird Free and flew away immediately. The installation was carried out in 2018, since then Bird Free has been completely effective and no nesting or landing has been reported by the client.

Time Spent on Pest Control is Reduced using Bird Free

The costs involved in controlling pest birds includes the need for labour, equipment and site access. The use of Bird Free keeps these costs to a minimum, as demonstrated in a car park installation where it was necessary to clear all of the pigeon mess and detritus and disinfect affected areas before installing Bird Free dishes. This onerous task was completed in a single day by just two professionals, keeping labour costs to a minimum.

Bird Free dishes were attached to the cleaned and disinfected pipework at 20cm intervals, where pigeons had previously been roosting and pooping onto the parked vehicles beneath. Light fittings were also cleaned, disinfected and more Bird Free dishes were put in place, 25cm apart. Pigeons had been nesting in cable trays so the old nests were removed, the cables were cleaned and disinfected and dishes of Bird Free were installed.

Two pest control professional operatives completed this onerous task within an 8 hour working day during which they successfully installed 780 dishes of Bird Free, after thoroughly cleaning and disinfecting all areas. Car park users are no longer returning to find their vehicles covered in pigeon droppings.

Unlike Anti Bird Spikes - Bird Free is Invisible

Signage, such as shop signs, hotel signs or passenger information boards at train stations, all look appalling when covered in bird droppings. As the old saying goes - you only get one chance to make a first impression - so many organisations sensibly take great care of their signage. Traditional anti-bird spikes are both unsightly and often ineffective. Bird Free is a far more effective, discrete deterrent that keeps signage clean.

Since Bird Free dishes are only 8mm high, when attached to the tops of signs where birds congregate, roost and poop, they can?t be seen from the ground. Many highly prestigious businesses now protect their signage and branding from bird fouling using discretely mounted dishes of Bird Free gel. The low profile dishes can?t be seen from ground level but are highly visible to birds if they attempt to land on the signs.

How Bird Free Works

Bird Free is a cleverly formulated gel that targets three bird senses: sight, smell and touch. Stimulating these bird senses prompts birds to keep away.

The proprietary Bird Free gel formulation includes pyranine which is the colouring agent used in highlighter pens. This makes the gel glow with ultraviolet light, which can?t be seen by humans, but can be seen by birds who perceive the gel as shimmering UV light, much like a fire. This is why the material is also known as Fire Gel and is the key reason why Bird Free has an immediate effect in deterring birds from landing where the gel is present.

The Bird Free formulation also includes peppermint oil which is known to be an effective bird deterrent. This aspect of the formulation targets the bird?s sense of smell, prompting a strong aversion response.

The visual effect of Bird Free gel in combination with the smell work together, warning birds to stay away. But birds will sometimes attempt to return to sites where they have previously nested so this is where the unpleasant ?touch? aspect of of the Bird Free formulation is effective. Deploying Bird Free around nesting sites means that if birds persist in their nesting attempts they are likely to get the highly viscous, but totally harmless gel on their feathers. And birds hate to get sticky substances on their feathers so if this happens they will not return.

Buy Bird Free Here

While Bird Free gel is clearly a benefit to pest control businesses and establishments where birds are a problem its also exactly what?s needed in domestic applications. If you have a balcony or outdoor area that?s being polluted by bird droppings, deploying some pre-loaded dishes of Bird Free gel in the areas where birds like to perch or roost will keep them away.

We now offer Bird Free Fire Gel in packs of pre-loaded dishes that are quick and easy to install. These are typically fixed in place using silicone adhesive or alternatively using our convenient pipe and railing fixing pack or our pre-loaded magnetic dishes of Bird Free gel that can be easily attached to any ferrous metal surface. 

When deploying Bird Free it`s important to take care when cleaning areas prior to installation. It is recommended that Biocide is applied to damp down bird droppings before removal and then applied again before dishes of Bird Free gel are put in place.

• Buy Bird Free gel here.
• Pack of 15 pre-loaded dishes of Bird Free gel.
• Pack of 15 pre-loaded magnetic dishes of Bird Free gel.
• Pack of 15 pipe and railing fixings for Bird Free gel dishes.
• Biocide ready to use trigger spray.

Our Bird Free Gel Reviews

Here?s what some of our Bird Free customers have told us about their experiences with this exceptional bird repellent.

So far so good! This amazing gel seems to have done the trick and kept the pigeons away from our house balconies and parapet. I?m impressed with something that is passive in the sense it doesn?t harm any of the birds at all. 

You do have to clean the site down first to get rid of old bird mess and nesting stuff before installing Bird Free - using the biocide will help, but fixing the dishes in place is a doddle and the birds will be gone in a day or to because birdfree works right away.

The product is fantastic - no more recordings interrupted by birds on our satellite dish,

I have used the fire gel in a previous zoo in the penguin pool area where gulls were a problem and the gel really helped. With bird flu appearing again although we have feeders that the pigeons cant access easily they do hang around the animal shelters waiting for the chickens, ducks and turkeys to spill food. We introduced the fire gel pots onto the roofs of the animal shelters to help disperse them before we are legally required to net over poultry housing. This has worked really well so far and as we are a small area having the pre loaded pack in tubs of 15 is perfect for our requirements. 

Hallelujah! I inherited a seagull nest when I bought my house a couple of years ago (it?s opposite a flat roof building hosting a colony) and of course they returned last year. I was advised netting or spikes weren?t options and fortunately found Bird Free Fire Gel online. I spoke to Elke who besides being extremely knowledgeable, efficiently sent them express delivery (at my cost) and I had them installed the next day. I had a ?high pressure? area as they?d regularly returned to this spot and though I bought a couple of extra boxes, I?ve used them all @ 15cm intervals. They briefly returned the next day but soon left and have not been seen since. Thank you. Great product and great service.

After finding that the starlings were trying to make my attic their home, I did a bit of Googling and came across these Really quick delivery, and I have now stuck them to my roof by the area they were interested in. Straight away it stopped the birds, they all stay away from there now, really glad to find a easy and humane way of keeping them away.

If you have any questions about bird proofing or if you have any special requirements remember that we are here to help. Give us a call on 01273 475500 and we?ll provide you with free, expert advice.

This message was added on Thursday 11th May 2023

5 Reasons Why People Buy with Confidence from Insight Security

Even in the face of current market turmoil and uncertainty our annual business review reflects a very successful year with our exciting plans for future growth well on track. In this post we share some of the primary reasons for our success, confirmed by the many positive reviews and valuable feedback provided from our customers over the past 30 years of trading.

How We?ve Achieved Our Success

Businesses of all sizes have been struggling due to challenging market conditions brought about by a variety of significant issues including Brexit, the Covid Pandemic, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and recent government turmoil. The escalating cost of energy is making things very tough for many businesses causing prices for raw materials and components to skyrocket. Combined with massive worldwide supply chain disruption, these difficult conditions are pushing many businesses to the brink of collapse.

Our business success in this challenging climate is down to these 5 key reasons:

1. Putting Our Customers First
   
   • Customer 1st is our primary company ethos. We know that without our valued customers who return time and time again, we would not be successful.
2. Free, Expert Advice
   
   • Our team of specialists are great at listening and love to talk to people to help overcome whatever problems you might have. Our experts are always happy to have a chat and provide free, expert advice to guide you to the right solution to meet your specific requirements.
3. High Quality, Tried and Tested Products and Solutions
   
   • We use a rigorous product selection and approval process that ensures only the highest quality products make it into our online store. If we don?t think we can provide what?s needed we will honestly tell you.
4. No Quibble Money Back Guarantee
   
   • Our customers are reassured by our No quibble money back guarantee that means there is no risk to them when they buy directly from us.
5. Value for Money
   
   • An important aspect of both our rigorous product selection and evaluation process and our in-house product design and development is ensuring value-for-money. Value for Money is our watchword, so whether you are investing in one of our in-house developed products, one of our carefully selected 3rd party products or a bespoke solution utilising multiple products, you can be confident of success at a sensible price.

Our Customers are Our Lifeblood

We don?t take any of our valued customers for granted. For example, we don`t use an automated answering system so if you call us you will always speak to a real person.

Although we deal with clients of all sizes, from domestic customers to huge organisations, we treat them all with the same high level of respect and consideration. This is why we consistently receive praise, excellent reviews and testimonials from those we?ve helped. If you contact us you can be certain of an honest, helpful response.

Free Practical Advice

Paying close attention to the careful recruitment of our excellent team, providing them with effective training and establishing long-term staff-retention underpins their ability to provide the best available, free, practical advice.

Over the past 30 years free advice from Insight Security has helped countless customers find the very best solutions to their particular problems. Importantly, our advice and guidance has helped our clients avoid wasting money on inferior, dangerous, or inappropriate products.

Received great advice from the very helpful Elke. Thoroughly recommend her and the Locking Bar. Speed of delivery was quick and fitting instructions were spot on.

Thank you for ,all your help and advice. I ordered the wrong sized item. I contacted you and the man I spoke to was extremely helpful and gave excellent advice. I ordered the correct sized item and have received a full refund on the original purchase. Super service!

Supply Chain Resilience

As many ?just in time? operations are discovering, businesses that find themselves unable to fulfil the needs of their customers due to supply chain issues run into significant problems.

Here at Insight Security we recognised the need for supply chain reliability which is why we chose to work with secure business partners who have proven track records demonstrating reliability. Wherever possible we?ve established dual supplier policies for many of our products, along with the components and raw materials we need for our operations.

I don?t want my name mentioned, but very happy with the service and product.

Very, Very Happy with the very professional and prompt service. Will use Insight again!!

In-House Research and Development

An important aspect of our business success has been our ability to provide cost effective security solutions to overcome specific challenges. This often means devising unique, bespoke systems that require the expertise and product knowledge held by our specialists.

Our in-house experts will design a solution using a combination of items from our huge catalogue of tried and tested security and safety products. But we also have an ongoing research and development programme which has led to the design and development of a number of widely acclaimed, unique security products including our non-aggressive Roller Barrier anti climb system, specialist solutions for the Prison Service, search and security aids for the UK Border Force and many more.

Excellent service and a great product. Not often I can say that these days, but in this case I have nothing but praise. Highly recommended.

Can say anything bad about the product. It?s exactly what I ordered and the time from ordering to delivery was swift without delay. The product works perfectly for what I needed. I?d recommend using this service to anyone.

Best Prices - Guaranteed

Insight Security, like all businesses over recent months, is facing double-digit price increases in all areas. While many enterprises have been forced to pass these increased costs on to their customers here at Insight Security we?ve worked hard to secure the best possible buying prices from our suppliers by increasing our buying volumes. This has been achieved by expanding our warehousing capability, enabling us to minimise price increases passed on our customers.

Purchased a Squire Eiger Mini Eiger Disc lock from Insight Security in July and received a first class service. The product was overall the best price, the customer service was again excellent and friendly (this was my 2nd purchase from the company). The product arrived in good time with good communication throughout. Good selection of high quality products for motorcycle security. Insight Security sells `Sold Secure` products

Developing UK and International Markets

Being a UK based business means our client base includes a wide range or corporate enterprises, public sector organisations, the MOD, schools, hospitals and many domestic customers. We also supply solutions to a growing worldwide market including the USA and Canada in the northern hemisphere along with Australia and New Zealand in the southern.

Our ongoing business growth plans include continued development of our overseas markets and we?re pleased to report that our Australian distributor has just established a new warehouse facility to increase their local stock holding capacity.

What Our Customers Say

Our customers clearly appreciate the high quality products and solutions we provide, the excellent guidance and advice they receive along with our realistic, competitive prices. Their appreciation is apparent from the many excellent reviews and testimonials we receive.

Many of our customers find us online via our main website or one of our specialist sites. We are proud to report that our website visitors have grown by over 170% over just the past 2 years and our business is consistently attracting a 96% 5 star rating via Google.

Excellent quality locks, perfect size for use at home and out on the go. Feel really strong, big enough to stick through front and back brake discs but small and light enough to comfortably throw in a back pack or tail bag. Far cheaper from insight security than anywhere else. Very happy indeed.

I bought this cable to secure my bicycle in my shed and have been able not only to secure my bike, but loop the cable through the most valuable items stored in there as well; fastening the looped ends together through the installed "Shed Shackle" and bike frame using my Gold Standard Solid Secure D-lock. I appreciate that thieves can cut through anything given enough time and the right tools but having such a robust and well-engineered cable is going to cause them to think twice and hopefully will act as such a good deterrent as to cause them to not even bother trying! As regards the ease of ordering, value and prompt delivery from Insight Security, I can?t fault them and recommend them in the highest possible terms.

Excellent website enabling easy analysis and then choice of top notch products. Subsequent customer service also proved first class.

Top notch 5 star service. Thanks to Jason and Chris. Chris for taking the time to help and advise me on the right chain, lock & ground anchor. Jason for sorting out delivery issues

Very good customer service indeed! One of the ladies there (Lucy) even dropped off the saw-tooth galvanised steel anti-burglar strip I bought. I have no car (a friend was going to drive me) and this lady had an appointment in Eastbourne - I live in Willingdon, not far away

It`s absolutely clear that the Insight Security customer first ethos is what is working for our business and for our clients.

If you have any questions about security or safety requirements remember we are here to help. Give us a call on 01273 475500 and we?ll be happy to provide free, expert advice.

This message was added on Thursday 27th October 2022

Experts Challenge Seagull Poo Warnings

Warnings about how seagull poo contributes to water pollution at Scottish beaches, issued by the Keep Scotland Beautiful - My Beach Your Beach campaign, have been challenged by both RSPB Scotland and the British Trust for Ornithology. In this post we consider the pollution risks associated with bird guano and what you can do if bird mess is a concern.

?Do Not Feed the Gulls? posters have been distributed along seven Scottish beaches stating that bird poo contributes to water pollution. Beaches where the posters have been seen include Ayr, Troon, Irvine, Saltcoats, Kinghorn, Portobello and Fisherrow in Musselburgh.

The Keep Scotland Beautiful - My Beach Your Beach campaign, responsible for the posters, has claimed they are targeting beaches ?which face challenges with water quality?. A spokeswoman for Keep Scotland Beautiful spokeswoman said:

"Gull and dog poo have been found to contribute to bathing water contamination and can affect bathing water classifications."

It`s important to note that the poster campaign has been endorsed by the Scottish government, City of Edinburgh Council and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA).

Seagulls and Seaside Safety

The Scottish `My Beach Your Beach` campaign has been running since 2018 with the aim of raising awareness and encouraging beach users to change certain behaviours. Their campaign has provided guidance and advice on dog fouling, littering, disposing of fats and oils as well as feeding gulls.

Many seaside towns and regions throughout the UK have taken proactive steps to deal with problematic seabirds. Local authorities now post warning signs telling people not to feed the seagulls and in some locations, such has Lyme Regis and West Bay in Dorset, authorities now issue significant fines to people caught feeding the gulls.

Seagulls quickly become accustomed to being fed by people and can attack if they are not offered food. In 2019 a flock of seagulls was reported to have attacked 2 year old girl, leaving her with facial injuries and in another incident a one year old was bruised after battling a seagull over her Greggs cheese pasty. The bold seabird tried to pull the pasty from the brave girl?s mouth, whacking her in the face with it`s flapping wings, but the valiant youngster wouldn?t let the bird have her pasty.

Seaside visitors and locals from all coastal regions have reported being dive-bombed by hungry, fearless seagulls, attracted by ice-creams and snacks. And the COVID lockdown period allowed gulls to establish nesting sites on and around buildings that had become quiet due to travel restrictions. But since people are now returning to what had become quiet areas, ideal for seagulls to raise their young, they are now disturbing the birds, prompting them to swoop and in some cases attack people.

By far the most problematic aspect of seagulls is how they aggressively steal food directly from peoples hands (or mouths). European Herring Gulls can have a wingspan of 1.6m (5.25 feet) so it`s not surprising that people, especially children, are fearful when one or a group of these large birds aggressively attempt to steal food or protect their nests.

As noted, gulls will aggressively swoop and dive bomb any perceived threat to their chicks. They?re also responsible for a lot of noise, especially at first light and since many gulls have migrated into residential, urban areas, this can be a problem for the local community.

Other problems commonly associated with seagulls include litter bags being ripped open to get at the food scraps inside. This is a common issue for seaside cafes, restaurants and hospitality venues. And the seagull poo, especially from large groups of birds, leaves a mess on cars, public footpaths and other areas.

Seagulls and the Law

Since around the 1940s herring gulls and some black backed gulls have moved away from their traditional seaside locations to establish rooftop nesting sites. The reasons for these behavioural changes are not confirmed but it`s thought that the abundance of food sources along with predator-free rooftop nesting sites have been primary influencing factors.

Seagulls became a common feature at landfill refuse sites after the 1956 Clean Air Act stopped rubbish tip operators from burning waste. It`s not surprising that seagulls took advantage of the abundant source of thrown away food at these locations.

It`s important to be aware that while the numbers of roof-nesting gulls are increasing, the overall population of herring gulls is significantly declining, making them a red-list species. This is the list of endangered species that includes all the plant and animal species facing the worrying threat of extinction worldwide. The UK herring gull population is reported to have declined by a massive 50% since 1970.

All species of gull are therefore protected under the the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985. There are legislation differences for Scotland and Northern Ireland but it`s basically illegal to intentionally or recklessly (in Scotland or Northern Ireland) injure or kill a gull or destroy an active nest or it`s contents.

It`s also worth knowing that the Mediterranean gull is protected under Schedule 1 of both acts making it illegal to intentionally or recklessly disturb the birds at or close to their nests or to disturb their dependent young. It`s extremely difficult to distinguish between the nests, eggs or downy chicks of herring and lesser black-backed gulls and even fledged young look almost identical, which makes species-specific control measures very difficult.

Is Seagull Poo a Problem?

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has stated that microbial DNA source tracking at Portobello beach, Edinburgh had found evidence of human, dog and gull sources impacting beach water quality.

A Scottish government spokesman said:

"The bacteria that can cause poor water quality at designated bathing waters come from the stomachs of any warm-blooded animals including humans, livestock, gulls, dogs, and other wildfowl."

"Sepa monitoring has identified that at some bathing waters poor water quality is associated with gull and dog faeces."

But Scottish ornithologists and other bird experts have expressed surprise at the messaging distributed via campaign posters. They have pointed out how seabirds poo wherever they are, regardless of whether they are being fed by people. They note that, at this time of year, seabirds tend to be feeding their young natural food sources such as small crabs and prawns. The amount of pollution they cause to seaside coastal waters is largely down to how many seagulls congregate in small areas. RSPB Scotland pointed out that seabird droppings were important sources of nutrients for marine life such as phytoplankton and pooing in the sea is obviously natural for seabirds.

Government warnings point out that people who swim in seawater are almost twice as likely to experience illness than people who don?t. Children and novice swimmers are more likely to accidentally swallow seawater, increasing the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses. Seabathing is also associated with an increased risk of ear infections. The extent to which gull poo contributes to these risks, compared with human and dog faeces, doesn?t appear to have been clearly quantified.

Dr Viola Ross-Smith, of the British Trust for Ornithology, has worked as a seabird ecologist for several years. She told BBC Scotland how the message on the Scottish posters about seagull poo contributing to water pollution was disputed. She said:

"Herring gulls are about a kilo and their poos aren`t that big and are pretty innocuous, it doesn`t compare to the amount of sewage and wet wipes that we put into the sea."

"We are the ones utterly affecting our environment, not seabirds."

Effective Seagull Deterrents

Swimming and playing in polluted seawater should clearly be avoided, which is why our coastal waters are closely monitored. Whether or not people feeding gulls is contributing to higher levels of pollution is debatable, but there is no argument over the health risks associated with polluted sea-bathing waters.

If you live or work in an area where seagulls have become a problem, what can you do? The UK government rightly only issues licences to allow urban gulls to be killed as a last resort, where a significant risk to public health has been identified. The use of lethal control on a red-listed species in decline must obviously be avoided.

It`s widely accepted that seagulls need our help and tolerance. All of the gull species breeding in the UK are of conservation concern with some in very serious trouble. We need to recognise the fact that coastal areas are their natural domain and seabirds naturally relieve themselves in the sea.

Discouraging seagulls from nesting in urban areas must focus on reducing access to food and the attractiveness of nesting sites. And importantly, gull deterrents mustn?t prevent birds from accessing active nests or trap and injure birds. Restaurants and food outlets taking greater care of their waste to prevent gulls from ripping open bin bags is an example of practical, effective measures being taken around UK coastal regions.

Bird Free Fire Gel

Bird Free Fire Gel bird repellant is one of the most effective, non-toxic, legally compliant ways to implement effective bird proofing against seagulls, pigeons and other pest birds.

The harmless gel, sometimes called Bird Free Optical Gel, is easily deployed around nesting and roosting sites. The gel discourages birds from landing by exploiting their sensitivity to ultraviolet light as the gel appears to them to be on fire, hence the name. The gel is ideal for complex structures and balconies where preventative measures such as anti bird spikes and bird netting would be inappropriate and unsightly.

The gel is immediately effective as soon as it`s deployed, overcoming the homing instincts of pigeons by deterring them from returning to established roosting areas. Deployment around rooftop nesting locations prompts seagulls to find alternative locations to raise their young. And Bird Free Fire Gel remains effective for at least 3 years, is unaffected by extreme weather and requires no maintenance.

Read More:

• Bird Repellent Gel - Easy Installation
• What is the Best Bird Deterrent
• How to Get Rid of Pigeons
• Solar panel bird proofing that works

If you have any questions about bird proofing and effective anti-bird deterrents, or if you have any special requirements, remember that we are here to help. Give us a call on 01273 475500 and we?ll provide you with free, expert advice.

This message was added on Thursday 4th August 2022

What is the Best Bird Deterrent

The British Trust for Ornithology has estimated that bird-loving Brits spend in excess of £200 million every year on feeding wild birds in our gardens. The past 12 months, during which many of us have spent far more time at home due to the pandemic, has prompted renewed interest in our outdoor spaces. People have reported seeing more birds in their gardens and 54% have highlighted how watching birds, in their gardens and local areas, is a great way to relieve stress. But unfortunately - birds can sometimes be a nuisance or even become a health hazard.

Sadly, the UK?s bird population is in decline due to a variety of factors including the destruction of their habitats as a result of increased urbanisation. But people are very keen to do what they can to help stem the population decline.

At certain times of the year, typically when nesting to raise their young, some birds can become problematic. Nesting birds can cause property damage and some species (such as seagulls) can be noisy and their fouling can become a health hazard. When considering the best and most effective way to deal with nuisance birds it?s essential to know that it is illegal to intentionally harm or kill any wild bird species and its against the law to disturb, damage or destroy nests.

In this post we address some of the many questions people often ask about effective bird deterrents.

How do you Get Rid of Nuisance Birds?

There are a variety of bird deterrent products and systems available today. Most are designed to provide anti bird protection to specific areas and prevent birds from returning. Historically there have unfortunately been some very aggressive products, such as chemical gels, which caused harm to birds when they came into contact. But times have moved on and thankfully there are now a wide range of tried and tested, reliable bird deterrent products which are non-harmful yet highly effective.

In some situations nuisance birds, such as fast-breeding feral pigeons, have become a significant threat to human health and the environment. This has prompted organisations, such as local authorities, to take extreme measures including culling the numbers to bring them under control. In most domestic situations this radical approach would be both unacceptable and unnecessary.

Read on to learn more about effective bird deterrent products and techniques along with valuable guidance that will help you overcome your bird nuisance issues.

What is the Most Effective Bird Deterrent?

Although there are many bird deterrent products available today there are three key types which are most widely recognised as effective:

1. Bird Spikes
2. Bird Free Gel
3. Bird Netting

Bird Spikes

When professionally installed, bird deterrent spikes can effectively prevent birds from perching. Typically manufactured from weatherproof polycarbonate they are commonly used along roof edges, guttering, on ridge tiles, building ledges and windowsills. They are also commonly used on commercial signage, lamp posts and CCTV cameras.

It is worth noting that various types of bird deterrent spikes exist for protection against specific species. While polycarbonate spikes are a highly effective pigeon deterrent the plastic spikes are easily demolished by the razor-sharp beak of a gull. For this reason, anti-seagull spikes use stainless steel spikes mounted on a polycarbonate base.

It is also worth being aware that all forms of bird spikes can become unsightly as they weather and age, especially due to wind-borne debris which collects in the spikes.

Bird Repellant Gel

Some bird deterrent gels are simply a sticky substance that?s pumped from a mastic gun onto the surface requiring protection. This type of gel is commonly used to prevent birds from perching on windowsills as it remains soft and sticky, which birds don`t like, so it discourages them from landing. This type of deterrent can be effective if sensibly installed. But heavy rain and bad weather can cause this form of gel to run off the applied surfaces and down the walls of buildings which looks unsightly and erodes the effectiveness of the deterrent.

Another form of highly effective bird repellent gel exploits the fact that birds, unlike humans, can see ultraviolet light. Bird Free Fire gel contains a mix of natural, food grade oils which emit UV light. Birds can see this emanating ultraviolet light which to them, looks like fire - hence the name. This has an immediate deterrent effect, preventing birds from coming close to it.

BirdFree Fire Gel is supplied in low profile pre-loaded dishes which make it easy to install in all manner of situations. The gel is pumped into the dishes under high pressure, forming into an almost solid mass which has been widely proven to withstand even the most extreme weather conditions, from heavy rain to persistent snow, in all manner of locations around the world. The low profile dishes are just 10mm high, which means that when they are installed on ledges or rooftopss above eye level, they are virtually invisible. The gel is totally inert and harmless and doesn?t present a fire risk.

Bird Netting

Modern bird netting is specially designed keep birds out of a protected area without the risk of trapping birds or causing them harm. It can provide effective anti-bird protection, but is costly, requires specialist installation and can become unsightly, especially if debris collects in or behind it.

What Will Keep Birds Away?

As noted, there are various ways to tackle the challenge of problem birds, some more effective than others. People ask a variety of questions about various techniques, such as:

• Will aluminum foil keep birds away?
• How do I keep birds from pooping on my patio?
• Does Vaseline keep birds away?
• What will keep birds away from porch?

The specific situation and bird-nuisance challenge influences the choice of technique to keep them at bay.

Protecting Against Nesting Birds

Installing anti-bird netting can be a practical way to prevent birds from accessing attractive nesting areas such as rooftops or ledges. But, as noted, windborne debris can accumulate in the netting, making it unsightly. Netting installation must be rigorously carried out and routinely inspected as any gaps will potentially allow birds to gain access and take advantage of the netting as a form of protection against predators.

Protecting Crops and Gardens

Ripe, soft fruits, such as cherries, are a favourite feast for birds, which is why cherry orchards, during the growing season, deploy bird netting to protect their valuable fruit.

Scarecrows are a traditional form of visual bird deterrent that can be temporarily effective, often used to protect crops, gardens and allotments. Movement is key aspect of effective visual bird deterrents. Suspended foil strips and old CDs, which reflect light and move with the breeze, are commonly used in gardens and on allotments.

Garden structures, such as pergolas, can naturally attract perching birds resulting in bird mess where it isn?t welcome. Bird spikes or a more discreet bird repellant, such as the Insight Security Bird Free Fire Gel, will prevent birds from taking advantage of the perch opportunity.

To prevent birds from perching on a moored boat, on a river or in a marina, there are a variety of highly effective wind powered movement based bird scaring devices available.

What Sounds Scare Birds Away?

Audio bird deterrents can be effective but it?s important to be aware of noise prevention requirements and the possibility of causing annoyance. At some airports and military establishments, a loud explosion type bang is commonly used immediately prior to a plane taking off, to temporarily clear birds away from the runway and prevent a bird strike into a jet engine, which could cause a serious problem.

People often ask whether wind-chimes will deter birds. The sound made by wind chimes may have a temporary deterrent effect but isn?t likely to last. Other audio bird deterrent techniques include playing bird distress calls through loudspeakers. While this can be effective it can also seriously upset the neighbours!

What Are Birds Afraid Of?

There are many different bird breeds, some of which are predators while others can be their prey. Birds are generally afraid of loud and sudden noises, shiny moving objects, humans and various predators including other birds and foxes.

Some venues, such as football stadia, deploy birds of prey immediately prior to the start of matches, to clear the area of pigeons, seagulls and other nuisance birds.

Birds are naturally fearful of fire, which is exploited by the previously mentioned Bird Free Fire Gel. They can also be frightened by stormy weather and other life-threatening hazards, either instinctively or due to their learned experience.

Do Fake Owls Keep Birds Away?

Owls are recognised as birds of prey and will potentially frighten off pest birds from an area that they have marked as their territory by laying down scent. A real owl is scary to most other birds and is likely to frighten them away.

Fake owls, such as those manufactured from plastic, may look impressively realistic to humans but are not likely to provide a long-term deterrent to nuisance birds. Like scarecrows and other forms of static visual bird deterrents, nuisance birds become familiar with them very quickly which reduces their deterrent effect.

What Smells do Birds Hate?

Historically, sight and hearing have been considered the most important senses used by birds. But recent research has demonstrated that birds also have a well developed sense of smell. Olfactory organs in birds play an important part in triggering group actions due to powerful chemical Pheromones released by other members of their group. In nesting areas the pheromones are retained in the materials used in and around the nest site, as well as in the waste materials excreted by the birds. This is one of the reasons why it?s vitally important to remove all debris from a site and treat the area with a strong biocide before introducing any form of bird deterrent.

When considering bird deterrents people ask a variety of questions about whether certain specific smells will keep birds away, such as:

• Does cinnamon keep birds away?
• Does peppermint oil deter birds?
• Do birds like the smell of vinegar?
• Will coffee grounds keep birds away?
• Will Apple cider vinegar keep birds away?
• Is there a scent that will keep birds away?

Although a bird?s sense of smell is now recognised as important it?s unlikely that a single aroma, such as cinnamon or coffee grounds, will provide effective deterrence.

BirdFree Fire Gel, from Insight Security, is a totally safe and harmless inert gel type substance that incorporates a number of natural, aromatic, food grade oils in its formulation including: peppermint, cinnamon and black pepper. These, in combination, present an aroma which birds dislike. The olfactory deterrent element of the product is, however, only secondary to the primary deterrent element which is the fact that the ultra violet light, coming from the gel, is seen by birds as a naked flame and therefore an area of danger which they will naturally avoid.

If you have any questions regarding dealing with bird issues remember that we are here to help. Give us a call on 01273 475500 and we?ll give you some free, expert advice.

This message was added on Wednesday 12th May 2021