Fife Council has launched a new campaign to tackle the annual winged menace from the skies.
Last summer, the council was inundated with complaints about the problems caused by gulls.
In an attempt to avoid repetition this year, the local authority is pleading with the public not to feed the birds or drop litter.
Property owners affected by gulls are being asked to consider gull-proofing their buildings before breeding season starts.
The campaign has been launched in Kirkcaldy but will be rolled out where necessary across Fife.
Environment convener Ross Vettraino said: “Herring gulls are the most common type of gull to nest on buildings in Fife.
“Notwithstanding that they can be a real nuisance, they are protected by law and it’s generally illegal to destroy them or interfere with their nests.”
While the council has no statutory duty to deal with gulls, nor the resources to do so, he said officers will give advice about gull-proofing properties.
These include chimney guards, rood edge spikes and nets.
Members of the public who feed birds by scattering waste food over their gardens, who drop litter and who don’t properly cover their waste are contributing to the problem.
The SNP councillor added: “Gulls are opportunistic feeders and will scavenge in towns for food dropped by pedestrians or thrown out of cars, as well as tear open waste bags left on streets.
“Everyone in Fife can play their part by not feeding the gulls, by binning litter instead of dropping it and by properly covering their waste.”
In areas where gulls are causing a nuisance the council will be using signs, banners and pavement stencils to raise awareness and encourage people to not drop their litter.
Safer community officers will also increase patrols in areas affected by seagulls, adopting a a zero tolerance approach and issuing fines to anyone seen dropping litter.
Officers will also be visiting local businesses providing advice on preventing litter and seagull deterrents.
Kirkcaldy area convener, Labour councillor Neil Crooks, added: “I’m delighted to see the campaign being launched here.
“Kirkcaldy like many other coastal towns and villages has a real problem with seagulls.
“I hope the whole community gets on board by not deliberately feeding the gulls and not dropping litter. It’s a simple solution but if it can lessen the seagull problem we should all embrace it.”
