"The ants then turn to formic acid in their stomachs and act like alcohol - causing the gulls to lose inhibitions around humans and brazenly steal food.
They are left so tipsy the gulls have been seen flying straight into buildings and into the paths of moving cars.
Dr Rebecca Nesbit, an entomologist with the Society of Biology, said the problem is worse this summer because the hot weather is bringing out record numbers of flying ants.
She added: "That isn't so good for the birds - it leaves them a bit drunk."
RSPB spokesman Tony Whitehead added: "Gulls love flying ants and as they come out of the ground the birds will feast on them early in the morning and late in the evening."
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