Residential Parakeet Control

Family: Psittaculidae - Ring Necked Parakeet - Rose Ringed Parakeet - Monk Parakeet

From the first breeding pair of ring-neck (also known as rose ringed) parakeets bred in London in 1969, along with the Monk Parakeet, numbers of both species have increased to such an extent that they are now classified as agricultural and horticultural pests by Natural England.

Many people love the brilliantly coloured plumage and and exotic screech of these species, however, the exploding population has caused damage to both native species and crops. One roost in a Surrey sports ground sometimes holds several thousand birds and there also several other European cities that have become host to feral populations of both ring-necked and monk parakeets.

In the United Kingdom the largest numbers are found around South London, with populations occurring in or around Battersea Park, Richmond Park, and Hampstead Heath. Smaller flocks occur in Esher, and Berkshire as well as Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate, Kent. Small groups are occasionally seen in Dorset, Kensington Gardens, South Manchester and Studland - we have also heard about small flocks that have reached as far the Scottish borders.

Problems Caused

We seem to be dealing with an ever increasing frequency of calls about pest parakeets from sleep deprived homeowners who are being kept awake by birds nesting in eaves of residential properties.

Disease

Parakeets carry a range of diseases, many transferable to livestock, but several that can infect humans. The most notable of these is histoplasmosis fungus. Histoplasmosis is a disease affecting the lungs that can be fatal if left untreated. It is usually contracted when humans inhale the spores of the fungus, which become airborne if the droppings are disturbed. Parakeets are also capable of transmitting cryptococcosis to humans, E. coli, and Salmonella paratuberculosis (Johne's Disease).

Parakeets are very unhealthy birds who carry a tremendous amount of diseases, their droppings are dangerous and should not be moved or handled without the proper personal protective equipment. If parakeets are roosting near your home it is advisable to have their feces professionally cleaned as soon as possible and measures installed to exclude the birds from the area.

Property Damage

Parakeet faeces are extremely acidic and as well as defacing buildings, paintwork and vehicles with their droppings, if left untreated can cause irreparable damage to stonework and building facades. They frequently foul entrances and pavements, which can become dangerously slippery.

Residential Parakeet Control Methods

One of the most effective method of parakeet control in a residential environment is to bird proof the property limiting access points. Preventative net, mesh and/or spikes may also be deployed in extreme cases to convince the parakeets to move along to a more convenient spot.