Woodpeckers are fascinating birds that play an important role in the ecosystem. However, their habit of pecking on tree bark and wooden structures can sometimes cause issues for homeowners as the damage they cause can surely be irritating.
The persistent drumming and digging create visible holes that damage the exterior of houses. Although these industrious birds are just looking for food when they drum and peck away at houses, their activities often leave unwanted holes that allow water and insects inside.
These repairs needed to address woodpecker damage can be frustrating and costly. The good news is that many humane techniques are available to solve and stop woodpecker damage problems without hurting the lively creatures. This blog explores effective ways to prevent woodpecker damage and allow these acrobatic avian and humans to coexist peacefully.
Smart and Effective Solutions for Woodpecker Problems
Some woodpecker species, like the northern flicker, are cavity nesters and will chisel large holes in search of space. Others just drum short staccato patterns on hard surfaces for communication purposes. Whatever the cause, the end result is often visible damage requiring repairs.
Exclusion Methods
a. Installing Bird Netting
The most reliable fix that has been proven to stop woodpecker damage in the long term is installing durable netting products. Fine mesh fabrics specially designed for this purpose are aesthetically neutral and permit water evaporation through the siding. Simply draping the material over problem zones where drumming or pecking occurs can solve the issue. While unsightly for some homeowners, netting is a go-to solution effective for all types of structures when discreetly applied.
b. Hanging Aluminum Flashing or Sheeting
Woodpeckers strongly dislike shiny objects within their field of vision. Covering woodpecker-damaged regions immediately after detection with flexible aluminum strips prevents re-attacks in those areas. This hassle-free approach efficiently rules out prior trouble spots without much effort. Bright, shining surfaces startle the birds away from the material.
c. Sealing Access Points and Voids
One of the main appeals drawing woodpeckers is the presence of potential food. Eliminating insect entry points and crevices within wooden siding removes their reason for pecking. Carefully caulking seams and nail holes denies entrance to prayer and drives the birds elsewhere to find sustenance. A tight envelope protects the exterior and reduces attractiveness.
2. Visual and Audio Deterrents
a. Balloons with Eyes
Owls pose a major predator threat to woodpeckers and related species. By dangling inflated orbs sporting oversized facial features close to woodpecker damage zones, their instincts register a lurking falcon. The imitation of hunting tactics leads them to pick safer locations. Periodically repositioning the decoys fools woodpeckers into believing a watchful owl circulates the area.
b. Shaving Mirrors
Large magnifying mirrors positioned to reflect their sudden approach disrupt woodpeckers with their own amplified reflection. The surprising effect startles the otherwise fearless flyers, acting as a deterrent to repel further activity at that location. Angling circular or oblong mirrors outward from pecked surfaces plays on their self-preservation instincts.
c. Predator Sound Recordings
Distress calls of woodpeckers themselves or vocalizations from peregrine falcons imply threatening encounters may be near. Playing electronic sounds of this nature occasionally using a portable playback device suggests danger approaching. Though short-lived, the fleeting disturbance convinces some birds to relocate for safer territory.
d. Noisemakers
Loud noises like banging cooking pots or using cap guns in the vicinity confuse woodpeckers and mimic unpredictable happenings in the forest environment. Such erratic disruptions psychologically remove the sense of security required for feeding or drilling behaviours close to homes.
e. Motion-Activated Devices
Automated motion sensors trigger things like spinning pinwheels or plastic owl models suspended on a string. When wooden fixtures are pecked or drummed on, gyrating toys activate to emulate predator movement occurring all too close for comfort. Their sudden onslaught response functions scare off persistent targets.
3. Chemical Repellents
a. Optical Gel
Gels containing natural aromatic compounds like pine oil and cloves safely repel birds with their off-putting fragrance. Their multisensory gimmick looms as both a visual and olfactory obstruction towards pecking intentions. A few dabs of repellent spread near problem woodwork deters continued targeted strikes from happening again.
b. Methyl Anthranilate Liquid Formulations
This non-toxic plant-based ingredient creates an undesirable taste reaction inside birds’ taste receptors. Selectively spraying onto siding limited to immediate areas under assault helps discourage pecking without poisoning wildlife. Effective spot treatments applied carefully and cautiously are a last resort for stubborn cases.
4. Alternative Feeding and Habitat
Providing supplemental food sources and habitat outside the target zone creates competition with structures like houses. Placing striped berry bushes, suet feeders or nest boxes in neighbouring areas redirects woodpeckers’ attention.
Their natural urge to seek sustenance draws them elsewhere if the diversion proves more enticing, fixing problem activity centred around homes. Well-placed trees and plantings nearby also encourage cavity-dwelling species to establish nests in the natural setting woodpeckers prefer over human constructions.
Conclusion
The best approach for handling woodpecker problems is to implement an integrated combination of methods. This means using both physical barriers and natural disturbances to steadily discourage the areas. Property owners can efficiently discourage woodpecker damage with patience and creativity without threatening the birds.
The alternative choices presented provide a non-lethal way for feathered residents and humans to peacefully co-habitat. Over time, with consistent, sensible tactics, homes can be woodpecker-proofed without threatening the birds.
A home inspector who is alert and observant can spot early warning signs. This enables swift implementation of suitable countermeasures before extensive addition of wood fillers is necessary. With the right compassionate defense strategies, this acrobatic avian can continue entertaining observers from a safe distance while leaving siding intact for everyone.
