How To Prevent Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers are fascinating birds, but they can cause significant damage to homes and properties. Whether they are hammering on houses to attract a mate, excavate a nest, feed on insects, or store food, it’s essential to find humane ways to prevent woodpeckers from causing trouble. Here are some effective strategies to keep woodpeckers away from your home and property.
Understanding Woodpecker Behavior
Before implementing any prevention methods, it’s crucial to understand why woodpeckers are targeting your property. By identifying the reasons behind their behavior, you can develop appropriate strategies to deter them effectively. Woodpeckers may be drumming to proclaim territory, excavating nests, feeding on insects, or storing food. Each behavior requires a different approach for prevention.
Implementing Woodpecker Deterrents
There are several humane and effective woodpecker deterrents that can help keep these birds away from your home. Reflective streamers, plastic eyes, windsocks, pinwheels, helium balloons, and strips of aluminum foil are known to deter woodpeckers. Additionally, covering affected areas with burlap or attaching bird netting can prevent woodpeckers from accessing specific spots on your property.
It’s important to avoid using sticky repellents, as these products can harm birds and other animals. Instead, consider using bird netting with a mesh size of 1 inch or smaller, which can physically prevent woodpeckers from accessing certain areas without causing them harm.
Exterminating Insect Infestations
Woodpeckers are often attracted to homes with insect infestations, as they feed on insects living in the siding. If you suspect an infestation, it’s essential to address the underlying insect problem. Calling a reputable pest control company to assess and eliminate any insect infestations can help deter woodpeckers from targeting your home.
Providing Alternative Food Sources
Feeding woodpeckers elsewhere on your property can help divert their attention from your home. Planting fruit trees and berry bushes away from your house can provide woodpeckers with alternative food sources, reducing their interest in your property.
Using Auditory and Visual Deterrents
Auditory deterrents, such as electronic sound systems that broadcast woodpecker distress calls, can help keep woodpeckers away. Additionally, visual deterrents like reflective tape and scare balloons can create distractions that discourage woodpeckers from targeting your home.
Inspecting and Maintaining Deterrents
Regularly inspecting and maintaining woodpecker deterrents is essential to ensure their effectiveness. Over time, reflective tape may deteriorate, and bird netting may develop holes, rendering them less effective. By inspecting and repairing deterrents as needed, you can continue to prevent woodpeckers from causing damage to your property.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are woodpeckers protected by law?
A: Yes, woodpeckers are protected by state and federal migratory bird laws. It’s important to use humane and legal methods to prevent woodpeckers from causing damage.
Q: How can I tell if woodpeckers are feeding on insects in my siding?
A: If the holes created by woodpeckers are small and irregular, it’s likely that they are feeding on insects in the siding. Calling an exterminator to address any underlying insect infestations can help deter woodpeckers.
Q: What should I do if a woodpecker has created a nest cavity in my home?
A: If a woodpecker has excavated a nest cavity in your home, it’s essential to ensure that there are no birds inside before sealing it up. Once you confirm that the nest is empty, you can plug the hole with wood putty to discourage further activity.
Q: Can reflective tape and scare balloons effectively deter woodpeckers?
A: Reflective tape and scare balloons can create distractions that discourage woodpeckers from targeting your home. However, it’s important to regularly inspect and maintain these deterrents to ensure their continued effectiveness.
Q: How can I prevent woodpeckers from accessing specific areas of my property?
A: Using bird netting with a mesh size of 1 inch or smaller can physically prevent woodpeckers from accessing certain areas without causing them harm. It’s important to install and maintain the netting properly to ensure its effectiveness.
Q: What should I do if I suspect an insect infestation attracting woodpeckers to my home?
A: If you suspect an insect infestation, it’s essential to call a reputable pest control company to assess and eliminate the infestation. Addressing the underlying insect problem can help deter woodpeckers from targeting your home.