Woodpeckers are beautiful creatures that can be very annoying. They are known to peck at wood up to 10,000 times a day, a sound that can be heard throughout a one-mile radius. They build nests in hollowed-out trees, where they hatch baby chicks and create the next generation of birds.
Unfortunately for you, these birds can also peck holes in your house and create nests where you don't want them.
So, how do you get rid of woodpeckers in a safe and ethical manner?
Woodpecker Prevention
Creating a woodpecker-free zone begins with proper prevention. These birds are drawn to wood beams that have been damaged by water or insects. Water can pool in small holes, evaporating whenever it rains, leaving a sugary residue. Insects dig into the wood and leave behind their molted skin, which the birds find irresistible.
To prevent the birds from being drawn to your house, repair any damage to wood beams and siding and seal any holes with a caulking gun. You can also install metal flashing over wood beams and wood siding to prevent the birds from pecking into them.
You can also apply a coating of polyurethane to the outside of your house. This will not only protect your house from woodpecker damage, but in addition will make your house more resistant to weathering and decay.
The Best Way to Get Rid of Woodpeckers
If woodpeckers are already a problem in your area, there are several methods you can use to get rid of them. One way is to install a bird deterrent, such as a fake owl or an electric shock system. You can also block the places the birds are building nests with netting or bird spikes.
If birds are a problem in your garden, you can install netting around your garden to keep them out. You can also hang reflective surfaces such as aluminum foil or CDs from trees in your garden, which scare the birds away.
Remember that woodpeckers are protected by the Migratory Bird Act of 1918 and it is illegal to kill them or move a nest with eggs or chicks in it.
The best way to get rid of woodpeckers is to be proactive and take steps to prevent them from damaging your house in the first place. If damage has already occurred, use the methods outlined in this article to address the damage. With a little effort, you can keep these birds from destroying your house and garden.
Summary: Woodpeckers are a nuisance to homeowners, causing damage to siding and facades. Their noise is annoying as well.
There are multiple ways to get rid of woodpeckers, from covering wood beams with polyurethane to using physical deterrents such as bird netting, bird spikes, or visual scare devices. If you have been dealing with woodpecker problems of a bigger magnitude or for longer than 6 months, it may be time to call in a bird control company to address the issue.
If you have a bird problem, we can help. AviAway professionally installs bird control solutions for all bird species. We have 30+ years of experience in bird control and have performed work for companies like Amazon, Rite Aid, and the U.S. Postal Service. Click here or call 844-247-3373 to request a free bird control quote.
We also offer free bird control consultations. Click here to set up a free consultation and talk with one of our bird control experts about solving your bird problem.