How To Get Rid Of Woodpeckers

Are you tired of the constant drumming of woodpeckers ruining your peace and damaging your property? Fret not! This blog post will walk you through practical and effective ways to rid your property of these persistent birds.

Top Takeaways

• Identify why woodpeckers are targeting your home: Understanding their motivation is the first step in addressing the problem.
• Preventive measures: Simple adjustments can make a big difference in deterring woodpeckers.
• Humane deterrents: Learn about non-lethal ways to keep woodpeckers at bay.
• Repairs and maintenance: Knowing how to fix the damage they cause can save you time and money.
• Professional help: When and how to seek expert assistance.

Table of Contents

1. Understanding Woodpecker Behavior
2. Preventing Woodpecker Damage
3. Humane Deterrents
4. Repairing Woodpecker Damage
5. When to Call a Professional
6. FAQ

Understanding Woodpecker Behavior

Before you can effectively get rid of woodpeckers, it’s crucial to understand their behavior. Woodpeckers peck on homes for various reasons, including:

• Drumming: A form of communication, specifically related to territory.
• Feeding: Searching for insects within the wood.
• Nesting: Creating holes to lay eggs and raise their young.

For detailed insights, visit our guide on woodpecker behavior.

Preventing Woodpecker Damage

Prevention is better than cure. Here are some ways to stop woodpeckers from damaging your property:

Secure Your Home’s Exterior

• Fill in any existing holes with wood filler or metal flashing to make it less attractive for nesting.
• Install siding and trim made from synthetic materials like metal or vinyl which are less appealing to woodpeckers.

Remove Food Sources

• Treat your wood with insecticides to remove insects that attract woodpeckers.
• Clear away any food sources like suet or insect-filled trees near your home.

For additional tips, check out how to prevent woodpecker damage.

Humane Deterrents

Using humane deterrents ensures that you rid your home of woodpeckers without causing them harm.

Visual Deterrents

• Shiny objects like aluminum foil, mirrors, or CDs can scare them away.
• Hanging predator decoys like fake owls or hawks can create a perception of danger.

Sound Deterrents

• Wind chimes or sonic deterrent devices can create an unwelcoming environment.
• Recorded bird distress calls can serve as another sound-based deterrent.

Netting and Physical Barriers

• Bird netting can cover vulnerable areas, preventing woodpeckers from accessing your home.
• Hardware cloth and other physical barriers can also be effective.

For more methods, visit humanewildlifecontrol.info.

Repairing Woodpecker Damage

Fixing the damage caused by woodpeckers is crucial to prevent further problems.

Assessing the Damage

• Inspect your exterior for holes, chips, or signs of other nesting activities.
• Evaluate the extent and type of damage to decide the best repair method.

Repair Techniques

• Use wood filler or patching compounds to fill in small holes.
• Replace damaged wood with more robust materials like metal or vinyl.
• Apply a fresh coat of paint to both repair and deter woodpeckers in the future.

Visit thisoldhouse.com for more detailed repair guidelines.

When to Call a Professional

If DIY methods fail, it might be time to call in the experts. Here’s when to consider professional help:

Signs You Need Professional Assistance

• Persistent woodpeckers: If they keep coming back despite your efforts.
• Severe damage: Damage that is extensive or structurally significant.
• Health hazards: Presence of diseases or pests that might pose additional risks.

Finding the Right Professional

• Search for local wildlife control services with positive reviews and experience with woodpeckers.
• Check for proper licensing and humane practices to ensure ethical treatment of wildlife.

For a vetted list of professionals, visit animalcontrol.info.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you further:

Q: Why are woodpeckers damaging my home?

A: They could be searching for food, creating a nesting site, or marking their territory through drumming.

Q: Will removing insects from my wood prevent woodpeckers?

A: Yes, treating wood to eliminate insects can make it less attractive to woodpeckers looking for food.

Q: Are there any natural repellents for woodpeckers?

A: Natural deterrents like shiny objects, predator decoys, and sound devices can help.

Q: Can woodpecker damage be prevented with siding?

A: Yes, using synthetic materials like vinyl or metal for siding can deter woodpeckers.

Q: Is it legal to remove woodpeckers from my property?

A: Most woodpecker species are protected under law, so it’s crucial to use humane and legal deterrents or seek professional assistance.

Q: Do sound devices actually work against woodpeckers?

A: Sound deterrents can be effective, especially when combined with other methods.

Q: When should I consider professional help?

A: If your efforts aren’t working or the damage is severe, it’s time to call in a professional.

For more comprehensive guides, visit our main website.

By following these steps, you can effectively and humanely get rid of woodpeckers, ensuring peace and maintaining the integrity of your property.