Information About Woodpeckers

There are about 200 species of woodpeckers and all are protected by both federal and state laws. The largest woodpecker—the ivory-billed woodpecker—measures from 19 to 21 inches in length and weighs from 1 to 1.25 pounds; the smallest is the downy woodpecker, which reaches only 6 or 7 inches in length. Regardless of species, all possess chisel-like beaks that are kept sharp by pecking. Most birds can tap an estimated 8,000-12,000 times per day. Woodpeckers can be found worldwide, and they eat mostly insects along with fruit, acorns and nuts.

Why Woodpecker Control?

Many property owners have come to regard woodpeckers as a costly nuisance. These crafty little birds will drill into wood siding, eaves, window frames and trim boards, turning beautiful surfaces into “Swiss cheese.” Woodpeckers enjoy peppering holes into most woods, but they prefer cedar and redwood siding, as well as rustic-looking and channeled plywood. Pine, fir or cypress boards are also vulnerable. They’ll even peck at metal gutters, downspouts, chimney caps, TV antennas, rooftop plumbing vents, and metal roof valleys to attract mates.

How to Get Rid of Woodpeckers

There are several humane options for deterring woodpeckers from attacking your property. It’s important to be proactive and deter these birds before they arrive.

Here are a few steps you can take to get rid of woodpeckers:

Block woodpeckers from getting at your siding with Bird Netting, which creates an effective physical barrier that can be installed temporarily.

Apply BeakGuard to siding and other vulnerable areas. It covers latex-painted surfaces, wood, fiber-cement, stucco, aluminum or vinyl. The compound won't hurt woodpeckers or other birds.

Utilize effective Woodpecker Repellents such as Avian Block Repellent Pouches to discourage birds with grape aromas.

Remove dead or dying trees from your property. These make for excellent woodpecker nests and give them a starting point for attacking your house.

If woodpeckers are attempting to create a nest in your siding, add a woodpecker nesting box to give them an alternative to drilling a hole in your property.

Remove Food Sources

Make sure your property structures are free of insects, such as termites. This reduces the chances woodpeckers will choose your property as a food source. If you suspect insects are buried in your siding, call a pest control professional to assess the infestation and remove the bird’s source of food.

Woodpecker Scare Tactics

Like most birds, woodpeckers are alert to any perceived threats, so scare tactics can be highly effective.

Get the Woodpecker Deterrent Kit, which includes a Bird Repellent Balloon, a 50-foot roll of Flash Tape, and the necessary hardware needed to attach these bird deterrents. The Flash Tape Banners crinkle in the breeze and reflect sunlight to scare birds away. Bird Repellent Balloons feature a large intimidating “predator eye” and will bob and weave in the wind to convince woodpeckers that a huge predator is about to attack them.

Sound deterrents alert woodpeckers of nearby danger by broadcasting predator calls and woodpecker distress calls that make them want to flee the area.

Humane Removal/Professional Installer

If you don’t have the time, resources or expertise to solve your goose problem, several wildlife and pest control companies offer bird control as a service. These professionals can install bird control products and offer other services such as clean-up and humane trap and goose removal.