how to get rid of woodpeckers pecking your house

3 min read 15-04-2025

how to get rid of woodpeckers pecking your house

Woodpeckers are fascinating birds, but their drumming on your house can be incredibly annoying – and potentially damaging. Their persistent pecking can create significant holes and weaken your home's structure. This comprehensive guide will help you understand why woodpeckers target your home and offer effective solutions to deter them without harming the birds.

Why Are Woodpeckers Pecking My House?

Woodpeckers peck for several reasons, and understanding their motivation is crucial for effective deterrence.

Finding Food:

Insects: Woodpeckers are insectivores. They peck to find insects hiding under your siding or within the wood itself. This is particularly common in older homes or those with insect infestations.
Sap: Some woodpecker species target trees for their sap. If your home has areas with sap or sugary substances, they may be attracted to it.

Establishing Territory:

Mating Season: During breeding season, woodpeckers aggressively defend their territory. This involves drumming on resonant surfaces, including your house, to announce their presence and ward off rivals.
Year-Round Behavior: Even outside mating season, woodpeckers might drum to establish dominance and mark their territory.

Creating Nest Cavities:

Suitable Nesting Site: If your house provides a suitable location for nesting, woodpeckers may start excavating cavities in the wood to create a home.

How to Deter Woodpeckers from Your House

Several strategies can effectively deter woodpeckers without harming them. Remember, it's crucial to use humane methods; harming or killing them is both unethical and often illegal.

Visual Deterrents:

Shiny Objects: Hang shiny objects like Mylar balloons, strips of aluminum foil, or old CDs from the affected areas. The movement and reflection disorient woodpeckers.
Predatory Decoys: Placing realistic-looking decoys of owls, hawks, or snakes can scare woodpeckers away. Rotate their positions regularly to maintain effectiveness.
Bird Repellents: Consider using visual repellents such as plastic owls or snakes. However, their effectiveness is often limited and depends on the bird's intelligence and the placement of the repellent.

Auditory Deterrents:

Noisemakers: Ultrasonic devices or recordings of distress calls from woodpeckers can disrupt their behavior and make your house less appealing. However, effectiveness varies.
Sound Disturbances: Regularly making loud noises near the affected area might temporarily deter them. This can be as simple as clapping your hands or banging pots and pans. This isn't a long-term solution.

Physical Barriers:

Repair Damaged Areas: Repair any existing holes or damaged areas immediately. This eliminates potential nesting sites and food sources. Use durable materials and seal any gaps effectively.
Protective Netting: Cover vulnerable areas with fine-mesh netting to prevent access. This is particularly effective if they are targeting a specific area for nesting.
Solid-Colored Siding: Woodpeckers are attracted to lighter-colored siding. Consider repainting your house with a darker, less attractive color.

Addressing Underlying Issues:

Pest Control: If insects are attracting woodpeckers, address the underlying infestation with professional pest control services. This will remove the woodpeckers' food source.
Remove Sap: Clean up any sap or sugary substances that may be attracting them.

What NOT To Do

Don't harm or kill the woodpeckers: This is illegal in many areas and inhumane.
Don't use sticky substances or harmful chemicals: These methods are cruel and can harm the birds, other wildlife, and even your pets.
Don't ignore the problem: Allowing the pecking to continue can lead to significant damage to your home.

When to Seek Professional Help

If the woodpecker problem persists despite your efforts, consider contacting a wildlife removal specialist or pest control company. They have experience dealing with persistent woodpecker issues and can provide more specialized solutions. They might recommend more advanced techniques or even relocation services.

Conclusion

Getting rid of woodpeckers pecking your house requires a multi-pronged approach focusing on deterrence rather than harming the birds. By understanding why they are targeting your home and implementing the appropriate strategies, you can protect your property while ensuring the well-being of these fascinating creatures. Remember to be patient and persistent; it may take time to find the most effective solution for your specific situation. With consistent effort and the right techniques, you can reclaim the peace and quiet of your home.