Woodpeckers can cause significant damage to homes and structures through drilling and loud drumming. This damage often appears as rows of small foraging holes, large excavated cavities for nesting, or persistent noise. Finding humane and effective ways to stop this behavior is a common challenge for property owners. Understanding the reasons behind their attraction is the first step toward implementing successful, long-term removal strategies.
Understanding Why Woodpeckers Are Attracted
Woodpeckers are primarily drawn to wooden structures for foraging, seeking insects that reside beneath the surface. They often target decaying wood where pests like carpenter bees, wood-boring beetle larvae, or certain ant species have established colonies. Tapping vibrations reveal the location of these insects, prompting the bird to drill and excavate its meal.
A second major motivation is the creation of shelter, either for nesting or roosting purposes. These birds excavate larger, deeper holes to create protected cavities for raising their young or for spending cold nights. Structures with soft, weathered, or improperly sealed wood are particularly vulnerable targets for excavation.
The third behavior is drumming, which is distinctly different from foraging or nesting. Drumming is a non-destructive, loud behavior used for communication, serving as a territorial declaration or a mating call. They often choose resonant materials like metal gutters, chimney vents, or thin fascia boards to amplify the sound signal.
Implementing Visual and Auditory Deterrents
Visual deterrents aim to startle or confuse the birds, making the area appear unsafe or occupied by a predator. Highly reflective materials are effective because sudden flashes of light disorient the birds. Homeowners can employ strips of reflective Mylar tape, aluminum foil, or old compact discs hung near the damaged area.
Another effective visual method involves hanging large balloons or beach balls painted with “eyes” resembling those of an owl or hawk. Silhouettes of predatory birds, such as falcons or owls, can be affixed to the siding, particularly near existing damage. These items create the illusion of a threat, prompting the woodpecker to seek safer territory away from the perceived danger.
The effectiveness of any visual deterrent decreases once the birds become accustomed to its presence. To maintain the illusion of danger, homeowners must regularly move the location or change the type of deterrent every few days. This frequent movement prevents the woodpeckers from habituating to the stationary object and recognizing it as a harmless fixture.
Auditory deterrents work by mimicking the alarm calls of distressed birds or the sounds of predators. Devices that emit high-frequency or ultrasonic sounds are commercially available, although their effectiveness is often inconsistent due to variable species response. Sudden bursts of loud, unexpected noise, such as clapping or banging, can temporarily scare off a bird in the act.
Physical Exclusion and Barrier Solutions
Physical exclusion methods are considered the most reliable long-term solution because they directly block access to the damaged wood. The primary technique involves installing fine-mesh netting, typically made of polypropylene or nylon, over the affected section of the structure. The mesh size should be less than three-quarters of an inch to prevent the bird from passing through.
For the netting to be fully effective, it must hang at least three to four inches away from the siding. This distance prevents the woodpecker from bracing itself on the net and reaching the wood with its bill. The netting should also be angled downward from the eaves to the siding, creating a barrier that is difficult to navigate.
On areas of the house that are already heavily damaged, or where netting is impractical due to architectural features, metal flashing or hardware cloth offers a robust alternative. Thin sheets of aluminum or galvanized wire mesh can be permanently secured over vulnerable spots like corners, chimney chases, and fascia boards. This prevents the bird from making contact with the wood surface and provides a durable, long-term repair solution.
Once a woodpecker leaves an area, all existing holes must be immediately sealed to deter new birds from investigating the cavity. Small foraging holes can be filled with wood putty, while larger nesting holes require materials like cork, foam filler, or wooden plugs. Sealing the damage removes the visual and tactile cue that the structure is a suitable nesting or foraging site, preventing immediate re-entry.
Legal Restrictions and Professional Intervention
All native woodpecker species are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918. This legislation makes it illegal to capture, kill, or possess any migratory bird without a specific permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Lethal removal methods are strictly prohibited for homeowners attempting to resolve a damage issue.
It is also against federal law to destroy an active nest or remove eggs or young from a cavity. If a woodpecker has excavated a hole and is actively using it for nesting, all exclusion or deterrence efforts must immediately cease. Intervention at this stage requires consultation with wildlife authorities to ensure compliance with the law.
When do-it-yourself non-lethal methods repeatedly fail, or if the structural damage becomes severe, it is time to contact a professional. A state wildlife agency or a licensed pest control service specializing in bird issues can assess the situation and recommend permitted courses of action. These experts can often secure special federal permits if relocation or other regulated methods become the only viable option.