Woodpeckers damage structures for three main reasons, and understanding the motivation is the first step toward humane deterrence. They may be foraging for food, driven by the presence of insects like carpenter bee larvae or wood-boring beetles beneath the surface. They also excavate cavities for nesting or roosting, which often results in one large, deep hole. The third reason is “drumming,” a rhythmic pecking on resonant surfaces, such as gutters or siding, used for territorial communication and attracting a mate. The goal of any strategy should be to make the area unappealing without causing harm to the bird.
Physical Barriers and Visual Deterrents
Physical exclusion is the most reliable long-term solution, as it completely prevents the bird from accessing the damaged surface. The installation of fine mesh netting, ideally with a 3/4-inch mesh size, creates an impassable barrier. This netting must be secured tautly from the eaves and angled down, maintaining at least a three-inch gap between the mesh and the building material, which prevents the woodpecker from pecking through the netting.
For smaller, localized areas, a physical patch of 1/4-inch hardware cloth or aluminum flashing can be placed directly over the site of damage. This metal barrier is too hard for the birds to penetrate and can be painted to blend with the siding. Quick application is beneficial because existing holes provide a visual cue that can attract other woodpeckers to the same spot.
Visual cues work by startling the birds or making the area feel unsafe, disrupting their focus on foraging or drumming. Reflective mylar tape, also called flash tape, or holographic strips should be hung in the damaged area, ensuring they flutter and twist in the breeze. The resulting erratic movement and flashing light are disorienting and serve as a threat signal.
Predator effigies, such as plastic owl or hawk decoys, can also be deployed to frighten the birds away. However, woodpeckers are intelligent and quickly learn that a stationary object is not a threat, often becoming habituated within a few days. To maintain effectiveness, these decoys must be moved to a new location every few days, or motion-activated devices that move or flash light can be used.
Acoustic and Taste-Based Repellents
Auditory deterrents leverage the bird’s natural survival instincts by emitting sounds that suggest danger. Electronic devices can be programmed to broadcast recordings of woodpecker distress calls, which signal to others that the location is hazardous. These calls are often paired with the sounds of natural predators, such as the cries of a red-tail goshawk.
To prevent the woodpeckers from becoming accustomed to the sound, the playback must be randomized, varying the timing and sequence of the calls. The volume should be set at a level that is audible in the problem area, but not overly loud, to ensure the sounds are perceived as realistic. Constant, non-randomized noise allows the birds to quickly disregard the threat.
Taste-based repellents are applied directly to the damaged wood to make the surface unpalatable. These non-toxic deterrents often contain capsaicin, the compound found in chili peppers, or methyl anthranilate, a grape extract. While capsaicin does not cause a burning sensation in birds, the unpleasant taste and scent still discourage pecking.
Sticky bird gels are another tactile and taste repellent that makes the surface undesirable to land or perch on. Repellents must be applied thoroughly to all affected areas and require frequent reapplication, particularly after rain or snow, to maintain their efficacy. Incorporating these sensory deterrents with visual elements can significantly increase the chances of long-term success.
Modifying the Environment to Remove Attraction
A long-term strategy for deterrence involves removing the underlying reason for the woodpecker’s presence. If a woodpecker is consistently making small, irregular holes, it is likely that an insect infestation exists within the structure. Common culprits include carpenter bees, powder post beetles, or wood-boring beetle larvae, which the birds can hear or sense.
If foraging is the cause, the insect problem must be addressed, often requiring the application of insecticidal dust directly into the insect galleries, followed by a residual insecticide spray on the surface. Eliminating this food source is the most effective way to modify the environment and make the property less appealing to the birds. Regular inspection for signs of wood decay or insect activity can prevent future problems.
Once the birds have been deterred, all existing holes must be repaired immediately to eliminate visual cues that attract new birds or encourage reuse. Small holes can be filled with wood putty or exterior-grade caulk, while larger cavities require durable epoxy filler or a patch plug. It is crucial to ensure that any large cavity is not an active nest before sealing it, as federal law protects nests.
Legal Protections and Non-Lethal Measures
It is important to recognize that all species of woodpeckers are protected under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of 1918. This law makes it illegal to “take,” which includes pursuing, capturing, injuring, or killing any woodpecker, or destroying an active nest, eggs, or young without a permit. The MBTA mandates that all initial control efforts must be non-lethal and focused on humane deterrence.
Harassment, or “hazing,” of the birds through non-injurious methods, such as using visual or acoustic deterrents, does not require a permit. However, if non-lethal methods have been exhausted and significant structural damage persists, a homeowner may contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The USFWS may then offer guidance or, in rare cases, issue a special depredation permit for lethal measures, but only after all other options have demonstrably failed.