Woodpecker Damage Control

Woodpeckers, part of the Picidae family, also include flickers and sapsuckers.  Approximately 21 species inhabit the United States, and 200 species within this family exist worldwide.  Physically, woodpeckers have short legs with two sharp-clawed, backward pointed toes and stiff tail feathers.  These attributes help the bird cling to tree trunks, wood siding, or utility poles while pecking.  In addition, woodpeckers have short, sharply pointed beaks for pecking into wood and a developed long tongue. The tongue is used to dislodge larvae or ants from their burrows in wood and bark, which benefits the environment.  Yet, woodpeckers cause serious damage by drilling holes into wood-sided structures, wooden fences, power poles, and orchards.  Houses and buildings with wood exteriors near wooded areas are particularly susceptible.  

The key to reducing woodpecker damage is to install bird control products before the damage occurs.  Since individual pest woodpeckers may respond differently to control measures, more than one method at a time may be required to stop damage.  Various woodpecker deterrents which frighten the pest woodpeckers have proven effective when used early and in conjunction with other bird control products. 

The Woodpecker Kit includes two visual deterrents to discourage woodpeckers. In addition to being effective, it is humane as it does not harm birds.  In addition, it is easy to install and comes with brackets for easy attachment to structures.  In short, this is an effective technique as it creates a deterrent zone that woodpeckers will avoid.

Sonic woodpecker deterrents are used to keep birds away from large open spaces.  There are sound deterrents available that are weatherproof and safe to use around humans and pets.  These sonic deterrents scare pest birds away with distress and predator calls.  In addition, these sound deterrents can target specific species of birds such as the woodpecker.  Each unit can covers up to 10 acres. 

Flash tape is also used to control pest woodpeckers.  The iridescent foil tape scares the birds away by creating an optical distraction zone.  The tape is available in a 150-foot roll, and is ideal for trees, around pool areas, outdoor patios, gazebos, and boats.  Flash tape is both an economical and effective solution.

Diverters made in the form of an iridescent foil eye also work to scare pest birds away such as the woodpecker.  The durable, U.V. protected plastic is easy to hang in problem areas.  It is ideal for use in trees, overhangs, patios, house eaves, and boats.

Scare balloons are yet another form of visual woodpecker deterrent used to frighten birds away from outdoor areas.  These balloons are made from a weather resistant vinyl plastic, and are approximately the size of a standard beach ball.  There is a “mock” predator eye printed around the sides of the balloon, surrounded by a shiny reflective surface.  They have an eyelet mounted on top for easy hanging.

Although woodpeckers can be beneficial in controlling insects, they can also cause significant damage in certain regions of the country to wooden structures if not immediately controlled.  As a result, woodpecker deterrents such as the woodpecker kit, flash tape, diverters, sonic, or balloons can make an impact in preventing costly and unnecessary damage.