Many people enjoy bird watching. However, it can be uncomfortable and in some cases very irritating to watch woodpeckers drill holes into the sides of houses or tapping away at chimney caps. Why are woodpeckers drawn to certain houses? Are woodpeckers protected? What legal methods can be used to prevent woodpeckers from visiting a home?
In most cases when woodpeckers are drilling at homes they are trying to accomplish one of three things. Woodpeckers will drill holes into homes to store food or drill for food (insects) that are living in the trim of the house. In some cases there are larvae within the material the woodpeckers are targeting. Woodpeckers are known to drill for insect larvae especially if there are carpenter bee larvae around! Woodpeckers are known to store seeds and nuts in drilled food caches for later dates.
Woodpeckers will also drill at surfaces to claim their territories and attract mates. Woodpeckers who find surfaces to drum on that creates a loud, dominating sound will habitually drill those areas especially around mating season. Common areas for drumming include chimney caps, stucco and areas under roofs that create a loud mating/territorial call. Woodpeckers are protected under The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). This federal act prohibits the take of protected migratory birds. This includes killing, capturing or transporting woodpeckers. The good news is that there are ways to still legally and effectively deter woodpeckers from a home.
Woodpeckers are creatures that rely heavily on their senses to navigate their terrain. Woodpeckers are averse to shiny/reflective materials. They are also not fond of certain smells like citronella and peppermint. In many cases woodpeckers can be deterred from properties with installation of multi sensory deterrents that incorporate sight and smell disincentives. In other cases pressure can be relieved from a home by installing exclusions around their target areas. Exclusions include galvanized steel hardware cloth and other barriers.
Woodpeckers can be effectively deterred from homes with the correct application of bird deterrents and exclusions. Being creatures of habit it’s important to start these efforts early. Woodpeckers can be clever and persistent. In most cases contacting a wildlife professional to embark on these efforts will save homeowners from spending and installing DIY efforts that may prove minimally effective.
For effective results with a woodpecker issue contact the wildlife team at Critter Evictors for your custom solution!