Woodpeckers can be a real headache when they start pecking at your house, siding, or trees. The best way to keep woodpeckers away is to use a mix of barriers, scare tactics, and changes to your yard – all safe for the birds and your home. These birds are important for nature, but you still need to protect your house and yard from their damage. Luckily, you can do that without hurting them.
If you’ve spotted little holes, heard constant tapping, or found wood chips around your house, a woodpecker is probably to blame. Simple fixes like shiny tape, bird netting, or even fake owls can help a lot. If you’re dealing with this, it helps to know why woodpeckers show up and how to make your place less tempting for them.
Key Takeaways
- Blending safe deterrents works best to keep woodpeckers away.
- Catch damage early and act fast for better results.
- Stick to legal, humane ways when handling wildlife problems.
Understanding Woodpecker Behavior
Woodpeckers like certain places, foods, and nesting spots. To keep them away, it helps to know what attracts them, which types you might see, and what they do each day.
What Attracts Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers usually come around if there are bugs to eat. They look for ants, beetles, and larvae hiding in bark or wood siding. If your wood is soft or rotting, it’s even more appealing since it’s easy for them to dig into.
They also search for places to build nests. You might see them pecking holes in siding or trees for this. In spring, the loud drumming noise is how they claim their territory and try to find a mate. They love to drum on hollow or hard things like gutters or wood trim.
Sometimes, shiny stuff, loud sounds, or lots of people can scare woodpeckers off, but honestly, many birds just get used to it. If you have fruit trees or trees that leak sap, like birch or maple, some species – like the yellow-bellied sapsucker – are extra interested. You can read more tips at Backyard Focus.
Types of Woodpeckers
Not all woodpeckers act the same. In North America, you might see:
- Downy Woodpecker
- Hairy Woodpecker
- Northern Flicker
- Pileated Woodpecker
- Acorn Woodpecker
- Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
Acorn woodpeckers like oak trees and stash acorns in holes they make. Yellow-bellied sapsuckers drill lines of holes to get sap, which can mess up trees or posts.
Pileated woodpeckers make big, rectangle holes – those can really mess up wood. Downy and hairy woodpeckers make smaller holes, but even those add up if you don’t stop them.
Common Woodpecker Activities
The main things woodpeckers do are pecking and drumming. Pecking is how they find bugs, build nests, or hide food. Drumming is that loud tapping they use to talk to each other.
They usually nest in spring, digging holes in dead trees, poles, or sometimes even your house. They want spots that keep them safe from predators and close to food.
Some woodpeckers store food too. Acorn woodpeckers drill holes to stash acorns. Yellow-bellied sapsuckers drill rows in bark to drink sap and catch bugs. That leaves lots of little wounds on one tree or post. You can check out more about these habits at myzootopia’s guide on woodpecker strategies.
Identifying and Assessing Woodpecker Damage
Woodpeckers can do a lot of damage if you don’t catch them early. Knowing what signs to look for and which parts of your house are most at risk helps you act fast and avoid bigger problems.
Signs of Woodpecker Damage
Look for small, round or oval holes bunched up on your siding, eaves, or trim. These holes might be in lines or patterns, and can be shallow or deep depending on what the bird is after. Big, odd-shaped holes usually mean they’re nesting.
If you hear loud drumming on wood or metal, that’s probably a woodpecker marking its territory. This can dent gutters and chip wood. You might also see wood chips on the ground below.
Woodpecker holes look different from insect or squirrel damage. Bug damage is smaller and not in neat rows, and squirrels leave gnaw marks. Checking your house often helps you catch these problems before they get expensive. For more details on what to look for, see this combatting woodpecker damage guide.
Areas Most at Risk
If your house is near woods or has lots of big trees, you’re more likely to get woodpeckers. They really like wooden siding, especially soft woods like cedar or redwood. They also drum on echoey spots like eaves, fascia, and gutters.
You might find holes around window frames, trim, and corners – places where bugs hide. Dark, earthy paint colors like brown or green seem to attract woodpeckers more than bright ones. If your siding has bugs inside, that’s a big draw for these birds.
Once a woodpecker finds a good spot, it might keep coming back, especially if there’s already damage or a hole. If you spot activity or damage, don’t wait – try these research-proven methods to protect your home from woodpeckers.
Physical Barriers and Exclusion Methods
To stop woodpecker damage without hurting the birds, you can use things like netting and spikes. These block birds from pecking at wood and work well if you set them up right.
Bird Netting and Mesh
Bird netting works great if woodpeckers are making holes in your siding, eaves, or trim. You can get lightweight plastic netting with mesh about 3/4 inch wide. This acts like a shield and keeps birds a few inches away from your house.
Hang the netting so there’s at least 3 inches between it and the wall. That way, birds can’t reach through. Good netting should be strong, handle bad weather, and cover big areas.
You might need to cut the netting to fit odd shapes. Check it now and then for rips or sagging, and fix it right away if you spot problems. Bird netting can give you long-term protection from woodpecker damage.
Installation of Spikes
Bird spikes are another way to keep woodpeckers off certain spots. They’re usually plastic or metal and go on flat places where birds like to land. Spikes make it tough for birds to get comfy or peck.
Put spikes along ledges, sills, gutters, and anywhere flat that’s at risk. Space them close so there aren’t gaps a bird could use.
Spikes don’t hurt birds – they just make landing hard. Before you put them on, clean the area and follow the instructions. Some attach with glue, screws, or clips.
Spikes don’t need much care, but check for leaves or junk that might pile up around them.
Using Netting on Trees and Structures
If woodpeckers are after your trees, wrap netting loosely around the trunk with mesh about 3/4 inch wide. Tie it with string or garden ties, but don’t pull it tight against the bark.
For houses or sheds, cover the spots woodpeckers like most. Pull the netting so birds can’t poke through, but air and light still get in.
Cover from below the eaves down to protect the wood. You might need to adjust the netting as trees grow or materials move. More tips are at netting and exclusion techniques here.
Barriers like netting and spikes work best if you check and fix them as needed. Set up right, these are humane and really do the job.
Visual and Auditory Deterrents
Using sight and sound together is a good way to keep woodpeckers away. Bright flashes, reflections, and random noises can make birds nervous so they move on.
Reflective Tape and Objects
Reflective tape is easy and cheap. It shimmers and moves in the wind, throwing off flashes that startle birds. The movement and light make woodpeckers think there’s danger, so they usually avoid the spot.
You can also hang shiny discs or metal strips. These work on siding, fences, or tree branches – wherever you see woodpecker trouble.
Things like mylar balloons and metallic streamers work too. They’re simple to put up and take down. For more ideas on using shiny deterrents, check out these proven tips to deter woodpeckers without harm.
Utilizing Mirrors and Old CDs
Old CDs and little mirrors can help keep woodpeckers away. Hang them by string or fishing line, and they’ll spin in the wind, flashing sunlight all over. Those quick flashes look like sudden threats, so birds usually steer clear.
Stick mirrors up near your roof, eaves, or siding. Hanging CDs from tree limbs or porch beams works too. If you want a bigger effect, hang a few together in one spot. That way, the moving light covers more area and makes woodpeckers even less likely to stick around.
A lot of people use old CDs since they’re cheap and easy to hang up. Plus, you can use them again and again, so it’s a handy fix for the long haul. Read more about using CDs and mirrors as deterrents.
Wind Chimes and Sound Devices
Wind chimes are a favorite for making noise that bothers woodpeckers. The sounds can mess up the birds’ routines and make your place less interesting to them. Go for chimes that are loud and make different noises if you can.
There are also electronic sound gadgets that play predator calls or distress sounds to scare birds off. Some of these only turn on when a woodpecker gets close, which is pretty clever.
Try mixing wind chimes with shiny things for better results. Put chimes close to the wood or wherever the pecking happens most. For more info about wind chimes and noise repellents, check out this advice on how to keep woodpeckers away.
Chemical and Natural Repellents
There are sprays, gels, and natural oils you can use to keep woodpeckers away. Each one works a bit differently, so you can pick what fits your problem area and what you like best.
Non-Toxic Spray Repellents
Non-toxic sprays are a simple way to stop woodpeckers from pecking at wood. They usually have stuff like garlic, pepper, or plant oils. The smell or taste is yucky to birds but safe for pets, plants, and people.
Products like Bird Stop Liquid use bitter ingredients so birds don’t want to peck there. You can also make your own spray with onion or garlic and put it right on trees or siding. Just remember, you’ll have to spray again every week or after it rains to keep the smell strong.
If you want to try making it yourself, boil chopped onions or garlic in water, let it cool, then spray the mix on the problem spots. It works best if you start before the birds do a lot of damage. Learn more about using these types of natural and homemade repellents for woodpeckers.
Woodpecker Repellent Gels
Woodpecker repellent gels last longer than sprays. The gels are sticky, clear, and usually non-toxic. When a woodpecker lands on the gel, it feels weird and they don’t want to come back.
Put thin lines of gel on ledges, beams, or siding where you see pecking. The gel can work for weeks or even months, depending on the weather. Check it now and then, and reapply if it gets washed away or dusty. Some brands are made for outdoors and can handle temperature swings.
You can read about how woodpecker repellent gels work and what to expect in products like Bird-X Bird-Proof Gel in this review of top woodpecker deterrents (I’m not affiliated with this site).
Use of Essential Oils
Essential oils, especially peppermint, can help keep woodpeckers away because of their strong smell. Peppermint oil is a favorite since it confuses and overwhelms a woodpecker’s weak sense of smell. Catnip, cinnamon, lavender, basil, and rosemary oils can work too.
To use essential oils, mix 10-15 drops with a cup of water and spray it on siding or trees. Hanging little sachets of dried lavender or mint near the area can give you extra help.
Always check for birds or eggs in holes before spraying. Essential oils are strong, so dilute them to avoid hurting wildlife. Get more details on using essential oils and other scents to repel woodpeckers.
Habitat Modification and Prevention
Making your place less interesting to woodpeckers can cut down on damage. This means getting rid of food sources, watching your feeders, offering other spots for birds, and thinking about dead wood and decoys.
Removing Rotten Wood and Insect Attractants
Woodpeckers usually look for bugs like termites or ants. Rotten wood around your house or on trees hides these bugs and brings in hungry birds.
Look over your siding, fences, and decks for rot. Fix or replace bad wood fast. If you spot termites or other bugs, use a safe treatment for birds.
Clear out wood piles and junk from your yard – bugs love those, and so do woodpeckers. Keeping things tidy cuts down on bugs and gives birds less reason to visit.
Managing Bird Feeders and Suet Feeders
If you have bird feeders, keep them clean and put them in smart spots. Messy or overflowing feeders can bring in woodpeckers looking for easy snacks.
Suet feeders are super tempting for woodpeckers. Hang them at least 10 feet from your house to keep birds away from your siding. Try feeders with wire cages so only little songbirds can get to the food.
If you’re trying to get rid of woodpeckers, don’t feed birds for a while. Sometimes, taking away suet and seed is the best way to stop repeat visits. For more on feeders, visit Backyard Focus.
Providing Alternative Nesting Sites
Building nesting boxes for woodpeckers can sometimes keep them away from your house. Put the boxes on trees far from your home.
Use sturdy, untreated wood and make the hole the right size for your local woodpeckers. Hang the box about 10 to 20 feet up on a tree that isn’t close to your place.
Don’t put boxes on your house or buildings nearby. After nesting season, check and clean out the boxes so bugs don’t move in and birds don’t come back for the wrong reasons.
Role of Dead Trees and Decoys
Dead trees attract woodpeckers. If you want to protect your house, remove dead trees near your buildings.
But if you have space, leaving some dead wood at the back of your yard gives woodpeckers a spot to hang out away from your home. It’s a bit of a balancing act – nature gets what it needs, and your house stays safer.
Decoys, like a hawk decoy, are sold to scare woodpeckers, but most birds figure out they’re fake pretty fast. Decoys don’t work well alone, but you can try them with other tricks. For more, see this guide on deterrent strategies.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Woodpeckers are protected by law, so you have to follow the rules. Using safe, humane tricks not only keeps you out of trouble but also shows respect for wildlife – and honestly, it just feels right.
Migratory Bird Treaty Act Protection
The federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) protects woodpeckers. You can’t harm, catch, or kill them in the U.S. without a special permit. Breaking this law can mean big fines or even criminal charges.
Don’t mess with woodpecker nests or eggs. If your place is getting wrecked, you have to try all the non-lethal stuff first before thinking about removal by a pro, and only with the right permits.
For more on the legal side, see this guide on woodpecker legal status and consequences. Always double-check that what you’re doing is allowed.
Humane Deterrent Practices
The best way to handle woodpecker trouble is by using non-harmful deterrents. Bird netting, shiny tape, and noise makers can keep birds away without hurting them. These tricks help stop damage and keep you on the right side of the law.
Don’t use poison, glue traps, or anything meant to hurt birds. Go for things like barriers and visual scare devices that just make birds want to move somewhere else.
Some easy, humane ideas:
- Hang shiny stuff (CDs, foil strips)
- Put up bird netting where there’s trouble
- Try motion-activated gadgets
For more tips, check out ways to deter woodpeckers without harm. Always pick options that are safe for both birds and people.
Frequently Asked Questions
There are lots of ways to keep woodpeckers away – barriers, sprays, sound makers, and shiny things. Some work better than others, and it depends on your spot and what you’re dealing with.
What methods effectively keep woodpeckers away from homes?
Shiny streamers, reflective tape, and windsocks can make your house less interesting to woodpeckers. Bird netting and metal flashing stop birds from getting to your siding and trim. Using these tricks together, along with getting rid of bugs in your wood, usually works pretty well.
For more info, visit this guide on effective deterrent strategies.
How does deterrent spray work to prevent woodpecker damage?
Deterrent sprays use strong smells or tastes to make woodpeckers leave. Some have stuff like methyl anthranilate or hot pepper extract – safe for birds and pets, just not tasty. Spray where woodpeckers peck and reapply after it rains so it keeps working.
Are there any home remedies that can act as woodpecker deterrents?
People hang shiny things like CDs or foil near problem spots. Some try fake owls or snakes, but you have to move them around to fool the birds. Loud noises, banging pots, or even a radio by the area might work for a while, but honestly, birds get used to it if you don’t mix things up.
Which deterrent sounds are proven to repel woodpeckers?
Sound gadgets that play woodpecker distress calls or predator noises can scare off some birds. You can find these online and set them up outside your house. But, to be honest, woodpeckers get used to the same sound over and over, so it’s best to mix this with other tricks.
Read more about acoustic deterrents and how well they work.
Can certain paints or colors discourage woodpecker activity?
There’s no paint color proven to keep woodpeckers away. Some folks say bright or shiny paint helps, but there’s not much proof. Paints with bitter stuff added might stop pecking on some surfaces, but honestly, blocking birds with barriers works way better in the long run.
What are the most recommended woodpecker deterrent products available online?
Some of the most popular choices are bird netting, reflective tape, motion-activated sprinklers, and special sprays that keep woodpeckers away. People also use things like holographic tape or shiny discs to scare them off. Homeowners often try a mix of these, and plenty say it works pretty well, at least according to a few comprehensive guides.
