How to Get Rid of Woodpeckers?

One way to get rid of woodpeckers is to use loud noises. Make loud, harsh sounds whenever woodpeckers are near; try a sudden, jarring clap, a yell, or other loud noises. You can also take a metal pan and a spoon, go outside, and make a noise by hitting the pan to intensify the sound of a woodpecker waking you up by pecking on your chimney at dawn. 

A different method is to broadcast a loud sound clip of a predator's call, such as a hawk's scream, mimicking the threats that woodpeckers naturally avoid. These sounds can quickly deter the bird, making it think the environment is now dangerous. Woodpeckers may eventually learn to avoid your home completely if you cause frequent disturbances.

Plastic models of birds of prey, such as owls or hawks, are a frequent and efficient method to prevent woodpeckers from damaging your property. By mimicking real predators, these decoys give the woodpeckers a false sensation of danger. So, place a fake owl or hawk to keep woodpeckers away from your yard, roof, or areas where they are active.

The authenticity and effectiveness of the decoy can be increased by adding motion, such as mounting it on a revolving platform or attaching it to a pole that allows it to move with the wind. Similarly, a decoy fox placed in the garden or yard can simulate the presence of a terrestrial predator, increasing the likelihood of discouraging woodpeckers.

However, some woodpeckers are smart enough to recognize that these decoys are not dangerous, particularly if they are left motionless in one spot for an extended period. It is essential to move the decoys frequently and combine them with other deterrent strategies, like reflective objects or noise deterrents, to fool the woodpeckers.

A simple yet efficient way to prevent woodpeckers from damaging your property is using wind chimes. The gentle tinkling of wind chimes creates an unpredictable auditory environment that makes the site less inviting for these birds, who are often startled by abrupt noises.

Additionally, the wind-induced swaying of the chimes creates a visual barrier that deters woodpeckers from approaching. For example, installing wind chimes on the eaves at the back entry of your home may help deter a woodpecker that frequently taps on it. The chimes are more effective on windy days because of the continuous movement and sound. 

Wind chimes offer the benefits of both aesthetics and functionality as ornamental outdoor accents. Woodpeckers may become irritated by sounds that many find soothing and seek more peaceful locations. 

A compassionate way to stop woodpeckers from pecking at your property is to use flashy, reflective things, as they are easily intimidated by them. Mirrors, old CDs, mylar balloons, aluminum foil, and mylar streamers are reflective materials that catch and bounce sunlight, creating bursts of light that frighten and confound woodpeckers.

When these items are hanging in areas that woodpeckers frequently visit, particularly those where they have been causing damage, the combination of light reflections and movement caused by the wind intensifies the repellant effect. To prevent woodpeckers from damaging trees, you can hang old CDs from branches or sparkling streamers at random intervals along the roof gutters of your house to protect the siding.  

You can establish an atmosphere that makes woodpeckers less likely to inhabit, prompting them to move to other areas by positioning these deterrents thoughtfully.

Woodpeckers often enter human properties searching for food, nesting places, or surfaces to drum on, and using garden pinwheels can effectively deter them. Woodpeckers are startled and feel threatened by the motion and reflection of light from the revolving pinwheels, which mimic irregular activity.

To use this method, stake garden pinwheels in the ground near areas where woodpeckers visit, such as around trees, siding, or fences they target. Alternatively, place several pinwheels across your yard to increase coverage and create an environment discouraging them from nesting.

Pinwheels are inexpensive and can be found at garden stores or online in different shapes, sizes, and colors, enabling you to choose designs that complement your yard's appearance. By establishing a visually engaging setting with pinwheels, you render your property less attractive to woodpeckers without causing them harm, thus arriving at a humane and aesthetic resolution.

Woodpeckers frequently visit private properties when they discover insects to eat in the siding or walls. These insects, which are not visible at first glance, include termites, ants, and bees. Woodpeckers are skilled at locating insects inside the wood, and their persistent pecking may indicate hidden infestations.

To address this problem, identify the area where woodpeckers are most active and check the inside for signs of damage, such as rotting wood, dead insects, or small holes. If insects are the issue, you can deal with obvious infestations by placing commercial poison baits or traps across your property. However, hiring a professional exterminator is advised for hidden or large infestations. 

Pest control services can extensively examine your house, detect insect colonies, and eliminate them to eradicate the food supply for woodpeckers. This assists in repelling the birds and averts additional structural harm inflicted by the insects. 

Strategic feeding is another way to reroute them. To begin, put a cage-style bird feeder with suet cakes—which woodpeckers love—near the location they visit. To help them migrate without feeling deprived, gently move the feeder farther away over time. Woodpeckers are drawn to homes with abundant insects to consume, so ensure to take care of any insect infestations first.

You risk unintentionally increasing their visits if you don't fix this problem. Additionally, think about planting trees or shrubs that bear berries and other foods that woodpeckers like, including wild cherries, dogwood, serviceberries, or chokeberries. They can be drawn away from your house by these organic food sources, which also offer a long-term home.  

Decomposing wood is particularly appealing to woodpeckers because it is easier to bore into while constructing nests and often contains insects they can eat. Woodpeckers can drill holes in decayed wood because it breaks easily. These birds might be drawn to your home if it has deteriorating fascia, siding, or other wooden components.

It is very important to check your house for signs of wood decay, such as soft, discolored, or rotting wood. If you find rot, hire a professional to replace the parts damaged with fresh, strong materials to minimize the woodpecker lure. In other cases, using materials like metal or composite, resistant to deterioration, can provide long-lasting preservation. You can deter woodpeckers and prevent further structural damage to your home by taking these precautions.  

A good way to prevent woodpeckers from resting or causing damage is using mesh bird netting. It acts as a physical barrier, keeping birds from landing on things like tree bark or home walls. The netting should be placed at least 3–4 inches from the surface to deter woodpeckers from using their beaks to reach it. Ensure there are no holes or openings for the birds to get inside by securely fastening the netting.  

For instance, hang the netting from the rooftop to the ground if woodpeckers are targeting your home's siding. Ensure the sides are shut off to keep them out. Effectively preventing pecking and perching requires a consistent gap between the netting and the surface.

The presence of woodpeckers is less likely when the netting is positioned and secured correctly, creating a safe and deterrent barrier. 

Begin with a thorough inspection of your wooden structures, such as siding, trim, or eaves, for tiny cracks, gaps, or punctures. Possible holes may harbor organisms that woodpeckers would feed on, like termites or carpenter ants. Convenient access points to food supplies or nesting places can be provided by tiny gaps surrounding windows or doors. Moisture tends to penetrate the wood so create observation points for such circumstances, which of course lead to wood degradation together with attraction to woodpeckers.

To prevent pests and woodpeckers from accessing your house, find these entry locations and cover them with caulk, weatherstripping, or other appropriate materials. Woodpeckers are less likely to target your property if you regularly check for new openings and maintain the exterior of your house. 

Moreover, think about putting up metal or plastic barriers on wooden areas to prevent them from pecking. By dealing with possible attractants, you can safeguard your home from insect invasions and the damaging actions of woodpeckers.

It can be difficult to keep nuisance woodpeckers away. The first step in figuring out what to do about it is to understand why they hammer. The hammering habits of woodpeckers can be attributed to four factors:

1. Attracting Mates

Woodpeckers engage in a behavior called drumming, which involves rapid pecking on resonant surfaces like tree trunks, metal poles, or even house siding to produce loud, rhythmic sounds. Unlike pecking done to excavate food or create nesting cavities, drumming serves as a communication tool, primarily to attract mates and establish territorial boundaries by repelling rivals. 

The intensity and frequency of drumming often increase during the breeding season, typically in late winter or early spring, as woodpeckers aim to signal their presence and fitness. Once the mating season begins and territories are established, the need for drumming diminishes, and the behavior usually subsides.

2. Foraging for Food

When woodpeckers are looking for food, they make noises because their pecking serves two purposes: marking their territory and creating holes to find prey. If your siding has insects that these birds like to eat, such termites, wood borers, ants, grubs, caterpillars, or larvae of carpenter or leafcutter bees, they may concentrate on it. 

Eliminating insect pests and sealing existing breaches in the siding are crucial steps in preventing woodpeckers from pecking at your house. This method reduces damage and noise around your home by removing the food reward and motivating the woodpeckers to look for insects elsewhere. 

3. Building Nests

Woodpeckers may concentrate on the siding of your home, especially during the spring breeding season, to create a nesting cavity. These hollows are typically round, large, or irregularly shaped because the birds need enough space to nest. You should take immediate action to avoid hurting the birds if you see a hole like that. 

It is inhumane and often illegal to imprison them indoors, so they should be removed either before they begin nesting or after the chicks have fledged. Once the birds have departed, repair and cover the hole using strong materials like wood or metal to prevent further damage or fresh nesting attempts. Alternatively, consider installing deterrents such as reflective strips or sound equipment to discourage future woodpecker visits.

4. Storing Acorns

Native to the Western and Southwestern regions, the acorn woodpecker is known for its creative and fascinating habit of building "granaries" to store acorns for later use. These birds make acorn-sized holes in trees, utility poles, and timber structures like homes. Each hole is perfectly sized to accommodate a single acorn, preventing it from falling or being stolen by other animals. 

Thousands of acorns can eventually be stored in these facilities, serving as a vital food source throughout the winter or other periods of food scarcity. Working together in social groups, the birds divide up the work of digging, storing, and guarding their caches against competitors like jays or squirrels. The intricate relationship between these woodpeckers and their environment is shown by their behavior, which demonstrates the amazing cooperation and planning necessary for their existence. Additionally, their actions inadvertently contribute to the development and proliferation of oak trees, highlighting their ecological significance.

5. Sharpening Beaks

Keeping woodpeckers' beaks in top condition is essential for their daily activities because they rely heavily on them for survival. Their natural method of beak grooming and sharpening is pecking. Woodpeckers use their tools frequently and purposefully to preserve them, unlike humans who might file or sharpen them. Pecking continuously smoothes off damaged or rough beak edges, preventing excessive development that could impair performance. The bird can effectively cut through hard bark and wood to get insects, construct nesting sites, and defend its territory because of its well-formed, sharp beak. 

In addition to developing the beak, pecking helps the woodpecker's jaw and neck muscles become stronger. Together, these muscles provide powerful, precise blows necessary for piercing various surfaces. Without this regular practice, the bird could struggle to exert the force needed to splinter wood. Additionally, pecking behavior reinforces the beak's structural integrity, making it more resilient to the repeated impacts of striking solid objects. This adaptation ensures that the woodpecker is ready to do the actions necessary for its natural survival, nesting, and feeding.