9/12/2023 0 Comments Woodpecker types![]() Woodpeckers are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Illinois Wildlife Code. If a woodpecker is causing substantial property damage and other control methods have been ineffective at solving the problem, the bird may have to be removed. Using several frightening devices together may increase their effectiveness. Playing a radio is not an effective woodpecker deterrent. Yelling, hand clapping, and banging on pots may all discourage a bird from using the area if persistently used. Loud noises may work if the woodpecker has not established a territory. ![]() Strips of aluminum foil or Mylar tape, plastic toy windmills, and suspended pie pans can all be used as woodpecker deterrents. Devices that move and are reflective are more effective. Stationary visual devices such as model owls are not usually effective after the first couple of days. Visual and audio frightening devices can be used to deter woodpeckers. However, the use of tactile repellents is not recommended because the products may impair the bird’s ability to fly or stay warm if the product comes into contact with their feathers. Several tactile repellents have proven effective at deterring woodpecker damage. By allowing access to their favored trees, you may be able to prevent the sapsuckers from damaging other trees nearby. Sapsuckers often return to the same trees. These materials should be removed from the tree during the fall and winter months. To protect trees from sapsucker damage, wrap trees with ¼ inch hardware cloth or burlap during spring and summer. They can be painted to match the color of the siding. These materials are placed directly over the damaged area to deter the woodpecker from drilling. Metal or plastic barriers have also been shown to be effective at preventing damage. To keep woodpeckers from reaching the siding through the netting, it must be installed at least three inches from the siding. The netting should be taut but not overly tight. Attach the netting to the eaves, angle the netting back to the siding, and attach the netting below the damaged area. If woodpeckers are drilling siding underneath the eaves of a building, use ¾ inch mesh netting. Several different materials are effective at excluding woodpeckers. Discontinue providing suet if it seems to make the problem worse. Some experts do not recommend this method. For more information about woodpecker damage specific to siding, read the Cornell Lab of Ornithology Types of Damage Specific to Siding.ĭuring colder months you can try providing suet cakes near damaged buildings to draw the birds away from the house. If you are building a new home in a wooded area, consider using vinyl or composite wood siding since these materials are usually less susceptible to woodpecker damage. ![]() ![]() Painting or using wood preservative on siding may deter drilling. If the woodpecker is drumming or drilling nest or roost holes, treating for insects will not resolve the problem. Caulking holes or insect tunnels may help. It can be difficult to get insecticides into siding to effectively kill insects, and insecticides can be harmful to birds. Woodpeckers will investigate by drilling if they can hear invertebrates under the siding or shingles. If woodpeckers are drilling on siding or cedar shake shingles to get to insects, remove the insects if possible. Start woodpecker damage control as soon as you see signs of damage. Photo: USDA Wildlife Services A northern flicker (woodpecker) drilled multiple holes in the wood siding of this home. Contact an IDNR District Wildlife Biologist.Hikers: Be alert for "aggressive" animals.Rare Visitors to Illinois: Large Carnivores.Repair Damage: What to Know Before Making Repairs. ![]()
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