Woodpeckers are fascinating to observe with their swooping, undulating flight and acrobatics at feeders. They are known to drum on surfaces like aluminum and metal to amplify sound, which can unfortunately dampen the enjoyment of watching them fly around. The loud drumming and potential damage to buildings can be a nuisance, and harming these federally protected birds is illegal.
Here are six preventative measures to deter woodpeckers from making your yard their home:
1. Migratory Bird Act: Protecting all migratory birds native to North America, including 23 species of woodpeckers, this act imposes fines and potential prison time for harming these birds or their nests without a government-issued permit.
2. Understanding Woodpecker Behavior: Woodpeckers are attracted to areas with wood siding and proximity to natural wooded habitats due to the presence of food sources like insects. Providing food, shelter, and water for other birds can inadvertently attract woodpeckers as well.
3. Bird Netting or Hardware Cloth: Prevent woodpeckers from accessing targeted areas by repairing damaged spots and covering them with bird netting or hardware cloth. Ensure the cover extends at least 3 inches from the surface to deter pecking.
4. Protect Wood Surfaces and Firewood: Address woodpecker activity by eliminating wood-boring insects and repairing damaged wood surfaces promptly. Store firewood in protected areas to prevent infestations.
5. Woodpecker Prevention: Choose building materials that are unattractive to woodpeckers, such as clapboard or synthetic siding, especially in wooded areas. Removing dead wood and keeping trees well-pruned can also deter woodpeckers.
6. Avoid Favorite Foods: If you have bird feeders, be mindful that they may attract woodpeckers. Consider alternative feeding strategies to reduce woodpecker interest.
By implementing these strategies, you can help discourage woodpeckers from causing damage and disruptions in your yard.
Attracting Woodpeckers to Your Yard
Woodpeckers may visit your yard in search of food, even attempting to feed at your hummingbird feeder. Discouraging them from favoring foods like suet and nuts may prompt them to find alternative food sources elsewhere.
Tips for Feeding Small Birds
Consider using hopper feeders that are designed to prevent large birds from accessing the seeds. During woodpecker mating season, you may need to temporarily remove other feeders or leave them empty for a few days.
Using Reflective Materials and Scare Tactics
If a woodpecker is damaging your wood siding, try covering the area with aluminum foil to deter them. Alternatively, small mirrors or shiny objects may help, but be cautious as they could provoke territorial behavior.
Enhancing Scare Tactics
For more effective results, incorporate motion into shiny materials and scare objects like large-eyed balloons or predator decoys such as owls and hawks. Place these decoys strategically around your property and occasionally move them.
Utilizing Noise and Motion
Woodpeckers are averse to loud noises and sudden movements. Hang wind chimes, aluminum pie pans, or glass bottles in trees near your home. Clapping loudly, banging on a garbage can lid, playing a radio, or broadcasting predator calls can also help deter woodpeckers. Additionally, consider installing motion-activated devices like sprinklers or lights.
Preventing Sap Suckers
Sap suckers bore into trees to access sweet sap, particularly targeting maple, birch, and fruit trees, as well as weakened or diseased trees. Protect affected areas of the trunk by wrapping them with burlap, plastic fencing, or hardware cloth. Add more protection if the woodpecker continues moving up or down the trunk.
Seeking Professional Help
As woodpeckers are protected by federal law, contacting a professional should be a last resort. Pest removal services are not authorized to remove birds without a legal permit. If all other methods fail, reach out to your state fish and wildlife service for assistance in assessing your situation and obtaining the necessary legal waivers for removing and relocating the woodpecker if required.
