Woodpeckers can cause damage to homes as they peck holes looking for food or creating nesting sites. Here are some tips on deterring woodpeckers from pecking on your house.
Why Do Woodpeckers Peck Houses?
Woodpeckers peck on houses for a few main reasons:
- Looking for food – They may hear insects inside and try to dig them out.
- Creating nest sites – They drill holes to use as nesting cavities.
- Drumming – Drumming on surfaces advertises their territory and attracts mates.
Houses often provide suitable surfaces for these behaviors. The noise can be annoying, and over time the pecking can cause exterior damage.
Tips to Deter Woodpeckers
Remove Food Sources
Eliminate any food sources that may be attracting the woodpeckers:
- Clear away insect nests, carpenter bee holes, or hives around the house.
- Seal any openings where insects may get in.
- Clean up spilled seed from bird feeders.
- Move suet feeders farther away from the house.
Use Visual Deterrents
Visual elements can startle woodpeckers and make them less likely to return:
- Hang aluminum foil strips, reflective tape, or old CDs near problem areas.
- Place fake owls, hawks, or snakes to scare them away.
- Attach colorful windsocks, pinwheels, or scare tape on a pole.
- Smear petroleum jelly on pecked areas to deter further pecking.
Apply Physical Barriers
Physical objects can prevent access to pecking spots:
- Place cardboard, plexiglass, or mesh over problematic areas.
- Wrap or place thick rope coils over frequent pecking spots.
- Attach rubber snake skins near entrances of nesting holes.
Use Sound Deterrents
Loud, sudden sounds can startle woodpeckers and train them to avoid the area:
- Bang pots and pans together near them when they arrive.
- Place aluminum cans filled with stones or pennies near problem spots.
- Use a portable air horn when they are spotted pecking.
- Install ultrasonic or electronic noisemakers.
Apply Woodpecker Repellent
Specialized woodpecker repellent products can deter them:
- Apply non-toxic repellent gel on pecked areas.
- Install repellent strips made with capsaicin near pecking spots.
- Spray liquid repellents made with methyl anthranilate around entrances.
Use Gustatory Repellents
Taste deterrents can discourage further pecking:
- Coat frequented spots with hot sauce or bitter apple spray.
- Apply insecticidal soap to both deter insects and repel woodpeckers.
Scare with Predator Sounds
Play recordings of predator calls to frighten them away:
- Use alarm and distress calls of other woodpeckers.
- Play hawk, crow, or owl calls to simulate danger.
Block Roosting Spots at Night
Sealing their overnight roosts can drive them away:
- Cover cavities and holes with wood filler, hardware cloth, or other barriers.
- Use foam sealant to close up potential roosting crevices.
- Install metal sheathing, siding, or line chimneys to block access.
Get Help from Professionals
For severe woodpecker problems, it may be best to hire wildlife professionals who can:
- Inspect your home to locate nest sites and entry points.
- Install one-way exclusion devices or chimney caps.
- Apply sticky repellents out of your reach.
- Remove nests after fledging season ends.
Preventing Woodpeckers in the First Place
Taking preventative measures can help avoid woodpecker damage:
- Install metal sheathing or siding which they dislike pecking.
- Put plastic webbing beneath eaves when building a new home.
- Caulk and repair exterior holes as needed.
- Use wood treatments containing capsaicin or insect repellents.
When to Get Help
Contact a professional if:
- Damage is increasing despite your efforts.
- There are active nests inside walls or the roof.
- Roosting cavities are out of reach.
- The woodpecker seems undeterred by deterrents.
- You need one-way exclusion devices installed.
Licensed wildlife removal experts or chimney sweeps can solve severe woodpecker problems humanely and legally.
Conclusion
Woodpeckers can be persistent, but a combination of techniques usually convinces them to go elsewhere. Start with easy DIY solutions like visual deterrents, sound repellents, and blocking holes. For more stubborn woodpeckers, consider professional exclusion and nest removal services. With some diligence, you can stop woodpeckers from damaging your house and make sure they move on for good.