How to Get Rid of Woodpeckers

Woodpeckers will drum on objects for mates, food and fun.

To get rid of woodpeckers you need to address the underlying reason for their attraction to your property, such as insects, possible nesting areas or the object the woodpecker enjoys drumming on. As soon as unwanted woodpeckers appear in your vicinity you need to take steps to discourage them. Once these territorial birds have claimed an area they are very difficult to remove. Woodpeckers are protected by the North American Migratory Bird Act and as such cannot be controlled by lethal means.

Things You'll Need

• Insecticide
• Fishing line
• Predator silhouettes
• Rubber snakes
• Mirrors or metal strips
• 3/4-inch plastic mesh

Instructions

1. Repair large holes on or near your home. Woodpeckers are attracted to holes as possible nesting sites.

2. Use an insecticide or natural predators to eradicate insects that live on and around your house. Woodpeckers are drawn to the sound of insects inside of wood, whether the bugs are inside an old tree trunk or in the siding or window frames of your house.

3. Repair protruding house siding or stretch fishing line across landing areas on the side of your house. If the woodpeckers are unable to land they will not be able to peck or drill into your home.

4. Place predator silhouettes, such as a hawk, around areas favored by woodpeckers. Similarly, rubber snakes on the lawn can help deter woodpeckers.

5. Hang flashy materials, such as mirrors or metal strips, from eaves or tree branches to help deter woodpeckers.

6. Install 3/4-inch plastic mesh from under the eaves of the damaged area of your house. Angle the mesh towards the side of the house and secure it so it is about 3 inches from the siding. This will prevent the birds from pecking through the mesh to the house and discourage them from landing in this area.

7. Remove any dead, diseased or bug-infested trees from your property and encourage your neighbors to do the same. If there is nothing to attract the woodpeckers to your property they will move on to more hospitable areas.

References

• U.S. Forest Service; How to Prevent Woodpeckers from Damaging Buildings; Tony Jasumback, et al; July 2000
• The University of Rhode Island: Woodpeckers
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Birds Protected By the Migratory Bird Treaty Act