How to Deter Woodpeckers

Woodpeckers eat insects from dead wood.

Woodpeckers are beneficial in the ecosystem and they are protected by federal and state legislation. They can, however, produce damage to buildings and other structures, that is why it is important to know how to keep them at bay. Visual and auditory deterrents are often very effective in keeping woodpeckers away from your house.

Things You'll Need

• Fake snake or owl
• Wind chimes
• Shiny metal pieces

Instructions

1. Attach a fake owl to the side of your house. Woodpeckers are scared of owls and will stay away from them.

2. Lay a fake snake on your patio or place it on the roof of your house. Fake snakes are also good at deterring woodpeckers and keep woodpeckers away from your home.

3. Place a few wind chimes around your house. The noise from the wind chimes can deter woodpeckers.

4. Hang loosely a piece of shiny metal to the side or roof of your house to get rid of a woodpecker. Shiny objects can also be a woodpecker deterrent.

References

• Michigan State University; FAQ: Woodpeckers; James Harding