Defend Your Home: A Comprehensive Guide to Woodpecker Control
Woodpeckers, with their distinctive drumming and pecking, can quickly turn your wood sided home into a battleground. Not only can their persistent drilling cause structural damage, but it can also attract other unwanted pests. In this guide, we'll walk you through a three-part process to effectively control woodpeckers, from repairing damage to deterring future visits and ensuring your home remains woodpecker-free.
Part 1: Damage Repair and Prevention
Woodpecker damage can range from small holes to sizable gaps in your home's exterior. These holes not only become nesting areas that gather urine and feces, but allow water, ice, and snow to enter.To start, assess the extent of the damage and prioritize repair:
Sealing Small Holes with Exterior Caulking
For minor damage, such as small holes or cracks, Big Stretch sealant by Sascho is your go-to solution. Its flexibility and durability make it perfect for filling gaps and preventing re-entry. Apply generously, ensuring a smooth finish that blends seamlessly with your home's exterior.
Patching Large Holes with Textured Sheet Metal
For larger holes, a more robust solution is necessary. Sheet metal provides a sturdy barrier that deters woodpeckers from returning and discourages pecking. Cut the metal to size, apply weather-resistant adhesive, and paint to match your home's color scheme for a polished look. Do not use screen or hardware cloth unless you are covering a vent.
Part 2: Installing Visual Deterrents
Prevention is key to long-term woodpecker control. Visual deterrents, such as the Intimidator Woodpecker and Starling Deterrent and Bird Banisher, are highly effective in warding off these persistent birds. Here's why:
Intimidator Brand Benefits
Placement on Rod Away from Home: Mounting the Intimidator on a rod away from your home creates the illusion of a predator bird's presence, effectively deterring woodpeckers from approaching.
Swivel Design: The swivel feature ensures the deterrent moves with the wind, enhancing its realism and effectiveness in intimidating woodpeckers.
Larger Size: The Intimidator's larger size increases its visibility and impact, making it a formidable deterrent against woodpecker intrusion. Flanged wings help spin the woodpecker deterrent and create a chopping motion dangerous to birds
These solutions outperform other deterrents like “icicles”, flash tape, and owls.
Part 3: Nest Removal and Cleaning
Once you've repaired damage and installed deterrents, it's essential to address any existing nests and clean affected areas:
Removing Old Nests: Carefully remove old woodpecker nests, taking care not to disturb any active nests of protected species. Dispose of nests properly to prevent re-infestation.
Cleaning Surfaces: Thoroughly clean affected surfaces to remove any traces of woodpecker activity, such as droppings or feathers. This helps eliminate scent markers that may attract woodpeckers back to the area.
By following this three-part process, you can effectively control woodpecker activity around your home and protect it from further damage. Remember, consistency is key—regular maintenance and monitoring will help ensure your home remains a woodpecker-free zone for years to come.
