Problems with woodpeckers
 There are eight species of woodpeckers found in the Bay Area. The common ones are Nuttall’s woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, acorn woodpeckers, red-breasted sapsuckers and northern flickers. Woodpeckers are easy to identify—usually distinctively marked with black and white feathers, often with red on their head. They have strong claws, short legs and stiff tails that enable them to easily climb and cling to trees in search of food. They use their strong, sharp bill to drill holes looking for insects or sap, to drill larger holes to store acorns or for a nesting cavity or to “drum” a territorial signal to rivals. Most woodpeckers are solitary, except for acorn woodpeckers, which nest, roost and feed in groups. |
To discourage woodpeckers from making holes
If a woodpecker is drilling small holes in a wood structure, it is foraging for insects and you have a bigger problem than a woodpecker! You might want to have your home checked for insect damage. The woodpecker will continue to drill as long as insects are present. If you are sure there are no insects, cover the area with heavy slippery plastic to make it difficult for the bird to perch on the side of your house.
Acorn woodpeckers drill multiple holes about 1/2" across and then pound acorns into the holes to store for the winter. Holes are usually drilled in tree trunks, but sometimes they will use barns or other wood structures, and often use the same holes for many years. If this is a problem for you, cover the area with heavy slippery plastic to encourage them to store their food elsewhere.
Sapsuckers, a kind of woodpecker, drill a series of small holes in live trees so they can harvest sap and the insects that become stuck in it. This does not usually kill the tree, but can cause enough damage to impact the tree. Spray Ropel®, a bitter but non-toxic product, on the bark.
All woodpeckers are cavity nesters. They nest in unlined tree cavities that they excavate themselves in dead branches or trees. They typically construct a new nest each year, but may reuse nests if dead trees are scarce. Because dead trees are often removed in cities and suburbs, potential nest sites are at a premium. Woodpeckers may use wood siding on houses as a potential nest location. To prevent damage to siding, place sheet metal or heavy slippery plastic over the area being pecked. Scare the birds away by hanging a shiny Mylar balloon or strips of Mylar ribbon (Bird Scare tape®) near the area. Provide a nest box on or near the nest hole under construction so the woodpecker doesn't have to continue pecking on the house or leave snags and dead trees standing so they can excavate a natural nest cavity. Fill any holes on your house with wood filler or caulk.
Other deterrents include Mylar ribbon (2' to 3' long) hung loosely from the eaves or Mylar balloons with "predator eyes." Spray Ropel®, a bitter but non-toxic, product, on surfaces to prevent further exploration by woodpeckers. Fake owls or rubber snakes do not work as deterrents. |
Territorial drumming
If territorial drumming is a bother, make the drumming site unsuitable for noisemaking. Cover the area with a noise-deadening material such as canvas or heavy plastic. Secure any loose boards or put insulation behind them. The woodpecker will usually move to another location when his drumming has been quieted. This is a seasonal activity that usually occurs only in the spring and does not normally cause damage to structures. |
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