Even those birders that are eager to attract native birds can tire at the relentless hammering of woodpeckers, and especially tire at the damage that comes along with them. These little birds can quickly destroy a wall, deck or other structures of Ontario homes. Here’s how to prevent woodpecker damage without hurting the little guys!

Why Do Woodpeckers Peck?

The first step to stopping this damage is to understand why it’s happening. For the most part, woodpeckers peck because:

• They are drumming: The noise they make while pecking can be used to make noise that attracts a mate or alerts other woodpckers that the property is claimed.
• They are feeding: To gather food from inside wooden surfaces, woodpeckers peck on it. This allows them to create holes to collect beetles, bugs, larvae and general pests that they feed on. This leaves shallow but extensive holes in the surface.
• They are nesting: This species of birds nest in cavities that are created by hollowing out an area on a surface. This type of damage is localized to one area but you may find several other test sites close buy. The actual nesting hole will be quite large and deep with one entranc

How Do You Control Woodpeckers?

Most Ontario homeowners subscribe to one of two approaches to discourage this kind of damage on their property. The birds can be deterred enough to move completely from the area. The other is to redirect their efforts to an area where the damage isn’t an issue. Depending on the damage and the owner, the birds might be welcomed guests provided they are not damaging the property. If they become problematic, they will need to be relocated entirely.

Redirection Techniques

Woodpeckers find a region they are comfortable in to practice all of their acts. You can discourage their damage from certain areas using the following techniques. This will encourage them to move to the areas you deem appropriate.

• Tree Removal or Pruning: If there are large trees near your home or big branches the woodpeckers seem to favor, prune them back. Because woodpeckers like to stay in thicker cover, thinning out the trees will make them feel exposed. They will naturally seek areas with more branches and coverage.
• Feeding Woodpeckers: Stop the woodpeckers foraging for bugs in your wooden house by providing tasty treats for them in an easier place. Put suet, mealworms and jelly in areas that are good for the woodpeckers like a big tree branch away from your home.
• Woodpecker Houses: Offering a pre-made birdhouse for woodpeckers to live in will encourage them to skip building a home (and a lot of pecking). Place the house near where the pecking was happening. This is obviously a desirable nesting site for the birds. They won’t pass up the pre-made home.
• Drumming Locations: Place a hollow tree or stump away from your home to give the woodpeckers a place to drum. It will minimize the sounds to you and keep them from your walls by creating a place to allow the activity that you decide is more acceptable. At the same time, place insulation, foam or padding behind the unwanted drumming place. This will dampen the sounds and make the woodpeckers want to move to where they can be more effective.
• Pest Control: If the woodpeckers are feeding on insects they are finding in your home, contact a pest control company to get rid of them. With no dinner in your home, the woodpeckers will go elsewhere for dinner.
• Repair Holes: Using filler or wood putty, repair the holes the woodpeckers have made. The holes left behind are very comfortable for more insects to move into. Filling the holes removes the snacks from inside, reinforcing the woodpecker to move.

How to Get Your Woodpecker Damage Repaired

If your Ontario home has been the victim of woodpecker damage, our teams can help. We are knowledgeable in the repair and re-staining or repainting of woodpecker damage. To make your home pristine again, call and schedule and estimate appointment with our local painters, or fill out our online form! We’re happy to discuss the damage and potential repairs for your home.