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Woodpecker Control

Univ. Publications

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Photo Credits: NEBRASKAland Magazine/Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Photo

Scientific Name

Red-headed Woodpecker Melanerpes erythrocephalus

Red-naped Sapsucker

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Acorn Woodpecker

Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens

Hairy Woodpecker

Signs

• Sapsuckers are species of woodpeckers that make a series of holes in horizontal lines on tree trunks.

Damage

• Drumming causes noise nuisance and holes on home exteriors, especially cedar and natural wood siding.

• Occasionally flickers and other woodpeckers eat bright-colored berries and fruits leaving stains on sidewalks and driveways through their droppings.

• Tree Damage Healthy trees are seldom damaged. Woodpeckers follow insects that follow disease into dead and dying wood.

• Lawn Damage Slight aesthetic problem...woodpeckers create dime-sized holes while feeding on mostly harmful insects.

• Research suggests that woodpeckers are more attracted to dark colored surfaces.

Surfaces known to be attacked by woodpeckers

• • Aluminum flashing: particularly if there is a void behind it.
  • cedar siding
  • Chimney Caps
  • Fir siding (white fir)
  • Pine Siding
  • Redwood siding
  • roof vents
  • Space Shuttle
  • Stucco
  • Synthetic Stucco Polymer Coatings (eg; Dryvitt and Stucco-Flex)tile roof
  • Vinyl siding
  • If you know of another please drop us an e-mail

woodpecker pecking at wood siding
Description: shows flicker pecking at wood siding
Photo Credits: Critter Control, Inc.
 

Solution

Habitat Modification

• netting and metal barriers

Repellents

• Repellents, such as silhouettes, effigies, mirrors, mylar tape can be effective. However, it should be known that woodpeckers can stop damaging a structure at any time for unknown reasons.

• Recent research has suggested that mylar tape works the best among visual repellents. Hang 3 foot strips along the affected area you wish to protect.

Trapping

• Snap traps can be very effective. Permit required.

Shooting

• Shooting is very effective, provided safety and legal concerns are addressed. Permit required.

Toxicants

• None known

Diseases/Safety

• Woodpeckers are not known to be a major threat to human, health and safety.

University Publications

Controlling Woodpeckers--Purdue Univ. PDF

Managing Woodpeckers--Iowa State University PDF

Woodpecker Control--University of Kentucky