How to Get Rid of Woodpeckers: Proven Strategies that Work

Wondering How to Get Rid of Woodpeckers? Woodpeckers may be fascinating birds, but when they start pecking on your home, trees, or wooden structures, they can quickly become a major nuisance. Their persistent drumming can damage wood siding, trees, and even create holes that invite insects or other pests. Fortunately, there are humane and effective ways to deter woodpeckers without harming them.

This guide will walk you through the best strategies to get rid of woodpeckers while ensuring they don’t return.

Why Woodpeckers Become a Problem

Before finding a solution, it’s important to understand why woodpeckers are attracted to your property.

Reasons Woodpeckers Peck

Searching for Food
- Woodpeckers peck at wood to find insects, such as ants, termites, and beetles. If your home or trees have an insect infestation, woodpeckers may be targeting them as a food source.
Marking Territory
- Some species drum on hollow surfaces to establish territory or attract a mate. This can happen repeatedly throughout the breeding season.
Creating Nesting Cavities
- Woodpeckers drill holes in trees, posts, or even buildings to create nesting spaces. These holes can grow larger over time, causing structural damage.
Boredom or Communication
- In some cases, woodpeckers drum on metal, siding, or other materials just for fun or to communicate with other birds.

Understanding why woodpeckers are pecking will help you choose the best approach to stop them.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a broader approach to bird deterrence, check out our detailed guide on How to Scare Away a Bird: Techniques with a Step by Step Guide.

How to Get Rid of Woodpeckers

Now that we know why woodpeckers peck, let’s explore effective deterrent methods.

Visual Deterrents

Woodpeckers are wary birds. Using visual deterrents can help scare them away.

Shiny and Reflective Objects

Hang reflective tape, aluminum foil strips, or old CDs near the affected area.
The movement and light reflections will disturb woodpeckers and make them feel unsafe.

Fake Predators

Place owl or hawk decoys in the areas where woodpeckers are active.
Move the decoys every few days to prevent woodpeckers from getting used to them.

Wind-Activated Devices

Install pinwheels, windsocks, or small spinning objects near the problem area.
The unpredictable motion will help deter woodpeckers.

Auditory Deterrents

Sound-based repellents can make your property less attractive to woodpeckers.

Predator Calls

Play recorded sounds of hawks or falcons to create the illusion of danger.
Use these sounds randomly rather than continuously to prevent woodpeckers from adapting.

Woodpecker Distress Calls

Broadcasting distress calls can trick woodpeckers into thinking danger is nearby.

Noise-Making Devices

Use wind chimes, clapping, or banging pots when you see woodpeckers nearby.
Consistently making noise when woodpeckers arrive can teach them to avoid your property.

Physical Barriers and Exclusion Methods

Sometimes, the best way to prevent woodpecker damage is by blocking their access to surfaces they want to peck.

Netting

Install bird netting over vulnerable areas such as siding, eaves, and trees.
Make sure the netting is at least 3 inches away from the surface so the woodpecker cannot reach it.

Metal or Plastic Covers

If woodpeckers are pecking at wood siding, cover the area with metal flashing or plastic sheeting to make it less appealing.

Sticky Gels and Tactile Repellents

Apply bird repellent gel or sticky substances to frequently pecked areas.
These are safe for birds but create an unpleasant surface that woodpeckers will avoid.

Natural and Eco-Friendly Solutions

For those who prefer natural methods, here are some eco-friendly deterrents.

Eliminate Food Sources

Inspect your home for insect infestations that might be attracting woodpeckers.
Treat affected areas for ants, termites, or beetles to remove their food supply.

Use Essential Oils

Some scents, such as peppermint oil or garlic spray, can deter woodpeckers.
Apply these natural repellents near nesting areas and frequently pecked spots.

Provide Alternative Nesting Areas

Installing a woodpecker-friendly birdhouse away from your home can encourage them to nest elsewhere.
Fill it with soft wood or bark to make it more attractive than your siding.

Step-by-Step Process to Get Rid of Woodpeckers

Follow this systematic approach to keep woodpeckers away from your home.

Step 1: Identify Problem Areas

Look for holes, drumming spots, and signs of pecking damage.
Check for insect activity near these areas.

Step 2: Choose a Deterrent Method

If the woodpecker is searching for food, eliminate insect infestations first.
If they are drumming for communication, use auditory deterrents.
If they are making a nest, install physical barriers.

Step 3: Install and Deploy Deterrents

Hang reflective tape, decoys, and wind-activated devices.
Play predator sounds or distress calls at random intervals.
Cover vulnerable areas with netting or flashing.

Step 4: Monitor and Adjust

Move decoys and reflective objects periodically to keep woodpeckers from adapting.
Combine multiple deterrent methods for the best results.
If woodpeckers persist, reinforce barriers and increase the intensity of deterrents.

Conclusion

Getting rid of woodpeckers requires a combination of visual, auditory, and physical deterrents. By using reflective objects, predator decoys, noise-based repellents, and physical barriers, you can prevent woodpecker damage in a humane and effective way.

If woodpeckers continue to return, consider providing alternative nesting spaces or working with a wildlife expert. With persistence and the right strategies, you can successfully keep woodpeckers away from your property for good.

For more targeted bird removal techniques, you might also find these articles helpful:

Remember, persistence and a combination of methods are key to long-term success in deterring unwanted bird visitors.

FAQs

1. Are woodpeckers protected by law?

Yes, woodpeckers are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in many countries. This means you cannot harm, trap, or kill them without a permit. Always use humane deterrents.

2. How long does it take to get rid of woodpeckers?

It depends on the method used. Some deterrents work immediately, while others may take a few weeks for woodpeckers to learn that the area is unsafe.

3. Can I use fake owls to scare woodpeckers?

Yes, but they must be moved frequently to remain effective. Otherwise, woodpeckers will learn they are not a real threat.

4. What is the best deterrent for woodpeckers?

A combination of visual, sound, and physical barriers works best. Reflective tape, predator decoys, noise deterrents, and netting together provide the strongest defense.

5. What attracts woodpeckers to my house?

Woodpeckers are attracted to homes with insect infestations, hollow walls for drumming, and soft wood for nesting. Addressing these issues can help keep them away.