3 Reasons Why Woodpeckers Are Pecking Your House

You know that distinctive sound of a woodpecker peck, peck, pecking on a tree nearby. As loud and, frankly, annoying as the noise may be, it is even more so when your home is on the receiving end of all that pecking. What makes woodpeckers peck at your house, anyway, and when should you call for professional bird removal Madison? These three main reasons can shed light on woodpecker behavior and what homeowners can do about it without hurting themselves or the birds.

The Big Three

Once you realize why woodpeckers are such rowdy neighbors, you may not begrudge their ways. The first reason is to be expected: they are trying to attract a potential mate. Most animals, including humans, like to put on a good show for the opposite sex, and for woodpeckers, that means being loud and proud by “drumming” on any surface to entice a female bird. Luckily, any loud noise they make for show is less likely to cause significant damage to your home. The next reason, on the other hand, is definitely why you should contact Skedaddle’s bird removal Madison experts. In late spring, woodpeckers’ pecking may mean they are nesting. A woodpecker can create a large hole in siding for a nest, and once it settles in, it may stay there until the fledglings are ready to go on their own. Under the North American Migratory Bird Act, woodpeckers are a protected species, and it is illegal to disturb their nests. The third reason is also a big cause for concern. Woodpeckers peck when they search for food. If they found a good source in your home’s siding, you have more than just the birds to worry about. Most homeowners assume that they have termites when woodpeckers are a constant nuisance, but it could be other insects, such as ants and spiders, that they are looking for. You can tell the difference between nesting and foraging based on the size and pattern of the holes. A single large hole is obviously a nest, whereas a series of small or irregular holes in a line is a buffet.

Prevention Tips

As with any other wild animal problem affecting your home, you should prevent woodpeckers from becoming an issue before they cause any damage or irritation from that constant beak hammering. Here are some easy suggestions you can try before you seek professional bird removal Madison:

• Hang wind chimes, windsocks, or pinwheels near your home or siding. The noise that they make may scare off woodpeckers.
• Drape shiny objects such as mirrors, Mylar balloons, or reflective streamers, which are also effective deterrents.
• Put out a fake owl or hawk, as both predatory birds scare away woodpeckers. However, expect to move those fakes around, as woodpeckers are smart and may figure out there is no real threat.
• Install bird netting around your eaves or other large areas to keep woodpeckers away from elevated perches near the roof or upper windows of your home.
• Try a sound system to play loud noises of those same predatory birds. The sounds may alarm woodpeckers and encourage them to move to quieter areas away from your siding.
• Plug any holes already created with wood putty to discourage further pecking.

You could also replace your wood siding with other material, but that seems an extreme measure when professional animal control can manage the woodpeckers for you without a major home renovation.

Bird Removal Madison Experts Can Ease Your Frustration

Skedaddle Humane Wildlife Control can take care of your unwanted woodpecker visitors without harming these interesting birds. We also inspect and treat your home for any insects that may be attracting them. Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can help you and the wildlife near you live together in harmony.