Woodpeckers Damage: Research-Proven Methods to Protect Your Home

Woodpecker damage to houses is a common concern, prompting extensive discussion about prevention methods. This article examines the effectiveness of various techniques used to mitigate such damage, based on comparative testing conducted by researchers associated with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology in New York. The study evaluated six widely recommended deterrents, focusing on long-term solutions rather than those requiring immediate responses to woodpecker activity.

Male Pileated Woodpecker on a wooden house.

Study: Effective ways to stop woodpeckers from damaging houses

A study conducted in Ithaca, New York, from 2003 to 2004 aimed to find effective ways to stop woodpeckers from damaging houses. Researchers chose 16 homes near forests where homeowners had reported woodpecker problems.

Before testing any solutions, the team visited each house several times to count new woodpecker holes and understand the damage. They then tried six different deterrents:

  1. Fake (Prowler) owls
  2. Irry-Tape (Reflective tape)
  3. Bird Pro Sound System
  4. Scary eye-shaped balloons
  5. Suet feeders
  6. Nesting boxes

The researchers picked deterrents based on the house’s siding type, the reason for the damage, and what the homeowners preferred. They left these deterrents in place for 9 to 62 days, depending on factors like woodpecker activity and weather.

During the test period, the team visited houses up to three times a week to count new holes. They also collected information about each house, such as siding type, paint condition, and surrounding trees, to see if these factors affected woodpecker damage.

To measure how well each deterrent worked, the researchers compared the number of new holes before and after installation. They also calculated an “improvement score” to show how much the damage decreased.

Interestingly, only two types of woodpeckers – Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens) and Hairy Woodpeckers (Leuconotopicus villosus) – were causing the damage in this area, though other species might be responsible elsewhere.

Woodpecker damage on a wood shingle roof. This type of roofs or siding are among the most affected by woodpecker activity on houses.

This study provides valuable insights for homeowners dealing with woodpecker damage, offering a scientific comparison of common deterrent methods.

The most effective methods to deter woodpeckers

While no method is 100% effective, this study found that Irri-Tape, a reflective, iridescent tape hung from eaves and siding, was most effective at reducing woodpecker damage. Other methods showed varying degrees of success, including Prowler Owls, Bird Pro Sound Systems, Nesting boxes, and suet feeders.

Some deterrents proved to be less effective in this study. These included:

  • Bird Pro Sound System: This device played distress calls and predator sounds, but its effectiveness was limited.
  • Prowler Owls: While these may work initially, woodpeckers often habituate to their presence.
  • Suet Feeders: While providing alternative food sources may seem logical, it may attract more woodpeckers to your property and could backfire.

The most effective methods to deter woodpeckers

The most effective method to deter woodpeckers from damaging houses tested in the study was Irri-Tape™. Homes with Irri-Tape™ installed had the greatest reduction in woodpecker damage. In about 50% of the trials, Irri-Tape™ completely eliminated damage. Irri-Tape™ resembles silver reflective streamers. Researchers suspended it from the eaves and siding of a house and allowed the tape to hang freely.

The less effective methods of woodpecker deterrent

The study found other tested methods to be far less effective.
Prowler Owls, which were life-sized plastic owls with extendable wings, also only eliminated damage in 1 of 6 trials. 

The Bird Pro Sound System, which played bird calls, only eliminated damage in 1 of 6 trials.

Suet feeders and Nesting Houses only stopped woodpecker damage in 1 of 10 trials.
The least effective method was the Bird Pro Sound System, which also was the most expensive.

Scare-Eyes, which were  plastic holographic eyes strung on fishing line and hung from the eaves or siding damaged the siding of the test house and upset the homeowner. The researchers did not conduct further tests with this device. The effectiveness of a scare balloon with large eyes is not mentioned in the sources.

Pieces of Irry-tape is the most efective method to keep woodpeckers away from houses. Woodpeckers have drilled holes in the architectural foam on the frames and windows trims of this house. Irry-tape hanging from strategic places around this residence, using strings to promote free movement of the tape, helped keep woodpeckers away.

Reasons Behind Woodpecker Activity on Houses

Drumming for Communication and Territory

Woodpeckers drum on resonant surfaces like hollow trees to communicate and establish territories. Houses with features that mimic these qualities, such as wooden siding or metal roofs, might attract woodpeckers seeking drumming sites

Foraging for Insects

Woodpeckers primarily feed on insects found in wood. If a house has an insect infestation, it could attract woodpeckers searching for food.

Why do woodpeckers damage homes?

Woodpeckers damage homes for various reasons, including:

  • Food: They may be seeking insects that live in wood siding, mistaking it for a natural food source.
  • Shelter: They may excavate cavities for roosting or nesting, especially if natural cavities are scarce
  • Territory: Drumming on resonant surfaces serves to establish territory and attract mates.

Types of damage to homes caused by woodpeckers

Woodpeckers can cause several types of damage to homes, including:

  • Foraging: Drilling holes in wood siding in search of insects.
  • Drumming: Creating loud, repetitive tapping sounds on surfaces like gutters, downspouts, and metal flashing.
  • Roosting: Excavating cavities in wood for shelter, often in the eaves or siding.
  • Nesting: Creating larger cavities for raising young, typically in dead trees but sometimes in homes.

Does house color affect the likelihood of woodpecker damage?

Yes, house color can significantly influence woodpecker damage. This study found that homes with earth-tone stains or paints were significantly more likely to have woodpecker damage than those with bright pastel or white colors.

What are the best long-term solutions for preventing woodpecker damage?

Choosing appropriate building materials and colors can significantly reduce the risk of woodpecker damage. Homeowners in wooded areas are advised to:

  • Avoid earth-toned stains and paints.
  • Opt for brightly colored paints, like white, light blue, or pastels.
  • Consider vinyl or aluminum siding as a more resistant option.
Wooden houses surrounded by natural habitat appear to be among the most affected by woodpeckers.

Are there any promising areas for future research on woodpecker deterrents?

The researchers noted other potential methods of deterring woodpeckers that require further study.

  • If woodpecker activity on a home is prevented at the onset, are the chances of deterring the bird from damaging a house significantly greater?
  • Will a combination of deterrents applied as soon as a woodpecker is first heard on the house, or as a preventative method at the beginning of the damage season for homes commonly impacted, be more effective than Irri-Tape™?

The study also suggests that the best long-term solutions for preventing woodpecker conflicts may be appropriate home construction and color selection

Homeowners living in wooded areas should avoid using natural-colored stains, as brightly painted houses (white, light blue, pastels) are less likely to attract woodpeckers. If damage continues, homeowners may want to cover the home exterior with vinyl or aluminum siding.

Can I legally remove woodpeckers? Are all woodpeckers protected?

Most woodpecker species are protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Lethal control of woodpeckers is generally illegal without a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and, in some states, additional approval from wildlife agencies. Nonlethal methods for preventing woodpecker damage are usually recommended.

Conclusions

While no single method guarantees complete protection against woodpecker damage, Itty-tape was found to be the most effective method to keep woodpeckers away. A multi-faceted approach focusing on house characteristics, visual deterrents, and early intervention offers the best chance of success. Homeowners should prioritize non-lethal methods and consider long-term solutions like appropriate building materials and color choices to minimize the risk of woodpecker damage.

See also: Regional Guides to the Woodpeckers of North America

Additional resources:

References and Sources:

  • Allaboutbirds.org)
  • Gill, Frank B., 1994. Ornithology – 2nd Edition, W. H. Freeman and Company.
  • The Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior, 2001. Chris Elphick, John Dunning, and David Sibley (eds). Alfred A. Knopf, New York.

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