Author Topic: Woodpecker problem  (Read 3666 times)

FerrumB5

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Woodpecker problem
« on: October 08, 2016, 08:14:59 AM »
Hi Folks,

a woodpecker has made a hole in my window! I used a lot of wood filler to cover the damage but the damn bird keeps coming back and making holes in this filler. Any suggestions? It's the front window so I don't want to put plastic owls or hawks in front of it.
Thanks!

matchewed

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Re: Woodpecker problem
« Reply #1 on: October 08, 2016, 08:20:20 AM »

incognito

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Re: Woodpecker problem
« Reply #2 on: October 08, 2016, 08:26:07 AM »
Woodpeckers don't make holes just for fun, they're searching for insects to eat that are living inside the wood. If you have woodpeckers boring holes in your house, it's likely you have some insect infestation underneath, maybe termites. I would call an exterminator to check it out. Good luck!

RedBaron3

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Re: Woodpecker problem
« Reply #3 on: October 10, 2016, 06:39:06 AM »
Woodpeckers don't make holes just for fun, they're searching for insects to eat that are living inside the wood.

This.  They'll rip open the rails of my split rail fence to dig out carpenter bees if I don't take care of the bees first.  Absolutely find out what they're searching for. 

CowboyAndIndian

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Re: Woodpecker problem
« Reply #4 on: October 10, 2016, 03:22:48 PM »
I have the same problem. Following.

I tried a copper mesh in the hole (https://www.amazon.com/Stuf-fit-Copper-Mesh-Control-30/dp/B00149P89E)

The woodpecker abandoned that hole and is finding other places to make holes.

FerrumB5

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Re: Woodpecker problem
« Reply #5 on: October 11, 2016, 10:28:04 AM »
Thanks to all. It's been quiet in the past couple of days, hopefully he abandoned my house

Lake161

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Re: Woodpecker problem
« Reply #6 on: October 11, 2016, 06:32:14 PM »
Woodpeckers don't make holes just for fun, they're searching for insects to eat that are living inside the wood. If you have woodpeckers boring holes in your house, it's likely you have some insect infestation underneath, maybe termites. I would call an exterminator to check it out. Good luck!

Actually, during mating season the males like to peck on anything that makes a louder noise than a tree. Like our siding.

What works in our area is handing dangling strips of Mylar tape that flutter in the breeze. Some people also hang shiny DVDs on fishing line. This won't work for wood that has insects, but it stops the pecking of areas with no bugs during mating season.

FerrumB5

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Re: Woodpecker problem
« Reply #7 on: October 11, 2016, 07:16:15 PM »
Woodpeckers don't make holes just for fun, they're searching for insects to eat that are living inside the wood. If you have woodpeckers boring holes in your house, it's likely you have some insect infestation underneath, maybe termites. I would call an exterminator to check it out. Good luck!

Actually, during mating season the males like to peck on anything that makes a louder noise than a tree. Like our siding.

What works in our area is handing dangling strips of Mylar tape that flutter in the breeze. Some people also hang shiny DVDs on fishing line. This won't work for wood that has insects, but it stops the pecking of areas with no bugs during mating season.

DW would not allow shiny stuff on the front window :) She resisted long time before letting me put DVDs on my tomato plants

DoubleDown

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Re: Woodpecker problem
« Reply #8 on: October 15, 2016, 10:29:22 AM »
Hanging a reflective, shiny object got rid of the woodpecker that was constantly banging on our aluminum siding upstairs. I used a pie tin after reading recommendations for it, and worked like a charm right away. Seeing their reflection scares them away. You can let your wife know it will likely only take a couple of days so she won't have to suffer the "shiny stuff on the window" for long.