PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS: Answers To Your Toughest Pest Questions

WOODPECKER CONTROL?
Q. I have a customer who says he has a problem with woodpeckers damaging his business. The building is a log house. I inspected the structure but did not see any birds so I do not know what species it is. I informed him that woodpeckers are a protected species and cannot be shot. Are there products on the market for woodpeckers? (G.L., Ohio)

A. This is the time of year that woodpeckers make themselves known
for a couple of reasons. First, males are territorial. They find something in their territory that makes a loud sound when they peck on it and they use it to warn other males that this is their territory. This habit, called "drumming," is a series of rapid pecks to the surface of an object (they really like gutters and chimney cap rims). This, if done on wood, will leave a large area that is pecked on but usually not penetrated. This takes place for a few weeks then stops after mating has occurred.

Next, and more damaging, is the search for food. If woodpeckers find a carpenter bee nest, they will tear up the wood to get to the bees and larvae. This usually results in a hole through the siding or fascia board and the trim of the building. If you are able to control the carpenter bees (or carpenter ants), the birds will move. There have been some situations where the bird is nesting in a pillar or support pole. This is unusual but it can happen. Generally, in this situation, the woodpecker will abandon this effort.

You are absolutely correct that these birds are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The best way to deter them is using scare tactics, like hanging strips of reflective Mylar tape or "scare eye" balloons for a few weeks. If the customer does not want these methods used, then netting off the area may be a solution. Again, if the woodpeckers are feeding, controlling the insects they feed on can deter their activity.

The author is president of George Rambo Consulting Services, Herndon, Va. Fax questions to him at 703/709-9637 or e-mail them to grambo@pctonline.com.