How do I keep woodpeckers from attacking
my house?
Woodpeckers drum on buildings
for several reasons. They may staking out a territory. They may be trying
to attract a mate. They may be trying get to insects. They may be trying to
excavate a nesting-cavity.
If the drumming is due
to territorial or mating reasons, it is probably a temporary disturbance and
the woodpecker will usually stop on its own.
If there are insects
in the siding of the house, then access to the insects can be limited or you
can try to eliminate the insects. The siding can be protected with flashing
or screening therefore denying the woodpecker.
If the woodpecker is
trying to build a cavity, then a birdhouse can be mounted over the disturbed
area and the woodpecker may occupy the house instead. Sometimes filling the
nesting box with wood shavings will give the industrious laborer the impression
that it can still excavate a nesting-cavity.
In any event, it is important
to keep for the woodpeckers as much natural habitat as possible. Dead trees
can be left standing and birdhouses can be mounted to provide suitable food
supply and nesting opportunities.
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