Top 3 Best Woodpecker Deterrents
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How We Found the Best Woodpecker Deterrents
Woodpecker Deterrents We Reviewed:
Best Woodpecker Deterrents
Woodpeckers present a tricky challenge.
They can fly, of course, and they can do considerable damage to your home, trees, or other structures on your property. However, because they are migratory birds, the federal government protects them with laws and regulations that make eliminating them impractical. Penalties include both fines and prison sentences.
Your wisest option is to deter them instead. That way, you’ll avoid the cost of their destruction while keeping you on the right side of the law. We strongly advise this course of action, especially given the popularity of birdwatching and a significant number of participants in the hobby. Killing these birds isn’t an option when you consider the consequences.
Our Top 3 Best Woodpecker Deterrents 2018 review gives you the information you need to take a better—and legal—approach to rid your home of these pests to restore your peace of mind and avoid the additional expenses of these nuisance animals.
BEST OVERALL
Bird B Gone Woodpecker Deterrent Kit
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- It uses two forms of visual deterrents for maximum effectiveness.
- It includes all the hardware you need to install it.
- It is reusable.
- It relies on both movement and a visual component to repel the woodpeckers.
- The birds will vacate the area if it becomes annoying enough to them.
Cons
- The balloon is too large and looks silly.
Features & Specs
- You can buy it in either a single or double pack.
- The kit measures 8.5 x 9 x 1 inches.
The Bird B Gone Woodpecker Deterrent Kit offers a non-toxic way to repel the birds without harming non-targeted animals or pets. It contains both mylar tape and a scare balloon that also has shiny patches on it. These surfaces are a practical solution because it frightens them and moves in the wind. The latter is useful for preventing the pests from getting used to its presence.
BEST LIQUID DETERRENT
Bird-X Bird 4 the Birds Repellent Liquid
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- You can use it on both structures and trees.
- It is transparent.
- It is non-toxic.
- One application gets the job done.
- One bottle covers a lot of space.
Cons
- It’s expensive.
- The use of sticky substances is questionable
Features & Specs
- It comes in a one-gallon size.
- It weighs 10 pounds.
Bird-X Bird 4 the Birds Repellent Liquid relies on the fact that woodpeckers don’t like clinging to surfaces that are wet, or in this case, sticky. The product is transparent, so it’s not evident to your neighbors that you’re using a deterrent. You have to apply it with either a paintbrush or power washer. Bear in mind that it is tacky and will collect dirt and dust over time.
BEST ULTRASONIC
Bird-X Yard Gard Electronic Animal Repeller
Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- It acts on a variety of other pests including rodents and deer.
- It isn’t audible to most humans.
- It is adjustable for homing in on the level of control you need.
- It is motion-activated.
- You can use it with either batteries or electricity.
Cons
- It isn’t entirely silent for all people which some may find annoying.
Features & Specs
- Its dimensions are 6.6 x 3.25 x 5.4 inches.
- Its range is up to 4,000 square feet.
- It runs on four C batteries or electricity.
The Bird-X Yard Gard Electronic Animal Repeller provides another non-lethal and eco-friendly solution to getting rid of a woodpecker problem. It works on other pests too, making it a better value for the price. Since it’s motion-activated, it adds an element of surprise to its operation and prevents birds and other animals from getting used to its presence.
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FAQs
As you can see, they are several ways to approach the problem of nuisance woodpeckers. The next thing you need to know is how to use them to maximize their effectiveness. We’ve included some tips to get the most out of your purchase to get rid of these pests and protect your home and property.
How Do Woodpecker Deterrents Work?
The method varies with the type of product. Some use different kinds of scare tactics to encourage the birds to move onto another location. They include flashy tape or objects. Others use the woodpecker’s instinct to avoid predators. You’ll see them as decoys of owls and hawks. You’ll also find products that rely on ultrasonic waves. Random and unexpected sights and sounds can frighten the winged pests.
Are the Deterrents Safe?
These products typically are non-toxic and present no threat to your children or pets when used as directed. They are non-lethal because it’s illegal to use anything that may kill them with filling out a Woodpeckers Federal Depredation Permit Application. The conditions are specific to the type of bird, damage, and actions that you can take. Deterrents offer an eco-friendly and humane solution.
Are They Effective?
Woodpeckers are excellent at spotting threats—and dismissing benign ones. We suggest using more than one type at the same time to confuse them and make your home less appealing to them. There are three primary reasons that these birds will peck on your house or shed. They include:
- Foraging for insects
- Creating cavities for nesting
- Drumming to mark their territory
It’s easy to see why putting up barriers whether it’s something physical or an object that flashes in the sunlight can create an effective deterrent. Birds, like other wildlife, have to conserve energy and find adequate resources to survive. The steps you take to repel them can bring a welcome end to the problem.
You can further increase your chances of success by managing the habitat that your yard provides. You might think about using plants as barriers to their preferred pecking sites. You might also consider other types such as netting or fences to keep the birds away. Something as simple as spraying down the side of your house with a garden hose can discourage them.
What Are the Best Ways to Use Them?
As we stated above, a multifaceted approach is best. You’ll likely find that it’s a better solution than relying on only one tactic. Some may work initially until the woodpecker become habituated to the presence of a deterrent. That’s often the case with decoys. You can increase your chances of success by using the element of surprise to your advantage.
Objects that move or flashy randomly are useful for preventing the pests from becoming accustomed to the presence of a deterrent. We’d also suggest varying your lineup of options to confuse the birds even more. Rest assured this behavior is typically short-lived. They’ll soon move on to build their nests and start raising their young.
How Can I Avoid a Problem With Woodpeckers?
The best approach is prevention. Have your deterrents in place in the early spring before the woodpeckers have returned from migration. If you notice any damage, repair it promptly so that it doesn’t entice the birds to revisit the spot. You might also lure them away from better food sources than the insects they may find under your siding. They are fond of other foodstuffs such as suet.
Controlling bugs in your yard and on your house is another way to discourage repeat visits. Inspect your home for signs of other infestations that can provide a food source for scavenging woodpeckers. These birds are opportunistic and will take advantage of anything they can find. You’ll see that by using a deterrent along with the removal of any food sources provides an effective means of control.