Best Woodpecker Repellents
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How We Found the Best Woodpecker Repellents
Woodpecker Repellents We Reviewed:
Best Woodpecker Repellents
We all the sound when we hear it: that constant little hammering noise that can drive you wild.
Woodpeckers, the appropriately named birds, peck for a few different reasons. Regardless of the “why,” the noise and damage they cause are sometimes more than we would like to handle.
Fortunately, there are many things that we can do to prevent these birds from loitering near our homes. In fact, the following repellents are ones that can do this job without harming the woodpeckers.
We have compiled a small list of what we feel are some of the best woodpecker repellents on the market today. For a few suggestions as to how you can better handle your woodpecker problem, read on about some great products.
BEST BIRD SPIKES
Bird-X Bird Spikes
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- Humane
- Flexible base for versatile setup
- Durable
- Safe to use
- Effective
- Easy to apply
- Useful for other animal prevention
Cons
- Placement adhesive/anchors sold separately
Features & Specs
- Covers 10 feet: Available in 24, 50, and 100 feet
- Comes in pack of 2, 3, and 9
- Stainless steel
- Spikes measure 4.5” deep
Perhaps the greatest perk of this spike product is that the base is flexible. This design allows you to place and mount the strips on any curved or uneven surfaces. You are not limited by a straight bottom but rather can use them where you need them most – even on round surfaces.
Effective, safe, and permanent, the spikes are harmless to birds and will only keep them away, rather than hurting them.
BEST SCARE RODS
Bird Blinder Wind Twisting Scare Rods
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- Humane
- Affordable
- Elegant design
- Utilizes scare tactics
- Safe
- Easy to hang
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not durable
Features & Specs
- 12 inches long
- .8 ounces
- 5 per pack
The strong reflection is great for birds, but the design also adds some flair to your yard. With an elegant look, these silver rods enhance your property rather than lessen its appeal.
Easy to use, you only need to hang them and let their features do the rest. Affordable and simple, these rods are a plain answer to a difficult problem.
BEST SCARE TAPE
De-Bird Reflective Scare Tape
Last update on 2023-06-03 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Pros
- Reflective to scare birds
- Materials make noise to additionally scare
- Non-toxic
- Affordable
- Easy to install
Cons
- Non-adhesive
Features & Specs
- Extra reflective diamond pattern
- 4.2 ounces
- 125 feet
Easy to install, the tape is non-adhesive and can be tied down in place anywhere birds are typically seen. It works best when installed in direct sunlight and installs quickly. With an extra thick design, it is made to last long and resist weather and tearing.
At a highly affordable price, this simple solution is great for houses, trees, gardens, and more. Chemical free, this solution is safe for the environment and animals, causing absolutely no harm.

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Most woodpecker prevention methods utilize tactics of either physical barriers or scare techniques.
Additional Advice
While the above repellent products are excellent choices to fight off woodpeckers, it can never hurt to learn a little bit more about them to help you in your cause. Aside from the fact that they peck wood, what do we really know about woodpeckers? Perhaps learning more about them can help you better use these products and assist you in reaching your goal quicker and easier.
That’s why we have gathered some basic information about woodpeckers. Read on to get a better understanding of these creatures.
About Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers are birds who are known for pecking at tree trunks. Over 180 species of woodpeckers exist, pecking into trees to find their livelihood. They are equipped with strong, pointed beaks that serve as chisels and crowbars. They also have a very long tongue that is up to four inches long. It is coated with a glue-like substance at the tip to make catching insects easier.
Their diet consists of insects, which is what they peck for, but they also eat fruit and nuts. These unique birds are found all over the world.
Woodpeckers peck for one of three reasons. The first one is called drumming. Drumming is a common woodpecker behavior that is done to either attract a mate or to let others know that the territory is claimed.
The next reason is obvious: these birds pecks for food. Woodpeckers drill into wood to look for various insects like beetles, larvae, and more. The holes they make are often shallow.
The last reason a woodpecker pecks is for nesting. The birds like to create a hollowed out nesting site that requires a large amount of pecking localized to one specific area. The hole created for a nest is much large than those created to find food. They create more damage to wooden structures as well, especially since a woodpecker will likely make several “test sites” before settling in their permanent nest.
For obvious reasons, woodpeckers prefer to live in wooded areas and forests. Because they need wood for more than just food, it is likely that wooden structures like houses can fall prey to these intensive tappings.
Males and females will work in collaboration to build a nest together so that they mate and incubate eggs. A female will lay around four eggs at once, and when the eggs hatch, the parents take care of the young together until they are 25 to 30 days.
Woodpecker Tips
Most woodpecker prevention methods utilize tactics of either physical barriers or scare techniques. The physical barrier method literally blocks entry of woodpeckers. This can include steel mesh. Scare techniques are more widespread than physical barriers, including things like noise, motion sensors, plastic molds, spikes, and reflective objects.
Some people have used DIY methods like using aluminum foil hung. It will reflect sunlight and work as a scare tactic.
If your home is made of wood, it’s likely that a woodpecker will find it attractive. However, woodpeckers can be a sign of another problem. Aside from drumming and building nests, we know that woodpeckers peck to find food. A significant amount of pecking in your home can be a sign of a bug infestation in your home.
Have your home treated for bugs in case this is the issue. It may help with your woodpecker issue.