How to Discourage Birds From Pecking Holes in Buildings

There's no mistaking the sound of a woodpecker drumming on a building, or the resulting holes left behind. Chasing the birds is temporary and ineffective. Woodpeckers are the most common culprits; most other species roost or nest, but don't drill holes. Woodpeckers instinctively peck in wood to search for food and to carve out nesting places, but it's also part of woodpecker courtship. The key to discouraging them is to act promptly once the bird starts pecking. Woodpeckers are protected under federal and most state regulations, so if you find a nest in a building, removal must wait until the birds are gone.

Netting
Hammer
Nails or staples
Artificial decoys
Foil or metal flashing

Instructions

- 1
  Identify areas where birds are pecking. Woodpeckers are drawn to siding, eaves, window frames and trim. They prefer cedar and redwood, but will drill into pine, cypress, fir and other types of wood with natural or stained finishes, which they prefer over paint.
- 2
  Place lightweight plastic netting over the entire area the birds are pecking. Use a fine-gauge mesh of at least ¾ inch. Leave a 3-inch space between the netting and the building to prevent the birds from pecking, and poking, through it.
- 3
  
  Use fine mesh netting to keep birds away.
  
  Attach the mesh to the eave or roof overhang and secure it to the building siding. Pull the netting fairly tight and secure it so the birds can't get underneath. This can be left in place for an extended period of time and is nearly invisible.
- 4
  Repel the birds with additional netting if they move to another area of the building.
- 5
  Add repellants such as artificial hawks or owls to help keep the birds away. Aluminum foil or metal flashing can also serve this purpose.
- 6
  Repair any holes in the wood once the birds are gone. Woodpeckers will return to places where they have drilled holes.

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