8/17/2023 0 Comments Woodpecker holes![]() Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. ![]() Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential. If you are convicted of killing one, your fine can be up to $500 and six months in jail (more than Lindsey Lohan got). Important note: Woodpeckers are protected by the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Hang it far enough from the side of the house that it does not act like a cargo net for them to hang on comfortably and make holes. Temporarily blocking the area with netting, chicken wire or hardware cloth is a possibility. It is also possible to exclude the birds from an area if the damage is localized. Shiny Mylar tape twisted and strung to move in the wind.“Scare-eye” balloons filled with air and dangling from a piece of twine.Flappy, car-dealer, triangular flags attached to a string.Aluminum pie plates strung vertically on a cord and tacked under the eaves.The aim is for the object to be silent and move. Even the most stupid bird will realize that a cardboard owl that hasn’t moved in a week is not to be feared. The goal is to have several scary things to periodically switch so “Pecky” doesn’t become used to one. When the house is under attack, what are your options? By now, it’s obvious that pesticides are not the solution. A house sided with cedar, redwood or sheets of textured wood paneling will come close enough. It’s a matter of a lack of suitable housing. They are territorial and do not wish to share their area with others and most dead trees that they would live in are cut down soon after dying. Woodpeckers end up choosing houses for several reasons. The large holes happen more frequently in the fall of the year because woodpeckers that are cavity nesters are looking for winter lodging. They chip divots into many kinds of trees and return later to hopefully feed on the sap that has come up. The straight lines are made by a kind of woodpecker called a yellow-bellied sapsucker. Sometimes, the hole goes right through the wood. ![]() Holes are usually placed in the top third of the structure. The second is having one or more large chipped holes in an area. On rare occasions, the holes are placed vertically. One involves horizontal, straight lines of holes that are closely placed. ![]() Woodpeckers have their own agenda and it has nothing to do with pecking the buggy-goodness out of the wood.ĭamage to a house can take two forms. Many of the callers have been told that the damage is related to having wood siding riddled with all manner of insects. Photo: James Solomon, In the spring and fall of the year, Extension hotlines light up with questions about woodpeckers damaging the exterior wood siding or trim on houses. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |