Woodpeckers

The question of woodpecker control has been raised and Wendy Jessup
has provided some reasonable advice. Most particularly she notes
that the different species of woodpeckers are protected by federal
law--either the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act or the Endangered
Species Act. In addition, the woodpeckers are almost always also
protected by various state (or even local) laws.

Its important to understand why woodpeckers "drill" or "tap" in
wood. While some do it searching for insects, many drill in sound
wood where few, if any, insects exist. Some species do it solely to
store acorns. Others do it simply to generate sap, in which insects
get trapped. In addition, woodpeckers engage in "drumming" or
tapping on wood to establish their territories and signal mates. In
other words, like virtually all conservation issues, even the
control of woodpeckers requires a good bit more information than was
provided in the initial posting.

In terms of damage prevention and control methods, there are a few
that are successful, depending on the circumstances. There are
techniques, such as netting or metal barriers, that provide
exclusion and encourage the woodpeckers to go elsewhere. Frightening
devices include both visual and sound approaches. Visual devices
such as plastic snakes, owls, etc. are almost always failures
(within a few days the birds begin to realize the obvious--that this
"thing" is simply a hunk of plastic). On the other hand, some
success can be had with mirrors, especially the round shaving
mirrors that also magnify. Sound can be effective, if you want to
spend the time and effort. In terms of repellents, different studies
have explored taste and odor, without success, or at least without
cost-effective success.

One technique that works *in the colder seasons* is putting out suet
to attract the woodpeckers away from structures. But, please be
aware that suet should never be put out for woodpeckers in warm
seasons. It gets on their feathers, leading to matting and eventual
loss of feathers. It is very harmful to the birds. Another that
might work (depending on the species involved) is providing nesting
boxes, sometime actually on the structure.

Since insect control has been mentioned, it is also very important
to understand that this is appropriate only where there is, in fact,
insect infested wood. Depending on their chemical composition,
pesticides may have adverse effects on the woodpeckers. If
pesticides are absolutely necessary it is essential that the
pesticide be selected on the basis of its safety to birds.

So, bottom line. First, find out what kind of woodpecker is
attacking the structure. Second, evaluate the structure to determine
if pests are present. Third, observe the woodpeckers to identify if
they are, in fact, attracted to the insects. Then you will be in a
position to decide on treatments.

If I can be of assistance, please contact me. Best,

Michael Trinkley, Ph.D.
Director
Chicora Foundation, Inc.
PO Box 8664
Columbia, SC 29202
803-787-6910

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 11:38
                 Distributed: Monday, October 20, 1997
                       Message Id: cdl-11-38-002
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