To learn more about Woodpeckers check out
http://www.montereybay.com/creagrus/woodpeckers.html

Before we get rid of them, know that woodpeckers are quite helpful and if you would like to attract them to your home, check out http://www.birdsforever.com/woody.html

WOODPECKERS BOTHERING YOU? ?  WHAT TO DO

 

Spring time in Colorado brings more than flowers and green lawns.  It´s also when you can expect those distracting and destructive woodpeckers to arrive.  They migrate north along the Rockies from as far away as Mexico.  The most common woodpecker we see in the Denver area is the red shafted flicker.

 

What is all that relentless drumming about anyway?  Primarily these highly territorial birds are looking for a mate.  So they hammer away on anything that resonates sound the loudest.  Favorite targets are metal chimney caps, wood siding, wood shake roof shingles, as well as metal and plastic gutters. 

 

The pecking is not always about establishing territory or to find a mate.  The birds also bore into wood to eat bugs.  They love to bore into your wood or stucco siding to create their new home.  Once they establish themselves, they are really difficult to get rid of.

 

Federal law protects woodpeckers, so killing them can be a difficult option.  If you have tried other methods, the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service can grant a permit for $25.00 for you to use lethal methods.  Try calling (303) 236-8171 or download the permit numbered 3-200-13 from their web site located at: http://www.fws.gov/.  The required permit may also be found at http://forms.fws.gov/3-200-13.pdf 

Additionally, you will need to call the Colorado Wildlife Service at 303-236-5810 to complete question 9 of the permit over the phone. 

 

POSSIBLE WOODPECKER SOLUTIONS:

  1. The one that has worked the best for me personally is loud noise.  They really do not like their environment disturbed.  Try placing a radio in or next to your fireplace if they are targeting your chimney flue.  The louder the better.  Let it play all day long if possible.  Toy cap guns or yelling works too.  If they are disturbed every time they come back, they will find a quieter location to claim as their territory.  Simply walking outside and letting them see you also works well. Showing up every time they show up seems to annoy them. 
  2. Quickly repairing the holes also encourages them to move on.
  3. Cayenne pepper sprayed on their favorite areas also works well.
  4. Bird decoys sometimes works but fake owls have mixed results.
  5. Mirrors can also be effective since they present the image of another bird.  That territorial issue comes into play here.
  6. Insecticides and wood preservatives may also work.
  7. Get a permit from the Colorado Division of Wildlife to take lethal action.    

If you would like to know more about Denver and many other home buying considerations, simply call us at 303-880-4944,

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