
Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers are striking looking birds known for the noise they create when pecking at trees or wooden structures. Male woodpeckers have some red coloring on the head, and males and females usually have black and white patterned feathers on the body. Their sharp, chisel-like beaks are what allow these birds to peck at pieces of wood to claim a territory, attract a mate, create nests, and find food (insects). The problem with woodpeckers is that they are not good at determining the difference between trees and buildings.
The woodpecker’s preferred food is insects like beetles, ants, and caterpillars. To gain access to these insects, they will peck at the exterior of trees. However, they don’t always choose trees to peck at to find food or create nesting sites; they often choose the exterior of buildings. They will damage siding, roof shingles, drain pipes, vents, and chimneys with their strong, sharp beaks. In addition to the damage they cause, the sound they produce while pecking can become annoying to deal with day after day and distracting to employees and customers.
Health and Safety Issues Regarding Woodpeckers
These are fascinating birds known for their characteristic drumming and pecking behaviors, but their interactions with humans and structures can lead to a range of health and safety concerns. Below are some key issues to consider:
1. Structural Damage
Woodpeckers can cause significant damage to homes, buildings, and other structures:
- Holes in Walls or Roofs: Woodpeckers often peck at wooden siding, shingles, or trim to create nesting cavities or find food (e.g., insects). This can weaken structural integrity.
- Insulation Damage: Once they breach walls, woodpeckers can damage insulation, reducing its effectiveness and increasing energy costs.
- Water Intrusion: Holes made by woodpeckers can allow water to enter the building, leading to mold growth, rot, and other structural issues.
2. Noise Disturbances
- Persistent Drumming: Woodpeckers drum on metal or wood surfaces to communicate or mark territory. This can create constant, loud noises, especially during breeding seasons.
- Stress: Repeated disturbances from drumming can cause stress and disrupt sleep for individuals living nearby.
3. Health Risks
- Disease Transmission: While woodpeckers are not primary carriers of diseases, their nesting sites can attract mites, ticks, and other pests that may carry diseases.
- Contaminated Droppings: Like other birds, woodpecker droppings can accumulate, leading to potential health risks such as histoplasmosis, a fungal infection caused by inhaling spores from bird droppings.
4. Safety Concerns
- Falling Debris: Pecking on structures can loosen wood, paint, or other materials, posing risks to individuals below.
- Risk to Power Lines: In some cases, woodpeckers may target wooden utility poles, which can weaken the poles and increase the risk of collapse.
5. Wildlife Conflicts
- Aggression Towards Other Birds: Woodpeckers may dominate bird feeders, preventing other species from accessing food.
- Injury to Trees: Excessive pecking can damage trees, leaving them vulnerable to diseases and pests.
Partnering with Bird Solutions is the best solution to your Florida commercial facility’s woodpecker problems. Woodpeckers are federally protected, so partnering with a professional is essential when managing them.
In conjunction with our professional services, the following tips will help make your commercial property less attractive to woodpeckers:
- Place metal sheeting over areas of siding that woodpeckers are attacking to encourage them to leave that site.
- Place find mesh covers over vents on your buildings to protect them from woodpecker damage.
- Hang objects around or on your structures that are reflective or make noise.
Learn more about our commercial bird solutions, and our bird control system.