I know that Halloween won’t arrive for many days, but I have a horror story for you—we have unwelcome houseguests. Woodpeckers are descending on our house like cats to a tuna melt.
Now don’t get me wrong. I love birds. A pet bird pops up in my novel Carefree and plays an important role.
I love to watch birds and hear them sing (um…okay well some birds I don’t like turkey vultures and the like). We have a bird feeder and bird bath, which is electric to keep the water from freezing in the winter, but the woodpeckers have become troublesome. Why? Knock, knock, knock is all we hear from all sides, and trying the fill up the holes haven’t worked. As soon as the old ones are filled in, they just start making new ones. AND it doesn’t matter that there are lovely trees in the backyard, they prefer the wooden panels of our house.
This wasn’t always a problem, we’re not sure what happened, but something has to be done.
Any ideas on how to get rid of them? I’ll giveaway a copy of Illusive Flame to the best idea or solution, but it must be humane.
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Hi Dara,
have you though about getting a cat, so she/it can scare the birds away?
by Danny
on October 1st, 2007 at 6:17 am
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Dara,
Why don’t you try hanging wild bird feeders with the seeds in them in strategic spots in your yard but away from the house. You can see what I mean here: http://www.rescuepetstore.com/bird_feeders-pet-supplies.html
This will focus their attention elsewhere.
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I don’t know if this works but it gave me the giggles…
The BIRDS-AWAY Attack Spider® is a battery-operated device that will chase away damage-causing woodpeckers. Activated by sound, the spider drops down on an 18 inch string while making a loud noise. Then it climbs back up the string, ready to attack again. This unusual solution is both very inexpensive and highly effective. Woodpeckers cannot stand them!
http://www.attackspider.com/?gclid=CMuxk73l7Y4CFSIQgQodWhEWLQ
by Karen B
on October 1st, 2007 at 8:26 am
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Putting up a suet feeder won’t get rid of woodpeckers, but it will probably distract them from putting more holes in your home.
by Christy H.
on October 1st, 2007 at 8:52 am
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You might try hanging outside decorations up or maybe put some lattice up close to the house with some kind of vine plants to grow up.
by Tammy G.
on October 1st, 2007 at 10:42 am
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Woodpeckers that won’t go away may have found a food source in your wood so you should check for insects. If the wood is insect free then loud noises or strips of foil have been known to work.
by Maureen
on October 1st, 2007 at 1:36 pm
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Check your house for bugs of some sort. Birds are usually looking for food when they peck like that.
by Estella
on October 1st, 2007 at 2:53 pm
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Hmm, why is my other comment in moderation? It wasn’t even a tad bit dirty, lol.
by Robin
on October 1st, 2007 at 6:58 pm
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Thanks for all of these wonderful suggestions! They really got me thinking, but I have to say that I’m going to try the Attack Spider idea. The concept alone is worth a try (if not a laugh).
So congrats to Karen B! Please contact me so I can send you a copy of Illusive Flame.
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Big congrats Karen and good luck Dara!
by Danny
on October 2nd, 2007 at 11:39 am
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Thanks, Dara! Hope the spider works and looking forward to reading Illusive Flame.
Sent you an email with my address.
by Karen B
on October 2nd, 2007 at 4:13 pm
