Living With Woodpecker Neighbors
If you find a sick, injured or orphaned woodpecker, learn what to do here!
Here are some common areas of conflict when you have woodpeckers as neighbors or even migrant birds passing through. While most people enjoy seeing woodpeckers around their home, issues can happen, so we are here to help!
All migratory bird species are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act which prevents the take (killing, capturing, selling, trading, etc.) of these species, their babies, eggs or nests.
How Can I Prevent a Woodpecker From Pecking at My House?
Woodpeckers must hold onto a surface with their feet to peck. Hanging a sheet or other smooth barrier parallel to the surface they’ve been pecking will make them unable to position themselves securely. The barrier can be removed once the behavior stops. You should also check the area they’re targeting checked for an insect infestation since woodpeckers feed on various insects.
Will Woodpeckers Kill My Trees?
Woodpeckers tend to forage for insects in partially dead or standing dead trees. Woodpeckers can actually help maintain the health of a tree by removing wood-boring insects.
Do you still have questions after reading the information above? Contact us or a local wildlife rehabilitator!
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Resources
Answering the Call of the Wild by Erin Luther. Toronto Wildlife Centre