![]() ![]() ![]() North Central Forest Experiment Station, Forest Service, U.S. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act prohibits the killing of woodpeckers without a permit. This also aids in the prevention of any initial destruction. Instead, implementation of deterrents may be the best strategy in coping with further damage. In summary, it’s best not to worry about the damage already caused by woodpeckers. Example: propane cannons, fuse ropes, bird banger rockets, screamers, electronic scare devices, or music. Play bird distress calls or any other loud noises.Hang shiny metal objects (aluminum) or brightly colored plastics on or around the tree.Smear a sticky repellent material on the affected area such as: Tanglefoot, Roost-No-More, or Bird Stop. They usually nest and roost in holes that they excavate in tree trunks, and their abandoned holes are of importance to other cavity-nesting birds.Wrap burlap or other materials loosely around the area being tapped.If management is needed, use a combination of Physical, Visual, and Noise Repellents for the best results. There are many deterrents available on the market, but their success at management is minimal. If the damage is severe, it is best to deter further attacks and keep the tree as healthy as possible. Majority of the time, no treatment is necessary. Photo by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources archives. ![]() Some trees are repeatedly chosen over and over each year due to habit and migratory patterns. Courtesy Michael Schilmoeller Northern flicker Kenn and Kimberly: While many birds sing to claim their territories, woodpeckers have a different method. Woodpeckers choose trees for no particular reason, but tree species with softer bark or high sugar content in their sap are favored. This is rare, and most damage should not be a concern. This results in reducing the tree’s ability to transport water and nutrients,and the tree could die. If the tree is small and the damage is extensive, the tree could be girdled. In severe cases, the rows of holes can be drilled so close together that entire patches of bark and wood are removed. Although, some woodpeckers do feed on wood boring insects, bark lice and other pests harmful to trees. Just because a woodpecker is feeding on a tree, does not mean the tree is infested with insects. To prevent woodpeckers from making even larger holes, you can fill existing holes with wood putty to discourage them from nesting in that location. Woodpeckers are drilling these holes to feed on sap and the insects attracted to it. Typical damage can be a single row of small holes or several rows close together around the trunk or branches. The male also has a crimson chin and throat, distinguishing him from the female whose chin and throat are white. The adult birds are identified by a black crescent on the breast, pale yellow belly, white wing stripe, and a crimson crown. This migratory bird can be identified by its medium size and distinctive markings. The most common woodpecker in our area is the Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker. Photo by James Soloman, USDA Forest Service.Īrborists are often asked, “What is boring holes in a straight line across my tree’s trunk?” The woodpecker is the culprit, and most of the time it causes no health problems for the tree. A woodpecker drilling holes to feed on sap and the insects attracted to it. ![]()
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