Some of the products we’re reviewing might have the word repel or repellent in the name. Don’t let it confuse you. Deterrent and repellent are very similar in many ways but a deterrent has more of a physical connotation to it, whereas a repellent operates more on an emotional level.
Looking for our recommended woodpecker repellants? Check out this guide.
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Woodpeckers and Their Diet
Woodpeckers are average-sized birds, about 7-15 inches long. Most woodpeckers feed on wood-boring insects such as wood borers, bark lice, and other insects harmful to trees. They also eat ants and other insects, berries, nuts, and seeds collected from trees and shrubs.
As migrating birds woodpeckers are protected by law from being killed, but there is nothing preventing you from killing the bugs they eat. If there’s no food, there’s no reason for them to hang around. They’ll leave of their own accord to seek greener pastures elsewhere.
Using Insecticides To Deter Woodpeckers
Using insecticides will become a major part of your deterrence efforts to keep woodpeckers away from your house and property.
The advantages of spraying an insecticide are that it kills bugs the woodpeckers eat, which are bugs that also damage the trees on your property and leave holes of their own in your house.
Because the insecticides are a spray, you can cover entire areas instead of just a few spots here and there. With a ladder and a 1-gallon hand sprayer, you can spray your entire roof with just one or two gallons of insecticide, killing bugs for up to three months before you have re-spray.
The one disadvantage is that it’s a slow process. You’re not going to get instant results. We recommend using this in conjunction with the other deterrents listed here. That way you get short-term coverage and well as long-term.
Top 5 Best Woodpecker Deterrents
As a quick recap, here are the best Woodpecker deterrents we looked at. Our #1 pick went to Talstar Pro.
Be sure to take a look at the 4 the Birds Repellent Liquid spray because it creates an uncomfortable sticky sensation on their feet.
In the below section we break down each of our product recommendations in a little more detail.
- MorTime Reflective Scare Rods
- 4 The Birds Repellent Liquid
- JT Eaton Bird Repellent Gel
- Bird-X Bird Spikes
- Anti Bird Protection Netting
MorTime Reflective Scare Rods
Beautify your backyard while keeping those pesky woodpeckers away with MorTime’s decorative, reflective scare rods. These humane and environmentally-friendly sun mirrors scare birds by reflecting light in several directions. Install some under a patio to keep birds from making a mess with their waste products. They may even save those poor little finches from crashing into your glass doors.
The key is in the reflective plastic, which is lightweight and durable. It holds up to most weather conditions and stays attractive year-round. The best thing is, the sturdy material is easy to handle and won’t harm birds.
The set comes 30 to a pack and is easy to install almost anywhere. It comes ready with an elastic string and instructions. The recommended interval is about one to two feet apart for maximum results.
4 The Birds Repellent Liquid
This comes in a 1-gallon container, already premixed and ready to use. Empty it into your 1-gallon hand sprayer and you’re ready to start spraying.
It can be used in nearly any weather and on almost any outdoor
surface. You can spray it on trees, shrubs, vines, shingles, siding, and more. It’s non-toxic and non-lethal.
You may need several gallons if you are working on a larger area.
It leaves a sticky residue behind when it “dries”. When woodpeckers land on it they feel the stickiness and want to get away from it.
Although it’s technically a repellent, they have to come into physical contact with it in order for it to work which is why we’re listing here under deterrents.
Another reason to list it as a deterrent is that it discourages woodpeckers rather than compelling them to leave. Some will stay in spite of it.
Woodpeckers are social birds, however, so the more of them that leave, the more of their companions that will leave to go with them. All things being equal, it’s quite effective.
JT Eaton Bird Repellent Gel
It’s a clear gel that leaves behind a thick, sticky residue that creates uncomfortable sensations when woodpeckers land on it.
It lasts for a long time so it’s easy to apply and maintain. The non-toxic formula won’t cause staining on buildings and won’t harm any animals that come in contact with it.
This petroleum-based clear formula can be used in any weather on ledges, window sills, beams, tree trunks, tree branches and limbs, rafters, etc. It can be applied in straight or wavy lines to cover the surface you’re protecting (wavy lines are the best) and is nearly invisible once applied.
It does have a tendency to melt in hot weather so you may have to re-apply it more frequently in the summer months than during the rest of the year, and each tube only covers about 30-32 linear feet.
Bird-X Bird Spikes
These professional-grade bird spikes from Bird-X help deter woodpeckers and other pest birds from perching in areas where they’re not wanted. They provide a physical barrier to birds landing on ledges, fences, and other structures.
Use Bird-X Bird Spikes in these locations:
- Rooftops
- Ledges
- Fences
- Patios
- Garages
The stainless steel spikes are rustproof and easy to install with adhesive, nails, or screws. Once in place, they require no maintenance. Each kit comes with 10 feet of spikes mounted onto a plastic base. It also contains full instructions and mounting hardware.
Anti Bird Protection Netting
This is a black net with 1/2″ mesh. It is 14-feet wide and comes in a 200-foot long roll. While you probably don’t want to drape your house with bird netting, wrapping it around the tree trunks and branches shouldn’t cause much of a problem.
It needs to be suspended at least a couple inches away from the surface it is protecting. You might need to hire someone to wrap the netting around the trees for you or buy some ladders. Either way, it’s going to cost more than just the price of the netting.
When woodpeckers land on it they can’t get a firm grip on the wood through the net. Without that firm footing, they can’t peck at the wood. The swaying motion of the net simply won’t let them do it. They’ll quickly become frustrated and leave.
Netting is especially useful if a flock of woodpeckers has already established themselves in the trees around your house. They feel like it’s their territory now, so it will take some very stern measures to drive them away.
Wrapping a net around your trees is a radical maneuver but it will work. But it is going to take some work to make it work, and it will be rather unsightly while the netting is in place.
Think you might need professional help with your woodpecker problem? Use the form below to connect with local pest control pros:
