Woodpeckers can cause serious damage to your roof with their constant pecking and drumming. Getting rid of them is crucial to prevent costly repairs or replacements. There are a few effective methods to humanely deter woodpeckers from calling your roof home.
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Why Are Woodpeckers Pecking on My Roof?
Woodpeckers peck on houses and roofs for a few reasons:
- Looking for food – They peck to search for insects and grubs in the wood
- Creating nesting or roosting sites – They peck out holes to make nests and sleeping cavities
- Drumming – They peck to make loud noises that mark their territory and attract mates
Certain types of woodpeckers, like red-headed and red-bellied woodpeckers, are more likely to damage buildings. Your roof’s construction material can also make it more attractive – cedar shake roofs often attract woodpeckers.
Damage Caused by Woodpeckers
Woodpeckers can cause two types of serious damage to your roof:
- Structural damage – Pecking compromises the structural integrity of roof shingles, sheathing, fascia, and soffits.
- Holes – Holes allow water intrusion, which can lead to rot, mold, and interior damage.
Ignoring woodpecker damage is asking for expensive repairs down the road. Even small holes need attention before they grow larger.
Woodpecker Deterrent Options
Here are some common methods to deter woodpeckers from your roof:
Scare Tactics
- Scare tape – Reflective spinning tape creates noise and flashes of light.
- Fake owls or hawks – Predator effigies can scare away woodpeckers.
- Scary sounds – Recordings of woodpecker distress calls or predator sounds help convince them to leave.
Anti-Roosting Spikes
Striped plastic or metal spikes can prevent woodpeckers from gaining a foothold on your roof. They are harmless to birds.
Netting
Plastic bird netting secured over vulnerable roof surfaces blocks woodpeckers from pecking. Look for UV-resistant netting so it lasts.
Repellents
Non-toxic woodpecker repellent pastes or liquids create a sticky coating that deters pecking. Reapply frequently for best results.
Visual Deterrents
Foils, flash tapes, or wind socks with reflective and holographic patterns disturb and confuse woodpeckers. Move them regularly so they don’t acclimate.
Deterrent Method | Pros | Cons |
---|---|---|
Scare tape | Low cost, easy installation | Can fall off or get tangled, needs replacement |
Fake predators | No installation needed | Less effective over time as birds get used to them |
Scary sounds | Immediately effective | Requires power source, birds may become desensitized |
Anti-roosting spikes | Long lasting, low maintenance | Installation can damage roof, not aesthetic looking |
Netting | Blocks all access to surface | Visible, can sag, debris can collect |
Repellents | Non-toxic, targeted application | Labor intensive, requires frequent reapplication |
Visual deterrents | No noise or power required | Less effective long-term, needs rotation |
When to Call a Professional
For severe woodpecker damage or persistent woodpeckers not discouraged by home remedies, professional help is recommended. A certified wildlife specialist can:
- Inspect damage
- Identify entry points
- Remove nests or roosts
- Professionally install deterrents
- Apply roof patches
- Provide custom solutions not available to homeowners
They have the expertise to choose the right methods to humanely end the woodpecker problem once and for all. The initial investment will pay off by preventing thousands in roof repairs.
Tips for Deterring Woodpeckers
Follow these tips to maximize your success in discouraging woodpeckers:
- Act early – Implement deterrents at first sign of damage to prevent it from worsening.
- Use multiple methods together – Layering several defenses works better than a single approach.
- Vary position – Move deterrents to different spots to prevent acclimation.
- Seal entry holes – Once woodpeckers are gone, seal holes with hardware cloth and caulk to prevent reuse.
- Limit food sources – Eliminate any insect infestations attracting woodpeckers.
- Scare aggressively – Hose them down, bang pots and pans, or use pyrotechnics to establish your roof as a harsh environment.
- Be vigilant – Monitor your roof weekly and reapply deterrents liberally.
Prevention Tips
You can also take measures to make your home less inviting to start with:
- Choose woodpecker-resistant building materials – Use metal, stucco, composite, or asphalt roofs and siding.
- Avoid wood trim – Fascia and soffits are tempting targets.
- Seal gaps – Caulk gaps in siding and vents to prevent insect access.
- Install rooftop sprinklers – Motion-activated sprinklers effectively scare away landing birds.
When is a Permit Required?
In some cases, a permit or authorization may be required to use certain woodpecker deterrents:
- Netting – Permit usually needed for extensive netting over large roof surfaces, due to wind load concerns.
- Spike strips – May be prohibited in historical districts or require review.
- Sound/noise devices – Local noise ordinances may restrict their use.
- Pyrotechnics – Require proper training and certification to use safely and legally.
- Trapping/relocation – Permit required to handle and transport native woodpeckers.
Check with your local building department first before installing deterrents. Never use poison or other methods that could harm woodpeckers, as that would be illegal.
Roof Repairs After Woodpecker Damage
Once woodpeckers are successfully deterred, you’ll need to repair any damage left behind. Here are some common roof repair needs after woodpecker damage:
- Shingle replacement – Damaged or loose shingles allow water intrusion.
- Sheathing patches – Holes in roof sheathing must be covered.
- Flashings – Damage around chimneys, vents, skylights should be re-flashed.
- Sealing – All holes should be sealed up with caulk or hardware cloth.
- Paint/coatings – Bare wood should be painted or coatings applied.
- Gutters – Dents must be pounded out and seams reinforced.
- Vent screens – Add new screening to prevent re-entry.
Make repairs as soon as possible before rains arrive. Prioritize fixes starting with structural damage, water intrusion risks, then cosmetic issues last. Always follow best practices for roof maintenance and repair.
Costs of Woodpecker Damage
Woodpecker damage is more than a nuisance – it can get quite costly if left unaddressed. Here are some typical costs:
- Professional deterrent installation – $200 to $1,500, depending on house size
- Fake owls or hawks – $15 to $100 each
- Scare tape – $5 to $15 per 50-foot roll
- Anti-perch spikes – $1 to $5 per foot
- Woodpecker nest removal – $250 to $1,000 per nest
- Roof shingle replacement – $150 to $600 per damaged square
- Sheathing repair – $100 to $500 per damaged sheet
- New vented soffits – $8 to $20 per linear foot
A damaged roof or repeated woodpecker visits can easily cost thousands. Investing in effective deterrents provides great value by preventing exponentially higher repair costs down the road.
Conclusion
Woodpeckers might seem like harmless birds, but they can destroy your roof and cost you big money in repairs. Thankfully, there are many humane and legal means to deter them away for good. Using visual scares, sound scares, anti-roosting devices, netting and repellents can convince them to leave your house alone. But for severe cases, calling a professional may be needed to fully solve the problem. With persistence and varied tactics, you can train woodpeckers that your roof is not open for business.