Replies

1. 
   ChipTam | Dec 22, 2003 04:30pm | #1

   Kevin,

   This topic has come up a number of times on Breaktime in the past.  You may want to check the archives.  Woodpeckers cause damage to houses either in search of insects (or probably insect larvae under the shingles at this time of year) or in search of a mate.  The male will drum on a tree or house to attract a mate and to discourage other males from coming into his territory.  However, this usually happens in early spring.

   Don't have good solution for you.   As usual, someone will post a one-word reply:  "shotgun".  If you don't want to go that route (and I wouldn't) there have been a number of suggestions:  aluminum pie plates tied to the house and allowed to blow in the wind, owl decoys, ect.  However, I doubt these will be very effective.  I've often seen pigeons sitting on the head of an owl decoy.

   Chip     

1. 
   kbd | Dec 24, 2003 01:59pm | #2

   Chip,

       I did that search and got the info. Thanks and have a nice holiday.   Kevin

2. 
   Luka | Dec 24, 2003 03:18pm | #3

   I thought Boss Hog had had a combine accident...

   ; )

   Live, Love, Forgive and Forget

   quittintime

1. 
   ziper | Dec 24, 2003 05:37pm | #4

   Try the kid's power water gun/pistol, if it can reach when the bird starts..  Worked for me.

3. 
   Frozen | Dec 24, 2003 06:24pm | #5

   I've had success painting the exposed wood surface with tabasco sauce. The woodpecker stayed away for a couple of weeks. I applied a second coat, and it didn't come back.

    For my work, I occasionally have trouble with chipmunks, bears and other critters chewing through buried cables where they come out of the ground. I’ve had success applying DEET to the cable (although it does melt the insulation a bit).