Keeping woodpeckers off the house

Listen to this extended radio story about keeping woodpeckers off your house. (MP3 upload)

When a woodpecker's looking for a place to feed or establish a nest, he doesn't care that the wooden structure in the middle of your property is your house. To him, it's just a big tree. And when he starts pecking to communicate with other woodpeckers, your house -- and your peace and quiet -- may suffer. Aside from painting your house bright pink, there are some easy things you can do to deter the birds from damaging your home. Listen to today's radio program for tips.

Radio interview source: Paul Curtis, wildlife damage control specialist, Cornell University

For more information, we recommend these links:

Woodpecker control methods: The best way to keep woodpeckers from hammering on your house is to begin damage control as soon as you hear the first tap. Here's what to do.

Preventing woodpecker damage: Woodpeckers cause property damage by drilling holes in wood and synthetic stucco siding and eaves, and are an annoyance when drumming on houses. Learn how to keep them away.

Build a bird-friendly garden: Create a haven for woodpeckers and other birds on your property and maybe they'll leave your house alone.

Photograph: Cornell Lab of Ornithology